Costuming Peasants
Welcome to our Peasants costumig site
You will find informative information about creating a costume for your
character. If you have any suggestions or ideas feel free to contact me
There are many styles of peasant outfits. But a simpler rule of thumb is that you should taylor your outfit to fit your occupation. If you are a blacksmith do not dress like a pirate. This will lend credibility to your character. The following are just the basics in creating your Peasant Costume:
MEN
Men's outfits were quite simple. They usualy consisted of a Shirt, Pants (breeches), boots, hat and possibly a Vest (Jerkin). Shirts were usually free flowing, long sleeved. The collar varied from a high collar to no collar at all. Remember that buttons and snaps weren't prevelant in this period so most items were closed with drawstrings, including the pants and shirts. The pants that were worn were either loose fitting or stocking like (Tights). If you are on a budget you can purchase a pair of ladie's stretch pants and this will work fine. I find they are comfortable and easier to deal with than tights. If you decide to wear pants they should be cut off just below the knee. Just remember that your legs should be completely covered so you should either wear high boots or knee high stockings. Also remember that during the time of King Henry VIII, hats were recquired by law. So don't forget this important part of your ensemble. There are other articles you can add on to your costume to make it more period. Men also wore Cod Pieces as well as tunics/vests. Adding these to your costume will greatly bring out your character and imagination.
WOMEN
Most women's outfits had a basic starting point. They would start with a Chemise. The chemises were full bodied and had long sleeves. You shouldn't use your chemises as a skirt or apron. There is some debate on the idea of low cut chemises. Some historians say that the low cut chemises showing cleavage would not have exsisted in this period because the royalty would not have allowed it, yet some historians believe that indeed these low cut shirts were extremely prevelent during the era. You can make up your own mind on whether to show cleavage or not. The next part of the female outfit was the skirt. Usually the women wore two skirts. They had an over skirt and an under skirt, these skirts were usually of two different colors. The skirts were free flowing and worn below the ankle. There were no mini skirts during this time. Another part of the women's outfit was the bodice. This usually acted as a girdle/push-up bra. They were worn tight and restrictive. Women's footwear was also very simple. You can wear sandles, Kung Fu slippers, Mockesins, or boots. Also women tened to have their hair up. So wearing flowery garland or barrets in your hair is more than welcome. As with the men remember; dress as your occupation.
For both men and women remember to start simple. Colors for your out fits should stay with the more natural, earthy tones; rust, brown, yellow, etc. Stay away from the bright colors, fluorescent colors, pastels. These colors would be more common today. Stay away from the use of Purple and red. Purple was one of the hardest colors to dye so it was usually saved for the nobility. Red was created for crushing a certain type of ant and was also in high demand. Also remember that the fabric type you use is also very important. Stay away from present day materials such as polyester, sheers, velour. Stay with the more natural woven textures; wool, cotton, silk, leather and linen. Finally remember that during the time hygene was not prevelent and the plague was wipping out people left and right. It was very common for people to carry their own cups and silverware. It was also common for a tradesman to carry his tool with him as well. These article will help to cement your characters and give the patrons an idea of who you are and what you do.
If the peasantry seems too layed back for you, feel free to visit our Nobles page to see how to put together a good Nobles outfit.
CLICK HERE