Costume

Appropriate Costume (or, "Can I Wear This?")

What is Appropriate?

What is NOT Appropriate?

First of all: fantasy costumes are not appropriate to what we do. That includes spiky leather armor (plain leather may be appropriate), tribal designs, wizard's robes, fur or chainmail diapers and bikinis (yes, I've seen them, and yes, they are every bit as scary as they sound), and anything with gold or silver lame.

Second: blatantly anachronistic clothing is not appropriate. It is important to note that this includes Medieval and Classical clothing, as well as Napoleonic, Colonial, and Victorian. By the way, there is an Ancient Renaissance Costumers' Axiom, handed down for generations from Master to Apprentice, which clearly states as follows: No matter how hard you try, you cannot diguise a prom dress.

Third: pirate costumes are not technically Period, but it is a touchy area, as many of our patrons are expecting to see them. Consult your Costume Designer for the rules that apply to your particular show. My usual approach is to deal with them on a case-by-case basis, but tending toward Period, and away from Theatrical, unless a compelling argument can be made otherwise.

Fourth: Some basic accessories that we take for granted are not appropriate. Wrist watches and modern spectacles come immediately to mind. "Antique" looking glasses may be approved, if a good argument can be made that they support the character. No smoking is permitted while in costume and in view of the audience.

Fifth: Do not assume that if it is sold at Festival, it is appropriate. Merchants are given a lot of leeway in what they sell, because they have to make a living. Many of the costumes sold on site are pretty, but not correct for our purposes.

Finally: if you are ever in doubt about any aspect of your costume, ASK! I cannot stress this enough. Before you spend money on something, please check to make sure that you'll actually be able to wear it. This applies to both costumes and props. Most costume designers will look at anything, and if they can't approve it, they'll be happy to give suggestions for an alternative.

Materials

The trick is to find a balance between what looks Period, and what is wearable and affordable. We are a Florida Festival and it gets pretty hot during the run. If we were to wear what was worn in the Period, we'd all be wearing wool, which is too hot, and linen, which is (for most of us) too expensive.

I recommend cotton fabrics wherever possible. Although cotton was rare in the Period, it is a natural fabric with excellent breatheability. I also recommend poly-cotton blends, because they are stronger and lighter, as long as they look natural. Of course, silks, satins, and velvets are acceptable for the nobility. All classes have access to leather, which was much cheaper then than now. Fur would have been used as lining or as trim. We'll have to deal with fur on a case-by-case basis, as the different kinds of fur have class associations (see colors, below). If it's appropriate to the character, it will probably be approved.

In general, no shiny fabrics or knits will be approved. The one great exception to that rule is suedecloth. It is a polyester knit, but it looks like a low-grade velvet or (in a brown color) suede. It's versatile, cheap, easy to work with, and darn-near indestructible. You can fight in your suedecloth doublet, get it filthy, throw it in the washer, and it will come out looking new. It can be a little warm, but it's not usually too bad.

Another fabric to avoid is any sort of lace-by-the yard. I am referring here to the sheets of lace seen on some costumes sold at Festivals. Of course, lace trim is acceptable, depending on the type. Eyelet lace is not Period, but any crochet-type is.