Madrigal:  Costumes

Costume Director Interview What They Are Wearing Costume Construction Historical Notes

Historical Notes

Noble people would wear many layers or clothing. Women’s clothes would contain pockets that held small rodents near the elbows and knees. The rodents would serve in warming the wearer. 

Linen was the cloth warn closest to the body because it would wash easy. Traditionally, people would change into a fresh shirt on Sunday. The wealthy people’s clothes were made out of velvets and other delicate materials and could only be cleaned by brushing.

For additional information: 

Renaissance Links
http://home.rochester.rr.com/inwoods/weblinks-historyrenaissance.htm
~ Look at clothes, theater, language and many other aspects of a successful Renaissance Fair

Costuming Guide
http://www.renfair.com/guide2.htm#menmid
~ Lists appropriate colors for various social classes

Guide to Commercial Costume Patterns
http://www.reddawn.net/costume/costpat.htm
~ Complete with pattern numbers, photos, and critiques

Photos of Elizabethan Costumes
http://www.faucet.net/costume/period/eliz.html

Smock Pattern Generator
http://www.dnaco.net/%7Ealeed/corsets/smockpat/index.html
~ Fill in measurements and get a step-by-step pattern.

The Elizabethan Blackwork Embroidery Archives
http://www.pacificnet.net/~pmarmor/bwarch.html