Garb vs Costume

[Dinobabe]

Here are my connotations:

Costume- Something that's usually made for a one time use.  Often, not always, made from cheap products or uses shortcuts, indicative of a one time wear.  This does not diminish the work on/of the piece, just better defines it's purpose.

Garb- Clothing made with specific intentions, usually having to do with a time period/location.  Products used would be of at least good quality and workmanship.  It would be expected to hold up well over multiple wearings though not required.  A "costume" could still fall into this category, even if it is only actually worn once, when it is a quality piece.  (I have Halloween "costumes" that I have only worn once but made them from quality products and so that they would hold up after years of use, in case I did wish to wear it again.)

Clothing/Garment- Clothing made with the specific intention of being worn, and holding up, on a daily basis (whether it actually does or not is another argument!).  This would include jeans and a t-shirt, cast/shopkeep clothing, Civil War uniform, etc.



Renaissance Garb- Clothing made with the specific purpose of wearing to faire (or similar).  It should be of good products and quality and should hold up even after abuse, though immense time and money could be put into a piece that is only worn once.  The piece is defined by the passion of the participant rather than how often it is worn.  (I may not spend much time wearing my (i.e.) bodice but it is very well made and should hold for years.) 

This is where I differentiate between "us" and the faire visitors in the polyester princess gowns or the first timer's thrift store outfit.  They have a costume or possibly garb.  But the time, money, energy, passion, research, etc. places our "clothing" in a different category all together.  So I don't think it fits any of the three typical definitions.  The same could be said for Civil War clothing or other reenactor situations.  It is such a unique situation that it needs it's own definition.  This is just mine!


With all of that said!
To each his own, I am not offended when someone asks about my "costume", I sometimes point out that it is not a costume but clothing, I know and love what I am wearing, and I appreciate when someone makes a positive comment.  I think that this is really more of an internal thing for us than anything else.

[Nighthawk]

To each his own, I am not offended when someone asks about my "costume", I sometimes point out that it is not a costume but clothing, I know and love what I am wearing, and I appreciate when someone makes a positive comment.  I think that this is really more of an internal thing for us than anything else.

Quite right. But I saw a group of African women (speaking a language I had never heard) in the grocery store today. They were wearing what was obviously African clothing. I have to wonder- Those same people who call my kilt a costume... would they make the same comment to those women?

[Merlin the Elder]

I'd definitely call it a costume if Spiderman walked in. I wouldn't personally call cultural dress a costume, although when it comes right down to it, technically, it is a costume according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary. We've made the choice to differentiate to set us apart, I suppose.

[Lord Red Beard]

The term/word "Garb" is one quickly and easily reconsidered fellow "Rennies", as each one of "Us" knows what the other is "talking about"~~~

The " 'danes " usually don't, won't, will not take the time to know nor care~ ~ ~ Therefore, It is our code word for "Ren-Fest-Wear" ~ ~ ~

A "costume" is what the danes will say we wear ~ ~ ~ ~

Just my "two cents" worth ~ ~ ~ ~

[Lady Gryphon]

I have a general question.  All of us who have worked faire have heard our clothing referred to by many different names.  The most common is "Garb".  My guild/group considers the word "Garb" a four letter word.  We prefer the calling our faire clothing outfits which they actually are.  I personally don't like to call them costumes because that usually describes the things patrons wear who come into the gate.

Does anyone else have any thoughts or pet peeves about this?  Just wondering.

Forgive me if I took something wrong, I'm a bit thick today. 

But is it implied that since I'm not a member of cast that the well thought out, carefully crafted, highly detailed clothing choices my husband and I both wear to faire are considered costumes?  I'm sorry, just because we do not work at ALL the faires we visit, and that's somewhere around 6 a year, we are considered to have Costumes on? Then by the same token, a Costume is worn by an Actor/actress, of which all those of you who Work these faires are.

My Garments are made to last many, many, many wearing. They are taken care of as well as if not better than my $400 suits  and we have enough variety in our choices to blend in with many types of events from Fay events through Elizabethan, which is different than Henry VIII in some circles.

A costume to me is something a child wears through the gate that makes her a Disney Princess at the fair.  If someone puts ANY kind of thought into what they wear through the gate to try and blend in, then they are in their Ren gear just like the rest of us (It might be all they can afford at the time, or just getting started)  and I treat them as such.  Sorry my son was a LARPer, Garb is Garb.  Hey but this is just me an my opinion.

[Dinobabe]

Whoa!!   I think the reference to patron is the key.  I would NEVER call myself a patron, even though I pay for the same ticket as anyone else.  I am a playtron, rennie, wannabe, etc.  To me a patron is someone that comes just to briefly experience faire, they may show up in or rent some sort of "costume" but don't have the appreciation that "we" do for faire.  That would be my interpretation, anyway....

[BubbleWright]

Garb is what I wear to Faire. A costume is what I wear at a costume party or at Halloween.

[DonaCatalina]

I have a general question.  All of us who have worked faire have heard our clothing referred to by many different names.  The most common is "Garb".  My guild/group considers the word "Garb" a four letter word.  We prefer the calling our faire clothing outfits which they actually are.  I personally don't like to call them costumes because that usually describes the things patrons wear who come into the gate.

Does anyone else have any thoughts or pet peeves about this?  Just wondering.

Forgive me if I took something wrong, I'm a bit thick today. 

But is it implied that since I'm not a member of cast that the well thought out, carefully crafted, highly detailed clothing choices my husband and I both wear to faire are considered costumes?  I'm sorry, just because we do not work at ALL the faires we visit, and that's somewhere around 6 a year, we are considered to have Costumes on? Then by the same token, a Costume is worn by an Actor/actress, of which all those of you who Work these faires are.

My Garments are made to last many, many, many wearing. They are taken care of as well as if not better than my $400 suits  and we have enough variety in our choices to blend in with many types of events from Fay events through Elizabethan, which is different than Henry VIII in some circles.

A costume to me is something a child wears through the gate that makes her a Disney Princess at the fair.  If someone puts ANY kind of thought into what they wear through the gate to try and blend in, then they are in their Ren gear just like the rest of us (It might be all they can afford at the time, or just getting started)  and I treat them as such.  Sorry my son was a LARPer, Garb is Garb.  Hey but this is just me an my opinion.

Yes- I think that the original reference of patron was to visiting mundanes, not rennie or playtrons with a lot more experience of faire.

[Hatter]

I personally don't like to call them costumes because that usually describes the things patrons wear who come into the gate.

I was wondering if any one else took some offence to the seemingly snotty and derisive comment that started this thread.  I have been a patron for years... since 1978.  I resemble and resent this opening remark.

[Sir Ironhead]

As Lady Renee stated I couldn't care less what they call it, it makes no difference at all.  Me, I call them clothes.  Cause that's what they are.  Specifically I call them as ren clothes, just for separation.

[Lady Gryphon]

Hatter  that is exactly what I was referring to in my post above.  I took it rather snotty too.  He's an Actor he's in a costume.  Forgive me, if that's what I'm wearing, by his definition,  as a person entering the festival or Faire, then he is definitely in a costume for that is what most actors on a stage wear.  And the fair is nothing but a huge stage, and he auditioned for a part in this production.

I am wearing my gowns or my Pirate clothes.  And more than once Lord Dragon and I have been mistake as part of the Faire Company not someone who just walked in off the parking lot.  We work at our persona's. practice our bits we do for any child that asks about Nogard or Luna and show those not in period clothing a good time. That's what I feel part of dressing up is all about, becoming part of the show. 

Again just my 2 pence worth and nothing more.

[Zardoz]

Garb is what I wear to Faire. A costume is what I wear at a costume party or at Halloween.

If you were to wear your garb to costume parties or at Halloween, is it a costume then?   

[Sir Michael Geare]

My appologies to all if I offended anyone.  It was not my intention to offend nor sound snobby.  It was merely an inquiry as to how one address their wardrobe since I have heard many refer to it differently both in spite and never-mind. 

[Merlin the Elder]

I wouldn't worry about it too much, Sir Michael. Common use of the word "costume" has distanced itself from its actual meaning, and I think that is why some may object to applying the word to the clothing they wear to faire.

I find it interesting how words change their meaning over time... "bad" used to not be good, now it's great...unless it's not, then it's terrible, and we all get confused! 

[Nighthawk]

I wouldn't worry about it too much, Sir Michael. Common use of the word "costume" has distanced itself from its actual meaning, and I think that is why some may object to applying the word to the clothing they wear to faire.

I find it interesting how words change their meaning over time... "bad" used to not be good, now it's great...unless it's not, then it's terrible, and we all get confused!  

And then there are words like "curse," which were once neutral. And let's not forget about "conspiracy." That's one loaded neutral word! While "costume" in it's original meaning is not derogatory, most people don't use it to mean what it actually means, and use it to imply that someone is playing dressup... which is exactly why I get bothered by it. It's usually accompanied by a sneer.