Choosing or creating a fun costume can be one of the most fun parts of attending events like ren faires, medieval festivals and more - but it’s so much more than just picking pretty pieces. From climate and comfort to adaptive needs and venue rules, a little practical planning up front can make the difference between a magical day, and a miserable one. Here's what to keep in mind before you start sewing or shopping for your ren faire outfit.
Choose the Right Fabrics for Your Renaissance Faire Costume
Most events are held outdoors, and so you'll need to take your own climate into consideration. If you live somewhere warm, it will be vital to include natural, breathable materials when possible, so as not to overheat. (We've gone into much more detail on this in our guide to the best fabrics for renaissance faire and fantasy costumes - worth a read before you start shopping!) Alternatively, if wet and cold is a bigger concern for you, plan an outfit with lots of layers that "match" your story - woolens and waterproofs can be nice to consider if possible.
The Traveller Cape always makes a lovely option for layers - both in lightweight fabrics as a sun cover, or heavier fabrics for warmth. Carol's looks so beautiful with a swishy Lorien!
Comfort Tips for a Long Day at a Ren Faire or Medieval Festival
While some elements can look really fun to wear, after hours spent traipsing around, they can become cumbersome quickly. Especially if you have sensory sensitivities, consider features like adjustability, comfortable fabrics, and less-restrictive or irritating pieces where possible. Finishes like French seams can make any garment more sensory-friendly, too. Also, wear comfortable shoes...no look is worth the blisters and discomfort that come from ill-fitting, impractical, or constrictive shoes!
Can’t find boots you like that are also comfortable? With a little creativity, it’s possible to make some! Adding simple rectangle lacing panels + glued-on rubber and foam soles to these Tie Back Boots totally transformed them to be Ren-Faire ready!
Know Your Venue's Costume Rules Before You Start
Some venues will have specific guidelines regarding props, accessories, footwear and more, so make sure that you review these prior to planning a costume that relies on them. Common restrictions to be aware of include:
Weapons and props
Even decorative swords and daggers are restricted or prohibited at many venues, and where permitted, may need to be “peace-tied”. Check the policy carefully before investing time or money into including one.
Footwear
Open-toed shoes and bare feet are commonly restricted for safety reasons, particularly on uneven outdoor ground. This is worth knowing before selecting a look that depends on a certain shoe style.
Oversized accessories
Large wings, stilts, staves, and oversized props may be restricted in crowded areas or subject to size limits, so if you are considering including these, know before you go.
Content guidelines
Most renaissance faires are family events, so very revealing costumes or those referencing adult themes may not be permitted.
The golden rule: check your venue's website before finalising your costume. A quick read of their FAQ or costume guidelines page can save a lot of last-minute disappointment or front-gate embarrassment.
Build a Versatile Fantasy Costume Wardrobe That Lasts
Building versatility into your costume from the start is one of the smartest things you can do, both for your budget and for the planet. Pieces like a white chemise, a simple brown skirt, or a pair of gathered pants can be dressed up in completely different ways depending on the accessories, layers, and character you pair them with. A white shirt becomes a peasant, a royal, or a fairy depending on what goes over it. A brown skirt works for a hobbit one weekend and a woodland witch the next. Reversible and interchangeable items are worth seeking out too - almost like getting two costumes for the effort of one. Before long, you'll have a small collection of pieces that can be mixed and matched into almost any character on a whim. Our budget-friendly ren faire costume guide has more ideas on building a costume wardrobe that works across multiple characters and events.
Versatility was my main goal creating these Skirt Hikes - with interchangeable snap-on embroidered patches, they can change to match any costume!
Adaptive Costume Ideas for Renaissance Faires & Fantasy Events
Your costume should work with your body and your needs - not against them. If you have adaptive needs, such as wheelchair use and more, you may need to make special considerations for what will keep you both safe, and feeling whimsical. In many cases, a little creativity can help the two go hand in hand! Skirt Hikes, for instance, can help keep longer skirts in check and away from muddy assistive devices, while tunics and coats with a cut-out back can help you feel more comfortable seated. For a list of all of our adaptive sewing techniques - many of which can incorporate into your fantasy look - come check out this blog post. You can consider ways to make your assistive device a part of your character as well - for instance, fantastical walking sticks and more! With a little forward planning, all of these considerations can actually make your costume even better — more comfortable, more characterful, and more uniquely you.
Kitti created this Lorien Lace-Up Skirt specifically with accessibility in mind - she added four Skirt Hikes to the waistband instead of two, to help keep the skirt's length away from her wheels both in the front, and the back.
We hope these have been helpful for you, in creating your perfect fantasy costume. If you've included any T+T pieces, we'd love to see how they turned out, so come share them with us! You can tag us @twigandtale on Instagram, or share in our creative communities such as the free-to-join T+T Treehouse, or the Twig + Tale Chat group on Facebook.
Looking for more help building your fantasy costume? Continue with:
- 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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Start from the beginning with our complete T+T fantasy costume guide
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Ready to start making? Follow our beginner's guide to building a ren faire costume in three steps
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Choose your materials wisely with our guide to the best fabrics for renaissance faire and fantasy costumes
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Keep costs down with our guide to budget-friendly DIY fantasy costume ideas
FAQs about what to wear to a renaissance faire
Do you have to dress up for a renaissance faire?
No - most renaissance faires welcome attendees in everyday clothes. But dressing up is a big part of the fun, and even a simple addition like a hat or belt can make you feel part of the magic.
What shoes should I wear to a renaissance faire?
Comfort is everything. Most faires are held outdoors on uneven ground, so prioritise flat, well-fitting shoes over anything decorative but impractical.
What should I wear to a ren faire if I use a wheelchair or mobility aid?
With a little creativity, adaptive costuming can be just as magical. Tunics, shorter or hiked-up skirts, and coats with cut-out backs can all work beautifully...and, your mobility aid can even become part of your character!
Are there rules about what you can wear to a renaissance faire?
Most venues have minimal costume rules, though safety-related restrictions (around weapons, props, and footwear) are common. Always check your specific venue's guidelines before finalising your costume.
~Featuring photos by Stephanie Unertl, Carol Kite, Erica Wright, and Kitti Rose~
