The Renaissance Era was a gorgeous time. It stands out from the hundreds of years that happened in Europe in the centuries before. There’s a reason there’s no such thing as a Middle Ages festival. Who wants to run from rats, stage witch hunts, and argue over where the sea monsters in the ocean might be? Plus, the fashion in the Middle Ages was nutty. It was all conical hats and curly shoes. But the Renaissance era had it going on. They had science. They had artists. At the same time, sick and injured people still got bled for every single malady but at least they moved beyond those silly curved slippers and started wearing some real boots!

Are you ready for the Ren Faire? These costumes are sure to inspire some genius thinking. After all, if you’re channeling this era, you’re in good company. You’ll be dressing up as the likes of Galileo, Shakespeare, and Marco Polo. In the Renaissance era, Elizabeth rolled on the scene with a ruff around her neck and changed fashion forever. All this is to say that the Renaissance era switched things up. Buckle up and scroll on through, these costumes will make you want to break out your tights and strum on your lute until the sun comes up!

Before Ren Faire season rolls around, you have to decide what kind of character you want to be? Are you an intellectual who’s studying Roman manuscripts while trying to figure out the mysteries of the universe like what shape the earth is? Or maybe you’re leading the country, trying to keep the serfs from rebelling. And of course, you could be a low-down peasant, enjoying a bucolic lifestyle away from the city. This year’s Renaissance Festival is kind of like a choose your own adventure. With rich Renaissance Fair costumes making for an endless list of mysterious characters, we’re excited to see what you come up with!

A Renaissance costume and a Medieval costume idea will always be close cousins. But there are a few distinct differences. For example, a Medieval dress is simpler than a Renaissance dress. Why is that? Because the Medieval era was all about struggle. Western Europe was not only struggling with resources, but they were also fighting endless plagues. They didn’t have resources to bead their garments in pearls and jewels and weave gold into the fabric of their tunics. Plus, that look just doesn’t jive with modest Medieval values.

Still, the people of the Middle Ages still had plenty of style. They loved a long, dramatic sleeve, a conical hat, and draping veils. The men wore hosiery under simple tunics and capes. Think Robin Hood and his merry men and you’re on the right track. If you’re all about the simple Medieval aesthetic, we’re sure it’ll still look great at your local Ren Faire! After all Medieval folks still have to have fun!

The Renaissance era was all about enlightenment. Europe was being flooded with new rich fabrics, spices, and brand-new information. There were scientists and playwrights. All these rich new ideas and objects showed up in Renaissance clothing as well. For the upper class, Renaissance clothes were dyed in deep colors. Red and purple announced to the world that you were the richest of the rich. Blue renaissance dresses might announce that you were a high-class servant or a merchant’s daughter.

Clothing was more layered than ever. They were more structured and complicated compared to any Medieval look. When you’re choosing a Ren Faire costume, don’t be afraid to add extra bling. Drape your tunic in a large necklace and top your look with a circlet or crown. You’re sure to feel that Renaissance energy as soon as you slip into these sumptuous looks!

Men’s Renaissance Clothing

Here’s where we really emerge into a whole cast of characters. In fact, we can imagine a sitcom featuring these three guys. The wizard would be the wacky neighbor who has weird ideas that always end up being correct at the end of the episode. The tavern guy would always be getting into scrapes at the local inn. And of course, the knight would be the straight man who’s wrangling his friends and trying to get fair maidens to notice his antics. That’s a show we would watch. Maybe you should get a few friends together to make it happen! You’ve got what it takes once these high-quality costumes are in your wardrobe.

Women’s Renaissance Costumes

If the last group was a sitcom, then this group of ladies sets up a tense drama. The medieval warrior woman fights the patriarchy as well as enemies of the throne while the princess in the green dress rules the kingdom. All the while, the fabulous fortune teller on the street knows a juicy bit of gossip, but we won’t know what it is until the season finale. Talk about a cliffhanger!

Plus Size Renaissance Costumes

Kings really knew how to live back in the day. Sure, they had to deal with the turbulent tempers of warring nations but they also got to sit back and chomp on leg of mutton, drink from a big ol’ goblet of wine and watch as jesters did their best to entertain them. Perhaps you’ll have people somersaulting in your honor once they see you emerge in an outfit that’s as resplendent as our Medieval king costume. With lush fabrics and a distinctly royal cut, you’d look right at home ruling the castle. Want the prestige without the responsibility? Our Renaissance Lord costume will make you look like a high-ranking merchant or even a duke. But really, we know when people are thinking about the War of the Roses, the most important characters that come to mind are the knights. Wear the title of “knight” without wearing armor that literally could weigh over 100 pounds. Instead, choose this golden knight costume to let people know you need business without weight training for weeks just so you can walk around in costume.

Renaissance Costumes for Kids

Transforming into a character from an “ever after” era is always a magical memory for kids. Who knows what they’ll see? A fire breathing dragon? A wizard working up a potion? They’ll be dressed for their adventures when you choose from our selection of Renaissance outfits. Do you have a little Shakespeare spouting soliloquy in your home? The nobleman costume will support your kid’s character at the fair or while he waxes poetic for a school project. Perhaps your little girl wants to become a ruling monarch fit for the 1500s. She’s sure to love ruling in the Renaissance Queen costume. Blue renaissance dresses are always a great option for little girls as that’s the color young ladies actually wore back in the day. And if sitting in the throne room doesn’t speak to your girl, you can always mix the tough look of a knight with the sweet skirts of the Renaissance women when you invest in the girl’s knight costume. No maiden in distress complex for this little lady!

Never been to a Ren Faire? No worries! Renaissance Festival performers and vendors alike are always welcoming, whether you’ve been going since you could say “huzzah!” or if this is your first time even hearing about the Faire. Want to dive into the olden days adventure? Read on for the answers to a few frequently asked questions. And before you ask, no, we can’t tell you which awesome Renaissance costume to choose. That’s all on you!

What is a Renaissance Festival?

A Renaissance Festival (a.k.a. Ren Faire) is a recreation of an Elizabethan era village. Every faire is a little different but each one is chock full of performers, games, activities, and delicious food vendors. With multiple stages featuring musicians and street performers scattered throughout the grounds, you’ll never know what you’re going to see!

What do you do at a Renaissance Festival?

What don’t you do at a Renaissance Festival? Well, you don’t get bored, that’s for sure. For one, you’ll find all sorts of snarky performers and amazing feats to watch. You might even get involved, yourself, if you so choose. You can choose from activities such as jousting, ladder climbing, and finding your way through the labyrinth. And let’s not forget the food! From scotch eggs to roasted turkey legs to fruit ices and even flagons of ale, you’re sure to head home with a full belly!

What should I wear to a Renaissance Fair?

The Ren Faire is all about developing a character and you get to decide what kind of character you are! Are you dreaming of a rough and tumble villagers costume? Wear natural toned clothing with simple boots or moccasins and don’t be afraid to get a little dirt on your face. Want to look like you spend your evenings dining on swan and dancing in the halls of court? In the Renaissance era, nobles went above and beyond to flaunt their wealth. Browse through our Renaissance costumes to pick out a king, queen, or a fair maiden that suits your tastes. Pair your costumes with fancy tall boots or slippers to drive your look home. Find a look you love? Write a review! We’d love to hear about how much fun you had at the Ren Faire!