Acceptable costumes?

[renfan]

My wife and I usually go to the Ren Fair once a year.  We've noticed in the last few years that the wardrobe of the patrons has toned down a bit (though we still see some outrageous stuff at times) and the amount of kids at the fair seems to keep increasing.  This is especially true compared to my first visit in the late 90s.  Over the years we've seen everything from beautiful dresses to pasties and everything in between.  This year will be our first opportunity to go without kids.  My wife wants to wear something skimpy (yeah me!) but we are not sure if there is a formal policy on what can and can not be worn.  I don't see any dress code or etiquette posted on the web site.   We've noticed, and read, that Saturdays tend to be more adult-oriented than Sunday.  So we will be attending on a Saturday.  Any thoughts would be appreciated. 

[DonaCatalina]

Anything that would get you arrested in Walmart; would most likely get you booted from the fair.
But during hot weather there seems to be quite a few who wear just enough to cover the basic three. BC, PH N & A.
Sorry- the filter would change out the actual words.

[renfan]

DonaCatalina,

Thank you for your reply.  From your message can I infer that pasties are acceptable?  I'm not sure if she will even need them but I figured I had better ask.

Thanks so much!

[DonaCatalina]

Just pasties? I wouldn't want to bet on it.
Would wearing just pasties get you banned from Kroger?

[PollyPoPo]

Just pasties    ?  Might not be sufficient. 

But then again just pasties need a way to adhere to the skin.  TRF could be 100 degrees or below freezing, either of which would put an end to the idea of pasties.

If it's too hot, they will just slip off (unless superglued on and that's a whole different problem) and if too cold ... well, just pasties under a heavy coat is kind of silly.  Never tried staples.

[renfan]

Having no experience with pasties myself, I often wondered how they stayed on. 

Actually I was thinking in terms of protection from wardrobe malfunction, though just pasties is a  nice thought.   

[Merlin the Elder]

Post a picture of the intended outfit. If it stays posted, there's a chance it might pass muster at TRF. If not, there's a good chance it won't.

[Tink]

I second Merlin's advice

[Sir Martin]

I've never seen anyone booted from TRF for having a too-skimpy outfit, but then again, the Beefeaters would advise you (politely, but firmly) if something was unacceptable.  Back in the 80's the chainmaille women ran around without foundation undergarments on top or bottom.  Now they have to have the critical areas covered, but the policy is fairly liberal.  I don't know the official policy, mind you, but I have seen extremely brief garb that was allowable.

If the woman's top is chainmaille or sheer fabric, she does not need to wear a bra, but should have something that prevents the obvious from showing through.  On the bottom end, I've seen women with garb that did not cover much more than the bikinis you see on Galveston Island.  I agree with Merlin and Tink - post a photo here and I'm sure our group can advise you if they have seen similar garb inside the gates.

[renfan]

Sir Martin,

Thank you for the advice, and especially for the illustrations.   

[Merlin the Elder]

You haven't mentioned whether you plan to attend other area faires. I would dare say that those same outfits posted above would not be allowed at Scarborough, for example.  In fact, a less revealing image of one of our R/F sisters was removed from this very website, and she was later asked to leave Scarby for wearing that same outfit.  I saw her that day, and she looked very good, and I didn't think it was out of line at all.

It would be the decision of each faire what is and is not in bounds for their faire, which is only -- pardon the pun -- fair. 

[renfan]

We don't have any plans to attend other faires.    We are pretty much a one-faire household.  We make multiple trips to TRF.  One day is family day with the kids, one is girls/women day when all of the women go to shop.   This year we are planning on an adult day, hence the reason for my posts on this forum. 

 

[BarbarianQueen]

Well, I guess I'll chime in here since I was the one Merlin was referring to earlier...

I wear some fairly daring things to TRF, and have never had a problem other than rude (or overly randy) men and snippy women.
I've never been asked to leave, or cover up, but then my personality is somewhat the opposite of my appearance - I try to be as polite and nice as possible, and don't try to act "sexy or naughty".  I personally feel that actions and attitude can be more shocking than appearance or garb.

Heck, we all see naked bodies every day (at least our own), so a skimpy outfit shouldn't cause scandal or ill will.
However, an offensive attitude or actions tend to speak much louder, IMHO.

[renfan]

Barbarian Queen,

I agree with you.  Last time I went to the Ren Fair I saw someone who definitely leaned toward the daring side.  But I even told my wife that I thought this person was attractive because she was smiling and seemed happy, and was not behaving "in your face".  There's a fine line between skimpy and skanky and it's mostly about the attitude and behavior.

[PollyPoPo]

Hey, Barbarian Queen,

If you see this old lady frowning at you at TRF (not this year  ) or Sherwood, it ain't cause I'm disapproving. 

I'M JEALOUS!   

[Merlin the Elder]

Yeah...we get upset with the human body, and think nothing of war and killing... this race is weird.

[Rowan MacD]

Well, I guess I'll chime in here since I was the one Merlin was referring to earlier...

I wear some fairly daring things to TRF, and have never had a problem other than rude (or overly randy) men and snippy women.
I've never been asked to leave, or cover up, but then my personality is somewhat the opposite of my appearance - I try to be as polite and nice as possible, and don't try to act "sexy or naughty".  I personally feel that actions and attitude can be more shocking than appearance or garb.

Heck, we all see naked bodies every day (at least our own), so a skimpy outfit shouldn't cause scandal or ill will.
However, an offensive attitude or actions tend to speak much louder, IMHO.

   It think you've hit the nail on the head.  I would say, if someone were to wear their outfit as they would wear their bikini for a day on the beach, no problem.  You go to the beach to see and be seen; it's a given.  You don't go there to get in everybody's face, or to act obnoxious. 
   Some faires don't want to get a rep for non-family friendly 'sights and sounds', and others like TRF don't seem to care.
   If they let you in the gates-go for it.  If they don't, then you know where you stand.  Tone down the outfit a try again.

  Just remember-A renaissance faire is not Spring Break or Sturgis. Behave accordingly.

Note:  I have yet to see a 'barbarian' actually act like one.  All I have met have been polite, if not reserved.

[Sir Martin]

I don't believe we've met, Barbarian Queen, but I have seen you at TRF and I think your garb is very nice.  I agree a person's attitude and behavior are what is most important.  I know people who do not approve of the some of the chainmaille ladies appearances, but we all have our own comfort levels. 

[Rowan MacD]

I don't believe we've met, Barbarian Queen, but I have seen you at TRF and I think your garb is very nice.  I agree a person's attitude and behavior are what is most important.  I know people who do not approve of the some of the chainmaille ladies appearances, but we all have our own comfort levels.

Heck-I'm not comfortable with the Roman Centenarians trotting around wearing little more than a leather cup and a few strips of whatever they are using to cover their bums.  Thank goodness all of those have always behaved like the well disciplined military they portray.  No...the barbarians/ chain ladies (and a couple of gents)  don't have a corner on the skimpy market.

[SirRichardBear]

Yes Merlin we agree on this Americans commonly have the weirdest idea about the human body OK to see it blown to pieces but not ok to see a female breast.   To me the important thing is that most people look a lot better with their clothing on than off. 

Barbarian Queen we haven't meet but I have seen you at the Sea Devil and around and you always appeared to be a very nice person and your Grab is nice I've seen a lot worst at the local slip and slide or Wal-mart for that matter. 

[Merlin the Elder]

...   To me the important thing is that most people look a lot better with their clothing on than off.  ...

LOL! That is for certain, Sir Richard! I fit that group!  I did meet Barbarian Queen at Scarby. A lovely lass, indeed.

[prothos]

As others has posted. post a pic or 2 of the wife in the costume and it can be judged safe or not.