Renaissance Faire Clothing - What Differentiates You?
During the Renaissance, the wealthier and more prosperous members of a city, town or region often wore elaborate and highly-decorated renaissance clothing that was hand crafted from a variety of rich and expensive fabrics and finishes.
During the Renaissance, family wealth and stature was denoted by the clothes they wore, the more ornate and expensive, the richer they were. (the time period ranges from around the 14th to the mid 17th century). This was of course the renaissance period.
Interestingly enough as there was little opportunity for financial investment the Renaissance clothing of the ruling classes was not only seen as indication of wealth but a form of investment. If a family were to require money in the future, the clothing could be resold.
Fabrics that were the hardest to produce and therefore the most expensive and exclusive,is favored by designers during the Renaissance. Some fabrics used were brocade, silk, velvet, and cotton. At the time each of these was labor intensive and/or produced a great distance away from Western Europe such as in Egypt for cotton. Rich finishes such as ribbons, seed pearls and golden / silver thread were also liberally embroidered on the Renaissance clothing of the day. Renaissance clothing for women ranged from the simplistic garments such as underskirts, bodices and robes to pieces that incorporated greater complexity like bodices, over-bodices, skirts, underskirts, hoops and collars.
For males, there was a greater emphasis on playing to their natural shape, which caused Renaissance clothing on men to create a rounder look. (something very similar to a barrel). Made out of the same rich colors and fabrics, their renaissance clothing often included padded shoulders and breeches, as well as hats, embellished with the same embroidery and fancy finishes that completed the Renaissance clothing of women.
