Using historical clothing as costumes for parties and presentations is an exciting way to travel back in time. Authentic Renaissance clothing is widely available for anyone who wants to play the part of a noble prince or princess, a common peasant, a gallant soldier, or a wench pirate.
Renaissance Clothing – A Feast for the Eyes
Italian renaissance clothing of the 5th century, especially for the elite, is a rich and lavish sight for the eyes. The sumptuous fabrics and elaborate ensemble were made possible because of the increase of trade and technological breakthrough in the arts of weaving and dyeing fabric. Every region in Italy from Florence, Lombard, Rome, and Venetia flaunts a certain renaissance clothing style, which was borrowed, adapted and disseminated throughout Italy and greatly influenced the fashion trends in other European countries. During her reign as Queen of France, Catherine de Medici (from the infamous Medici family) helped develop the progress of this clothing in the French courts.
Renaissance Costume – Historical Clothing at its Finest
Historical clothing and costumes today are very popular for Halloween parties, fairs, and media productions. Renaissance costume is a favorite and many shops offer authentic ensembles for any renaissance character a person wants to portray such as a stylish member of the nobility, a commoner or a peasant, a swashbuckling pirate, etc. Aside from the gowns and doublets, an assorted array of accessories are a significant part of the renaissance costume such as: hats, furs, capes, and cloaks; belts, baldrics and frogs; sporrans and pouches; armor, swords, axes, bow and arrows, helmets and shields. These will surely complete the fantasy of transporting one to a different time.
Renaissance Dresses – Graceful and Artistic
Renaissance period clothing can be lavish or simple but it’s grace and artistry cannot be denied in Renaissance dresses. Gowns had a sweeping floor length sleeves. While peasant dress is usually a bodice with attached skirts with the bodice laced to fit brass grommets. Popular base material is wool for winter, fine linen for summer and velvet and silk for special occasions. Linen and wool were weaved in fine brocade (maybe embossed weave which creates a two-toned raised appearance) and dyed in rich colors, the popular of which were reds, golds, blues, and greens. Laces were incorporated while furs were only for those who could afford it. Furs may come from squirrels, sable, lynx, and ermine (the fur of the nobility).
