Wondering what fabric to use for your renaissance faire or fantasy costume? The materials you choose matter more than almost anything else - how your costume looks, how authentic it feels, and how comfortable you'll be after a long day outdoors. Natural fibres like linen and cotton are a great starting point for historical and fantasy costumes, but there's a whole world of creative sourcing beyond the fabric store: from thrift store finds and upcycled textiles to household linens and secondhand wool. In this guide we'll walk you through the best fabrics for medieval and fantasy costumes, where to find them, and how to make the most of what's available on any budget.
Natural Fabrics for Renaissance & Fantasy Costumes: Linen, Cotton & Wool
By and large, natural fibers will almost always win out when it comes to making a costume look authentic, as well as be comfortable in a variety of weather conditions.
Lightweight linens and cottons, especially in floaty weaves like lawn or gauze, can be a delightful option for sunshine-y event days. They breathe so much better than their synthetic counterparts, allowing you to feel comfortably cool all day.
For colder fairs and festivals, woollens and leather can make a fabulous addition to any look, allowing you to feel warm even in damp conditions. They can layer beautifully with your linens and cottons as well, to help those pieces transcend seasons. Whether used for outerwear like vests, coats, and cloaks, or even undergarments like petticoats and hose, they are nature's (and history's) answer to keeping cosy.
Oftentimes, these materials can be a bit pricier than their synthetic counterparts, especially purchased new - sometimes, it feels, prohibitively so. If budget is a consideration, our guide to budget-friendly DIY fantasy costume ideas has lots of creative ways to source natural fabrics without paying full price. Housewares like tablecloths, bedsheets, curtains and more can be a great source of cottons, linens, and silks, and secondhand clothes and blankets are some of our favourite ways to source woollens. Leather can be found in vests, bags, and more at the op shop - or, get really creative, and harvest leather from a couch or chair on its way to landfill!
That's not to say there's never a use for synthetic materials in history- or fantasy-inspired looks. Certainly if that's what you can afford within your budget, there are many applications where they can work, which we’ll discuss below. But, it can be good to at least explore your secondhand options for natural fibers, not just for the cost savings, but also for the comfort and creativity.
Historically-Inspired Prints & Trims for Medieval Costumes
While many events welcome festival-goers in nearly anything, as we’ve mentioned before, others will encourage more of a specific nod to the eras they emulate as a part of the immersive experience and learning opportunity. Even at events that don’t necessarily require historical accuracy, or even “historical adequacy”, seeking out a basic knowledge of what materials, prints, and trims might have been used in the setting for your character can lend a certain elegance to the costume you create. You might be surprised to know there are more ways to do this than you think!
In the context of historical study, T+T team member Lindsey discusses some of these points in her blog post series about creating a 19th century-inspired look with Twig + Tale patterns that we think you'll find fascinating. And, this awareness can help you seek out similar details for the era of your own look.
If you have the opportunity, we suggest doing a little bit of research into the era that you are looking to emulate, and seeking out ideas for options that may have modern alternatives. (This may help you discover some fun accessories to add to your look, too!) This will help train your eye to seek them out when shopping for materials - which we'll talk about more below!
Lindsey used patterns like the Scenic Top, Lorien Lace-Up Skirt, Sprig Sleeves, and Epoch Pocket to create a 19th century inspired ensemble
Where to Find Unique Costume Fabric: Thrift Stores, Upcycling & More
As mentioned above, there's a veritable treasure trove of costume-making materials which can be found without ever setting foot into a fabric store... and oftentimes, they will lend a much more unique personality to your fantasy look than any new material ever could.
We will always sing the praises of op shops, thrift stores, charity shops, and creative reuse centers for their creative possibilities: you can find ready-made garments, pieces to alter, unique notions to harvest, and fabric to sew with among the racks of clothing, housewares, and more. Many of these pieces can be found on online resale sites as well, often sold as "cutter" or "craft" pieces when they are partly damaged. Whether historical or fantasy, once you've trained your eye to notice some of the details that will really immerse your costume into its given historical setting, you'll start to see them interspersed throughout the racks. A surprising number of historically-adequate prints can be found even in modern day items! Our beginner's guide to building a ren faire costume in three steps is a helpful reference to take shopping — it breaks down exactly what to look for at each stage of your outfit
Ornate satin, brocade, and jacquard curtains can become garments fit for royalty. (Even the synthetic modern reproductions can look really good, if they won't be too hot for your climate.) Many modern prints will mimic historical ones. Fun buttons and jewels can be remade into new trinkets. Even old, beat-up materials can lend a broken-in feel to a costume for which new fabrics could never match. You'll often even see garments structured with details that pay homage to those of history as well.
What's more, you don't always have to be married to the existing details of a piece you find. Oftentimes, a little creativity with alterations, additions, paint, dye, embroidery, and other techniques can complete the transformation you need.
If you'd rather splurge on new materials, there are lots of fabric shops which specialise in historical reproductions, cosplay, and more - all only a search away!
This Windward Dress (joining the pattern collection in July!) was created by using reclaimed materials from a damaged vintage silk "cutter" kimono.
Why Fit Matters as Much as Fabric
No matter what materials you use, or accessories that you create, a garment that fits well will always look better than a garment that doesn't. Even if it's "just a costume", it's worth spending the time to fine-tune fit! That's why Twig + Tale patterns all come with a complete collection of fitting tutorials, to help you achieve your own ideal fit, no matter your size, shape, or preferences. Just search the blog, or click on "Helpful Resources" in any pattern you are considering, to see the wide range of fitting tutorials available.
We'd love to see what you create using Twig + Tale patterns as well, so come share them with us! You can find us in our private creative community, the T+T Treehouse, or on most major social media platforms as @twigandtale.
Enjoyed this guide? Keep going with the rest of our fantasy costuming series:
- Want to try some of the patterns you see here? Come check our our Renaissance Faire Sewing Collection for a curated look.
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Head back to our complete T+T fantasy costume guide for an overview of everything
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New to costume making? Start with our beginner's guide to building a ren faire costume in three steps
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Plan a comfortable, practical outfit with our tips on what to wear to a renaissance faire
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Stretch your fabric budget further with our guide to budget-friendly DIY fantasy costume ideas
FAQs about fabrics and materials for renaissance faire costumes
What is the best fabric for a renaissance faire costume?
Natural fibres like linen and cotton are the top choice for most faire-goers — they breathe well in warm weather, look authentic, and are comfortable for a long day outdoors. For colder events, layering in wool adds warmth without sacrificing the look.
Can I use synthetic fabric for a renaissance costume?
Yes, especially for decorative elements or if budget is a consideration. Synthetic brocades and jacquards in particular can look surprisingly good, but it’s good to be mindful that they don't breathe as well as natural fibres in warm weather.
Where can I find affordable fabric for a fantasy costume?
Thrift stores/op shops, creative reuse centers, and online resellers are some of the best-kept secrets for costume fabric…really! Curtains, bedsheets, and tablecloths are all great sources of linen, cotton, and even silk at a fraction of new fabric prices. We’ve shared some additional tips in our budget-friendly costuming guide.
What is upcycling and how does it apply to costume making?
Upcycling means repurposing existing materials, like old clothes or unloved housewares, into something new. It's a great way to find unique, characterful fabrics for a fantasy costume while reducing textile waste. Twig + Tale patterns all include upcycling guides to help you get started.
~Featuring photos by Erica Wright, Lindsey Foster, and Lynnette Hulse~
