The Renaissance period marked a large rise in the middle or merchant class. That is why this is such a popular costuming style of garb at the Renaissance Fairs.
Middle Class Garb for Renaissance Men
Middle class men dressed extravagantly. Their outfit started with a tunic or shirt, often of silk. Over this, they would wear a vest or doublet with a skirt that would reach to mid-thigh. On the lower half, he would wear breeches or slops, which were short, puffy pants, over long hose. The pants only came down to below the knee and were tied with ribbons.
In cold weather, the middle class Renaissance man would wear a sleeved coat with fur trim. These men usually had shorter cut hair and always wore a hat. They carried a pouch and a belt knife and often wore jewelry.
Middle Class Garb for Renaissance Women
The women of the middle class Renaissance wore a long chemise next to their skin, most often with a high collar and lace or ruffles at the neck and wrists. Over this, she would wear a bum roll, a hoop skirt, and her corset. She wore an underskirt of some fancy material and a matching bodice and overskirt. The overskirt was often left open in the front to show off the underskirt.
Middle class women would always wear a hat, usually decorated with feathers or ribbons. Her clothing was as opulent as her finances allowed. She would use ribbons, lace, and embroidered trim wherever she could. Her shoes were usually small fabric slippers, she carried a pouch and her house keys, but no knife, and she would wear jewelry.
Fabrics and Colors for Renaissance Middle Class
Middle or merchant class Renaissance people had more choices in colors and fabrics. They would wear woolen, linen, and cotton, but it would be of finer quality. They also wore silk for shirts and tunics, brocade, velvet, and sometimes had satin linings in their clothing.
Colors available to the middle class included grey, off-white, yellow, orange, red, brown, emerald green, blue, and turquoise or black in small items. The middle class Renaissance man or woman would not wear purple, pink, or silver and gold fabrics.
Dressing in the garb of the Renaissance middle class can be exciting. If you are going to a Fair, you should make sure to dress in costume that is correct for the time period and the class you are representing.
