by Frederick Kessinger

Created on: December 18, 2008

My wife and I have been attending Renaissance Festivals, or Ren Faires, for years. There was a point when we first started where we were not sure what was and was not acceptable to wear to the Faire. The first year we attended, we did not wear period garb at all, just modern clothing. We were unsure of the feel of the Faire and how we would be accepted in our garb, and wanted to get a better feel for it before we took the plunge. We spent the entire next year preparing our garb for the Faire, and could not wait to attend. That first year was not a disaster, but it was definitely an eye-opening learning experience. We were certainly self conscious about the garb that we thought was going to be so spectacular, but turned out to be merely acceptable.

We learned that year what makes good garb and what does not, and used that experience to develop and change our garb for the following year. For some reason, when you are not wearing period garb, you tend to look past some of the crazy costumes that others are wearing, but when you immerse yourself in the period those costumes tend to stand out. Without a doubt, we learned a few don'ts' from that experience.

For my wife and I, the number one category to not fall into is what we like to refer to as the too many video games' category. I am a gamer myself, and have been for years, but the Ren Faire is definitely not the place to live out those fantasies if you are serious about getting into the period. These costumes are usually reminiscent of some medieval fantasy game or another and often are comprised mostly of black leather and studs, with some chainmail thrown in here and there. While some of the costumes I have seen are very detailed and excellently tailored, they simply do not fit the period.

Another category is the mix and match' category. Essentially, this is someone who wants to get into the spirit so they throw a doublet or jerkin on over their oxford shirt and jeans, or a cloak or cape and feathered hat over their modern clothes. The spirit is certainly there, but the result is fairly detracting from the period feel.

The third category that should be avoided is the fantasy creatures' category. I have seen dozens and dozens of costumes with ears, tails, wings, etc. These belong in a Fantasy Faire, not a Renaissance Festival. I think many would agree that small children are the exception, and I am certainly not one to take away from a child's fun and joy, but I have also seen many children in wonderful period

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