Female costume “Renaissance memories”

Renaissance costume for women: dress, chemise, cap and apron

What do we know about the female Renaissance costume?

Thanks to the significant number of paintings preserved from the 15th and 16th centuries depicting various settings and population strata, we can discover in detail what distinguished the Renaissance costume women would wear back in time. Renaissance garb featured surface ornamentation such as embroidery and contrasting fabric combinations, often had a fitted upper part with detachable sleeves and a wide skirt. It was usually worn over fine fabric underdress and complemented with additional layers. The headpiece was an inherent part of the look and, similar to the main dress, reflected the exact time frame and part of the Europe its owner belonged to. That period introduced temporary and fast-changing fashion and raised the concern of being “out of date”.

Four parts of complete Renaissance costume for women

Cotton overdress with removable sleeves

The undeniably feminine silhouette of this cotton dress is inspired by the Renaissance costumes women wore in the late XV/ XVI centuries. Its fitted bodice with square neckline, side lacing, and tailored sleeves harmoniously combine with the flowing skirt. The cotton velvet accents along the edges bring the whole garment to the next level. The front panel of the dress has horizontal pleats, imitating the front lacing characteristic for the gowns of this period. Lateral lacing, however, allows people with modern figures of all shapes and sizes to look gorgeous in it. The main part of the dress has short sleeves ending at the bicep, but the removable black stretching velvet sleeves smoothly transform the dress into a long-sleeve option. Please note that these sleeves do not tie on and have no lacing.

Fine linen chemise with bell sleeves and hand embroidery

This type of chemise was traditionally worn under the overdress to protect it from wear and sweat while adding volume and authenticity to Renaissance costumes. It is made from fine, soft flax linen and features bell-shaped sleeves with linen drawstrings, tiny pleats at the shoulders, and a square neckline. Inspired by the grace and beauty of noblewomen’s garments, it has additional gores to create a voluminous skirt. Its delicate hand-embroidered foliage pattern along the neckline adds a subtle yet luxurious touch.

Pleated apron skirt made from fine linen

This apron fits Renaissance costumes for women of different characters, including farm girls, midwives, and market women. Worn as the outer layer, the apron protects the dress from dirt and wear while not hiding completely – the bottom hem, neckline, and side lacing of the central part of this Renaissance outfit remain visible. Unlike modern aprons, it covers both the front and back and features adjustable shoulder straps for a comfortable fit. The apron is voluminous – 1.5 meters of fabric gathered into tiny 2mm pleats across the bust, resulting in a hemline of around 4 meters. Made from fine flax linen, it is extremely practical and doesn’t restrict movement.

Embroidered fine flax linen St. Brigitta’s cap

This historically inspired coif derives from St. Birgitta’s Cap pictured in the Maciejowski Bible (XIII century). The cap is made from fine linen and features a central seam and a voluminous back. The headpiece can fit in all the hair no matter how long your braids are and keeps everything in place with the help of two long drawstrings. Beautiful hand-embroidered ornament along the hairline matches the one on the chemise neckline. You are welcome to wear it on its own or under hats. The cap suits a variety of medieval characters, from farmers to noblewomen.

What makes ArmStreet Renaissance costumes unique?

This premium Renaissance costume unites everything ArmStreet has to offer to the most demanding customers: high-quality natural fabric, one-of-a-kind design, exquisite accents and finishing, and a variety of unique accessories to make your outfit special. We are not the only company that sells Renaissance costumes, but we make everything humanly possible to stand out and be your favorite. Whether the new attire is destined to be one of your Renaissance Fair costumes or The One for your medieval wedding ceremony – you can always rely on us.

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