Historical or Modern which do you prefer and why?

[Capt Gabriela Fullpepper]

I was chatting with a friend at work today and we got on the subject of historical garb. I explained to her how much I had paid for my Katherine Parr dress made by LKoO and her mouth dropped open. I tried to explain to her that in all honesty I prefered historical garb over modern day "Mundane" clothing.

I could not get her to understand that wearing a corset was actually very feminie feeling nor wearing all the layers. When she asked me why and wanted detail, I told her it made me feel more feminine. That clothing all the way from the middle ages to WWII were mush more feminine and women did not dress and look like men. I think she understood a little, but I could see in her eye's that it wasn't fully.

So please post why you like wearing garb or like to see others wearing garb Both genders please feel free to post..

Personally I would love to wear garb from the times mentioned everyday but in the work I do, it would be impractical. Crawling around under desks as a Computer tech isn't practical in a skirt or dress let alone a corset.

[PurpleDragon]

The real question you already mentioned is the practicality of it all.  While the clothing is more befitting a gentleman or a lady distinctly stating/showing the differances, for all intents and purposes, it would not work in this day and age.  Since more women are doing the jobs that used to be "male only" fields, there is no real practical way for it to happen.

I for one, would much prefer to wear my garb on a daily basis, it sure beats the hell out of wearing a suit and tie every day like I currently have to do.

[sealion]

I wish I could get away with wearing a corset every day instead of a modern bra! I believe that a properly fitted corset would more comfortable crawling under desks than underwires.

[Silverbee]

I just bought my first bodice, and while it's not particularly H/A, it's well made and extremely comfortable!  I'd give up bras to be able to wear it everyday.

And I know what you mean about feeling more feminine, Laney.  I'm not much of a girlie-girl, but I like how feminine the garb makes me feel.

[Dayna]

I wear skirts almost exclusively, I've been at my current workplace for a year and 1/2 and no one has ever seen me in pants.

Ren clothing definitely, a properly fitted corset and/or bodice is Much More Comfortable than a moder bra, plus in a bodice I have cleavage 

My body was Made for Elizabethan/Ren clothing, small bust and waist, big backside with a natural bumroll.  When I put on my garb, it feels like I'm where I belong, modern clothing is for skinny mini women who've thrown up everything they've ever eaten unless you're one of the few, the fortunate, the genetically gifted.  Look in the shops, at least around here once you hit size 10, the majority of clothes are either polyester in horrible huge patterns or clothing So unfitted that you might as well go to Omars Tent and Awning.

I have No Quarrel with people who are Healthily Slim, however I am not.  In modern clothing I look Fat and frumpy, in Ren/Eliz I look Gooood (or so I've been told by people who've seen me both ways and didn't realize I was the same person until they recognized Nixie).  And why, praytell, would I Not want to look as good as I can?! 

Dayna

[jinx]

I, personally, rarely wear skirts.  I'm not at all girly, never have been, really.  If I want to climb a tree, I'm gonna climb a tree, durnit, and that's blasted hard in a dress.

In fact, I only own 1 skirt that isn't for costuming or Ren-wear purposes.  Other than my wedding dress, I only own 1 dress.  I have dress pants and nice tops that I wear for dressy occasions.  Most of my shoes are sneakers.

I'm comfortable in my garb, and I adore it.  I really would wear it every day if I could.  But, honestly, if someone told me I had to give up my jeans, I'd probably die.  At the same time, I, too, would rather wear a well-fitted bodice or corset than a modern bra.  It's a more flattering silhouette that works better for my body-shape.

[Athena]

I like wearing modern clothes. I think a black cashmere sweater with jeans and black kitten heels is incredibly chic. I like capris and strappy sandals in the summer. I also can't live without my jeans!

One thing I love about garb is that it can be made to one's measurements and will flatter any body type. The most annoying thing about modern clothing is fit. The world is NOT a sample size and women with double digit dress sizes shouldn't be doomed to wear flowery tunics and pants with elastic waist bands. A fitted garment is much better than a boxy one! That's why I love bodices. If a women gets the right fit in her bodice she'll look beautiful no matter what her size is.

[Anna Iram]

I have to admit I do feel very girly navigating thoses big hoops and wearing poufy sleeves and ruffles and all that. Yes the corset makes my waist much daintier too and the other assets sit a bit higher, but perhaps because my garb is *not* my day to day wear, while it's more fun at the same time it's more of an effort to wear than my normal clothing. I always feel a bit like my garb is wearing me and I must dictate to *it's* whims. I'm much more comfortable in a skirt or capris and preferably no closed toes shoes. Good heavens no stockings!

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

I concur with much of what has already been written.

Wearing my garb makes me feel as if I stepped into the 16th century, but with the modern ammenities we take for granted..like running indoor plumbing!!!   

I do feel pretty in my skirts, corset, hoops, even when I wear other periods at various events. My favorite line is..."I dress like this all the time." Eyebrows go up and I hear a lot of "Oh really?"

[LadyStitch]

I have a hard time finding outfits that I like in many modern clothing stores. Heck I work for one, and still have problems. 
The happiest I have been at work was when i got to wear garb. I found a way that I can wear my medival/ renisance mocasins to work.  I would rather wear them than store bought shoes. 

Yeah I feel fore femine, and prettier in period garb. I feel like I can be myself in period garb.  If it wasn't worn at least 50 years ago I'm not happy.

I have to agree a properly fitting corset/bodice is much better than some bras. They show off my natural hour glass waist. 

[Will Gamwell]

It truly depends on the day, what I am doing, and just overall mood.  I definately prefer modern shirts over historical.  Just a nice fitting t-shirt for me.  Headgear?  Sometimes you'll find me in a baseball cap, sometimes a head scarf.  I on occasion will wear my harem pants around the house or if I am running to the store quick.  A kilt I'll wear most any day.  But then again sometimes a nice pair of worn in jeans is what I want. 

So for me, I have to preference...I just go with what I like and how I am feeling at the time.

Sean

[Taffy Saltwater]

My daily outfit consists of jeans and a t - seriously, I have about 40 Rolling Stones t's, and lots of Disney t's.  I had to wear skirt suits, blouse, pantyhose & heels for ages & never again (knock wood).

But I live for the days I get to put Tia Juana and Tia Mana in a bodice & re-introduce them to the world.  And like many fluffy women, I have my own built in bum roll that makes off the rack clothing difficult.  I love my garb to pieces, love making, buying and decorating it - really gives me an outlet for my creative side - but will admit to pulling up my chemise to my neck & changing in the parking lot.

For non-faire days - my daily uniform, but for faire days - BRING ON THE BODICE AND BIG HAT!

[Joyce "Delfinia DuSwallow" Howard]

I love my RENN GARB!The funny thing is during renn the neighbors can't wait for us to walk out the door to see what we have on. Though they don't completely understand the renn faire they just love the clothes and the way we look. The women go crazy over our hats. I always feel like I belong in these clothes.

[Lord Figaro]

You know Lady Joyce, I notice that a lot too. People love to see me and the wife dressed in our garb, when we do. Makes me believe their's a closet rennie in everyone.

As for me on the issue. I I'm floating my stick along side you Rafe, it depends on the day. But I'll wear what I feel like most of the time.

[Lady Nicolette]

I really enjoy the support of a bodice!  My back feels so much better than wearing a modern brassiere (even though mine are industrial strength)!  I also like wearing jeans, though.  They don't collect dog hair like many other fabrics and are a great biting creature deterrent.  Believe me, the biting bugs adore me, so this is a serious plus factor.  I feel prettier in garb, though, it is made for those of a truly feminine figure.

I enjoy lingerie of any era...