Villager
Loose shirt or chemise, a vest or bodice, long skirt or plain trousers, and a belt. Earth tones. The easiest look to pull from your closet.
What to Wear to a Ren Faire
Anything you like. Costumes are welcome and never required, and plenty of people come in jeans. If you do want to dress up, it's easier and cheaper than it looks.
Start simple
One piece is enough to feel part of it: a cloak, a flower crown, a belt with a pouch, a loose white shirt, a long skirt or a hooded cape. Add more next time if you enjoy it.
Nobody checks for accuracy. Some people aim for real history, others come as elves or pirates or something they made up. It's all fine.
Easy outfit ideas
Noble
Richer colours and fabrics like velvet or brocade, a cape, a hat with a feather, and some jewellery. Thrift stores are full of velvet.
Pirate
Billowy shirt, sash, boots, a vest and a hat or bandana. Quick to put together and always popular.
Fantasy
Elf ears, a woodland cloak, leaf jewellery, or a wizard robe. Fantasy is as welcome as history at most faires.
Fairy
Wings, a flower crown and something flowy. A favourite with kids and very easy to make.
Fighter
A tunic, a belt, boots and a peace-tied prop weapon. Leave the full armour to the performers unless you're used to wearing it.
Shoes matter most
You'll walk and stand all day, often on grass, gravel, dirt or trails. Comfortable broken-in boots or plain leather shoes work best. Skip new boots, heels and sandals. Nobody is looking at your feet.
Dress for the weather
Canadian faires run from May to the fall, and a day can start cool and end hot, or the other way round. Layers work: a shirt you're happy in alone, plus a vest, cloak or shawl you can take off.
- Heat. Linen and cotton breathe. Polyester and velvet don't. Wear a hat and drink more water than you think.
- Rain. Most faires run rain or shine. A wool cloak or a hooded cape looks the part and keeps you dry.
- Fall faires. Wool layers and a warm cloak. Evenings get cold fast.
On a budget
Thrift it
Look for loose linen or cotton shirts, long skirts, vests, wide belts, scarves for sashes, and boots. Pull drawstrings, roll sleeves, and belt everything.
Make it
A cloak is a rectangle of fabric with a tie at the neck. A tabard is a long rectangle with a hole for your head. Both take an afternoon, no sewing skills needed.
Skip the bagged costume
Shiny one-size Halloween costumes look thin next to real fabric and are hot to wear. A few thrifted pieces cost about the same and look better.
Buy at the faire
Garb sellers at the market have everything from belts to full outfits. It costs more than thrifting, but it's handmade and fits. Build it up over a few faires.
What to leave at home
- Real weapons. Most faires ban sharp blades and anything that can be drawn. Prop weapons must be peace-tied. Check the faire's rules first.
- Anything you can't sit, walk or use a washroom in. Try the whole outfit on for an hour at home.
- Costumes that copy staff. Don't dress as the faire's security or the queen. It confuses people looking for help.
- Masks that hide your face completely, unless the faire allows them.
More on manners in our guide to costumes and etiquette, and for little ones, ren faires with kids.