Feb 23 2009
LARP and Renaissance Faire Costumes: Basic Components III
In sections I and II of this topic, I covered footwear, tabards, and pants. In this section,I’ll fill you in on all the stuff you put in and on your hair, such as hats.
PART VI: Hats
Hats are essential if you’re going for a pirate costume, but keep comfort in mind. A poorly-made hat (or poorly-fitted hat) can be annoying, not to mention hot in the summer months. Hats are excellent for men in particular, because they offer men a chance to accessorize, something that isn’t usually done in contemporary clothing. Hats can contain different pins and feathers, and of course come in different colors.
Consider one of many Museum Replicas hats, or for a budget, try the jester’s hat (pictured below).
PART VII: The beloved snood
Everyone knows that Snood is a popular Space Invaders-style computer game, but did you know that a snood is also something worn about the head? It is in fact a web-like garment worn by women in various historical eras. Snoods can be used to position hair in a certain way, much like a bun without those pesky flyaways. Snoods can be worn alone or under a hat. I highly recommend this as an option for female LARPers–it’s a good way to keep that medieval fantasy style facade with all the practicality of keeping hair out of your face.
Lady MacSnood actually offers a way better snood description, and she sells handmade snoods as well.
If you are crafty (and I mean about making crafts, not in a rogue-sense), consider making your own snood-like head covering.
PART VIII: Other hair accessories
Consider other fun hair accessories, like feathers (free, just find and clean ‘em), barrettes, tiaras, and more. You can find many medieval or renaissance-style items online at sites like eBay , in novelty stores such as Claire’s, or at second hand stores like Goodwill. One of my best finds was a $1.00 medieval shield necklace at Claire’s. I picked up one for my friend and one for a friend and ended up adorning a hat with it.
Check back tomorrow for information on accessorizing with jewelry and weaponry!
I “did” renfaires for almost 15 years. First as a visitor (back when the So Cali version was in Agoura Hills), then as a crafter/vendor, and finally as a small encampment for a couple of years. I still have SO MUCH garb and furniture and such packed away… Great blog!