newbies 2 this!!

[wantto_50511]

The wife and i are wanting 2 get into this,have been reading all sorts of info on the net. this site seems to be really true 2 the ren.period. so the question is do people that dress in garb wear underwear ,bras.    panties?

[ArielCallista]

I think it all depends on what class/character you want to portray. as far as i know pretty much everyone wears undies to some degree be them modern or period...as for bras, it all depends on the construction of what you'll be wearing. most bodices and corsets don't require anything. most bellydancer type costuming is in its own way a bra...what types on garb are you guys considering and I'm sure everyone here can give you more specific information...

[Squire Mickey]

Not if ye be a Scott in a kilt.

[RSLeask]

Personal stuff, beneath my tights, no.  They just tend to ride up and not do much of anything except be a bother to me.  If I'm wearing breaches or trousers of some sort, then possibly will.  But that just depends on whether I really want to or not.  Then again, I rarely wear them in danes, anyway.

[Kate]

Too much Faire Dirt in Florida to go commando!  I do it for my own personal comfort!

And if someone complains about my undergarments not being "period," well then, they just won't get to see them again!  :-P

[wantto_50511]

We are not sure what to wear for garb,we are in our 50's. we are very open to your suggestions,surprise us we aren't prudes by no means. we love to have fun!! we wear thinking of going to shockopee in MN.

[ArielCallista]

ahhh! Scottsmen! I cant believe I forgot to mention the importance of proper kilt wearing!

[Merlin]

Do what you want.

Underwear is your own business..... hence the name "under' wear.

I wouldn't wear a shoulderless top and sport a strapped bra.... but you wouldn't do that in the "real' world either.

If you are talking about a kilt...there is an art to it. When sitting down....it's best to remember to keep your legs together so others can eat their lunch without looking at your twig and berries.

I'm always regimental.

[Ambrosine]

Depends on the top whether I go with or with out bra, some corsets have straps so I can and some do not so as Merlin stated I'm not going to show my straps in real life so I will not in Faire life. Its more for comfort and the ladies always look better with a little more push. I always wear the dental floss though 

[gem]

Remember that decency is ALWAYS in fashion. Don't show more than you would in mundane life (I mean like in a ballgown, not a parka) and you'll be comfortable and happy. We're really not all a bunch of crazy naked hippies! Not that there's anything wrong with that.  

If you decide to go in the direction of historical accuracy, you might be surprised to learn that there can actually be much MORE underwear than we're used to today (particularly for women). It just doesn't always cover exactly the same parts.

What we usually recommend is that you look at LOTS of pictures of fair and garb and get a feel for what appeals to you--what catches your eye, what styles and personas you like (historically accurate, noble, middle class, wench/rogue in "fairwear", pirates, etc).  You'll start to build a sense of the sort of garb you'll want to wear. Then come back and give us a holler and we can offer more specific suggestions.

Some fantastic resources are the Gallery threads in the Sewing forum, as well as the Fairwear thread in this forum (click here for that one).  You can also do Google image searches for "Renaissance garb" or look at your home fair's website for picture galleries.

Be advised that we on this board are wicked enablers, and you'll be hard pressed to find someone here to DISCOURAGE you from anything! LOL

[Adriana Rose]

err moder skivvies are perfectly fine

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

We've been going to faires since 1980 and no one has ever once asked us about our underwear. So if you feel comfortable wearing it, go ahead.  No one will see it, no one will know, and I bet no one will ask you either.       

[RSLeask]

We've been going to faires since 1980 and no one has ever once asked us about our underwear. So if you feel comfortable wearing it, go ahead.  No one will see it, no one will know, and I bet no one will ask you either.      

... I can actually say with all sincerity, that this isn't entirely true.  Cuz I've been asked.  >.>  And if you forget to flip the handle down in the privvies (common happening near the end of the day), chances are very good that someone will see!  

That said, though, yeah... you aren't gonna get questioned a whole lot about the undies.

[Malcolm]

Usually, only men in kilts will be asked about their underwear, or lack thereof.

[Lady L]

I would suggest doing what you feel most comfortable in, such as cotton loose fitting pants and shirt with a belt for men and cotton full skirt and poofy cotton blouse for women. You can add more things, such as a bodice and accessories when you get to faire and look at all the lovely things for sale. You can wear your usual underwear under that.  Some women wear shorts under their skirts, some wear bloomers.

I would caution that a very tight bodice will not need a bra under it and will probably hurt and pinch after a while. We have some very hot and humid days, as well as cold, rainy, windy days, so dressing in layers works well. If it is a really cold day, I suggest wearing wool and sweat pants are nice and cozy under skirts.

Another suggestion...search for renaissance faires or MNRF renaissance festival on YouTube. You will get a variety of garb and see how it fits and moves on a person.

I suppose if you are really active and plan on riding elephants or camels, or plan on the catapault/bungee ride, or climbing the tower, you would wear underwear!

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Under my garb, a well corset takes away the need for a bra, while providing support for the back during along day at faire.

Undies, of course. Bloomers under skirts to avoid "ren rash". That's the uncomfortable malady that occurs when the inside of the thighs rub together on warmer days or at any time. Knee high stockings.

AS Lady L pointed out, most hard core faire goers dress comfortably in layers. I can wear my Noble garb in 80 plus degre weather and still feel comfortable due to the layers. It's those who are in tank tops and shorts who are dying.

[gem]

I suppose if you are really active and plan on riding elephants or camels, or plan on the catapult/bungee ride, or climbing the tower, you would wear underwear!

Ha! Now I know the rules! Riding an elephant = need underwear. Got it.  LOL!

***
One thing nobody's mentioned yet, but that Lady K alluded to above me, is that, whenever possible, try to dress in natural fibers: linen, cotton, wool (no polyester). They breathe and wick moisture away from your body, making you cooler in hot weather, and warmer in cold weather. Overheating can be a significant threat at a lot of summer fairs, and you don't want to be wandering around wrapped in plastic. 

[Dinobabe]

That is why we can be comfortable in layers when the person in a tank and tee is dying.

People always ask if my wool Civil War uniform is hot.  Natural fibers, baby!

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Thanks, gem!

Dressing in NATURAL fibers do keep one cooler on warmer days.

I  often see patrons wearing polyester fabrics, shiny Bridal Satins, etc. I bite my tongue and not say anyhting lest I be snarky. When someone asks me if I am hot, I say that I am not because my garb is made from Natural fibers. The person gets a mini lesson  in why wearing  correct fabrics is the way to go.

[Lady L]

I suppose if you are really active and plan on riding elephants or camels, or plan on the catapult/bungee ride, or climbing the tower, you would wear underwear!

Ha! Now I know the rules! Riding an elephant = need underwear. Got it.  LOL!

Well, you just never know when you will be photographed or find yourself on YouTube!!!