What to Wear

• Renaissance peasant costumes flatter women of all sizes with fitted bodices and flowing skits, creating a trim waist and emphasizing the neck line. A woman's peasant costume will consist of many layers. The first layer is a chemise, a long sleeve shirt with puffy or bell-shaped sleeves. Women wore two skirts, an underskirt that often had decorated trim, and an over skirt made of heavier fabric. Outer skirts were often looped up to keep them out of the dirt. Women wore aprons over their skirts and a tightly laced bodice over their chemise. The bodice is a vest-like garment that supports the bosom. You can choose a bodice with detachable sleeves if the weather happens to be warm. To authenticate the costume, you can wear a leather pouch around your waist with a knife for eating. Women should braid long hair, and tuck their hair up underneath a Biggins cap.
  
  

Material

• An authentic Renaissance peasant costume will not be flawless. Peasants had very little money; therefore it wasn't uncommon for women to wear patched or re-sewn clothing. Peasants spun their own thread and wove their own fabrics. Therefore, selecting material with a more open weave will seem more authentic. You can choose from wool, linen, cotton or other natural fabrics. Satin, corduroy and silk were not appropriate for the peasant class. Avoid costumes with anything shiny, stretchy or suede as this is not period appropriate. Leather is appropriate for belts, boots or pouches.
  
  

Colors

• Renaissance fairs typically reserve costume colors to distinguish peasants from royalty. During the Renaissance era, peasants would dye their own clothing. Bright colors would fade so it was not typical for peasants, who dyed their own fabrics, to wear them. Stay away from bright colors including purple, bright reds, black or jewel toned colors. Period appropriate costumes will be blue-gray, white, off-white or earth tones.
  
  

Finding a Costume

• It should be relatively easy to find a female peasant costume. If you have sewing skills, you can attempt to sew your own. You can also hire a seamstress or tailor to make a costume for you. There are many costumes available online, although some of these are not period appropriate. If you are trying to save money, you can attempt to pull together a costume with clothes from your closet. A broomstick skirt, peasant style blouse and fitted vest will suffice. If you are headed to a Renaissance fair, you can also buy a costume from one of the many shops or vendors. Large fairs may offer costume rental.