Men's Gypsy Clothing?

[Eric of Lyon]

Hope this is the correct spot to post this...

Anyone know where men's gypsy style clothing can be found/purchased?  I've googled 'til I'm exhausted. I don't want the pirate stuff.  It just doesn't work.  Looking for the colorful trousers and shirts I've seen some of the players at the faires in, and the vests.  There's a lot of female stuff out there but I can't seem to find any men's costumes.  Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thank you!

[Sketchn]

Here are a couple links that might help.

http://www.gypsymoon.com/

http://westwood.fortunecity.com/armani/208/costume.html

http://www.globusz.com/ebooks/Amuck/00000012.htm

But what I would really suggest for building a gypsy garb is, check out pirate gear.  Get different pieces and mixmatch them together.  Of course, if you have an idea or a photo for a costume.. I might be able to help you.

[Gwen aka Punstergal]

First, get a pair of wrap pants.. any kind will do, any color will do, and there's no such thing as "girl's" or "guy's". I DO recommend trying them on before you buy them, as the crotch area varies significantly depending on the maker, and some run much shorter in length than others (I'm one of those way too tall women). You can find good wrap pants at a bunch of faire shops, as well as at street vendors in all sorts of artsy places (I got the last two pair of mine at a street music fest).

Then, get a loose cotton (or other organic, synthetics are the devil, imo) shirt, button up works great, you can just take the buttons off and pin the shirt closed at one or two spots. If you can find one that has lacing on the front already, that's even better, but don't stress about it too much.. looking a bit chopped and ratty is totally acceptable.

Vests are a little trickier. I actually recommend searching thrift stores like goodwill. I've found most of the ones that I've resold (to my fine friends at faire, of course) in thrift stores. Sometimes you can find those really bright, crazy patterned ones and it is awesome!! If you don't though, there are usually plenty plain black or dark color vests (chocolate looks wonderful with almost any color garb, if you ask me)- and sometimes you can get one in leather to add even more texture to your outfit (finding leather vests is not too uncommon, it was an 80's thing, I think).

[isabelladangelo]

In period, the Roma men did not dress dramatically different from other men.  Mostly, the hats were sometimes slightly odd, but they dressed as much of the rest of the population.  It was the womens dress that was more dramatic in appearance with large blanket like sashes over a chemise and turban like headdress.

[Eric of Lyon]

Thank you all for the great ideas.  I was at first looking for the lazy man's way...Finding an online vendor that had complete mens gypsy outfits for sale.   I've seen some of the musicians at the faires in gypsy garb.  The men are usually wearing bright, brocaded, stitched vests, bright baggy style pants, sashes and usually a head wrap.  The guys in "Wine and Alchemy" are good examples.  The pants and shirts (when they were them) seems doable, but I haven't come across anything like the vests I see the men wear.  Thanks again, for all your help!

[Randal]

Try thrift shops for a vest, and don't be afraid to shop on the Women's side of the store.

Randal

[DragonWing]

I found this very helpful in putting a gypsy costume together.

http://westwood.fortunecity.com/armani/208/costume.html

[Sketchn]

I found this very helpful in putting a gypsy costume together.

http://westwood.fortunecity.com/armani/208/costume.html

That's one of the couple I already posted.

.......

[Marietta Graziella]

Try this moresca.com.  They have some marvelously colorful and unique ideas for men and women.  I know their site was down for construction but keep an eye on it, or call the number to have them send a catalog.  Yummy stuff in there!

I own the Max II bodice.  Very well made, sturdy, gorgeous fabrics. Love it!