Renaissance costume

Medieval Renaissance costume: Renaissance costumes in the medieval period as depicted in Italian paintings look rich and elegant. A lot of importance was attached to the style of dressing in Italy. Both, men and women, were fond of wearing extravagant clothes ornamented with gold and precious stones. During this period, the value of gems sewn in the outfits indicated the prosperity of the person wearing it. Even today, the medieval renaissance costumes are very popular and are considered as an integral part of Italian history.

Costumes for Renaissance Faire: ‘Renaissance faire’ refers to the annual events usually around the time when the chilly winter seasons comes to an end and marks the beginning of the lively spring. The Faire is an amalgamation of several elements of the renaissance period such as food, drinks, costumes, music, art and culture. It is a time to reenact history and celebrate it. Children and adults wear the best costumes to participate in the Renaissance faire. Although, there is no specific dress code for the faire, most people wear it to get a total feel of the renaissance period. It is a common sight to see men in natural leather boots, blowsy shirts, and snug fitting pants. There are clothing booths in larger faires that provide costumes for renaissance faire on rental basis. Since they are quite cheap, most people are clad in costumes designed in Elizabethan styles. These booths have costumes of all sizes that can easily fit small kids as well. Renaissance costumes in plus size are also available in different patterns and fabrics.

Patterns of Renaissance Costumes: During the Renaissance period, costumes were made in elaborate patterns and reflected the social status of the person wearing it. A simple gathered skirt was a very popular pattern in those days. Its a very versatile pattern and can suit any occasion with minor alterations. A simple bodice or corselet gives a ‘wench’ look and commonly preferred for wear during faires. Simple drawstring breeches were popular leg coverings. Shirts had become a part of renaissance costumes after 1500s and patterns were quite simple. Shirts were usually worn underneath a jacket or doublet. Women wore chemise made from silk, linen, or finely woven cottons under their dress. Other popular patterns for Renaissance costumes include Poncho patterns, and folkwear patterns.

Italian Renaissance Costume: The fabric production and its imports formed the backbone of the economy of Northern Italy. The merchants and manufacturers in Florentine and Venetian city republics made huge profits but lacked a title to distinguish them from the rest. As a result, these merchants dressed lavishly to obtain that place in society they had yearned for years. Renaissance costumes of Italian people were made from gold and silver brocades. In spite of Italian Renaissance costumes being synonymous with social recognition, this never-ending quest for ‘being better than the best’ gave rise to changing fashions and trends. The Italians combined intricate cuts and figure hugging fits to create new designs. The type of fabric and color of the costumes distinguished the nobles from the common people. In those days, dyed fabrics were very costly. Purple dye was obtained by crushing thousands of small sea snails, while crimson dye was extracted from a specific type of beetle. Processed fabrics like velvet and corduroy were expensive and common people could not afford it.