In the last week, I attended my first faire and was immediately intrigued by it and all the friendly and interactive people. I have long been interested in the period, and while I've read about life in the Middle ages and Renaissance, I've never actually attempted to play out the part ( With the exception of the Roleplaying games most of us seem to have done at one point or another! )
I see some comments, which say that there is a big difference when you attend the faire in garb, vs when you attend without garb.
What differences are there that you notice? I mean I assume you personally feel like you fit in more, but is that the extent of it? Is there some difference in the way you are approached by vendors or other patrons? Not knowing anyone myself, I feel like it would be awkward to wander the faire by myself, dressed up in something.
Isn't that why you joined this fourm to meet like minded people? If you get an R/F pin and start wearing it to faires, people will talk to you. I myself feel weird if I don't wear garb to a faire. I like the interaction with the cast and crew of faire
Quote from: PinnMcrack on August 06, 2008, 01:17:52 PM
Isn't that why you joined this fourm to meet like minded people? If you get an R/F pin and start wearing it to faires, people will talk to you. I myself feel weird if I don't wear garb to a faire. I like the interaction with the cast and crew of faire
Yes indeed, to meet like minded people, and to get information - it's a new culture to me, so I'm bound to ask some really stupid things at first.
Case in point - Pin? Aha something else to look into. There is always another layer! :D
Yes, vendors and cast do treat you differently when you are in garb. I don't really know how to describe it. A bit friendlier but also as if you are in on the joke? Find out if your faire has a scheduled meet & greet for R/F members. That really helped me to meet people because I am shy.
It depends on the fair. At KCRF (Kansas City), garbed patrons are much less likely to be approached by cast and lane acts. You don't get heckled by the pickle vendor, for example. At other fairs, though, I've heard the cast/acts definitely interact much more with the costumed patrons.
The best thing I can liken garb/non-garb to is a big tailgate party for a football game. Would you go without at least wearing your team's colors? A team sweatshirt is even better--and better still is if your whole family comes along, and everyone wears their favorite players' jerseys, paints their faces with team logos, and dances around in the parking lot with the team mascot. I don't know why it's better--it just is.
I would say, though, that a *lot* of people who wear garb--particularly the more historically accurate clothing--go to fair just for a place to garb up. I know one of the main attractions for Fair to me is the costumes--and what's even better than admiring the cast's costumes? Having and wearing your own, of course!
At MDRF, you're much less likely to be pulled up on stage for acts that do that sort of thing if you're in garb. They tend to go for the people not in garb. Not 100% of the time, but it's usual, or so I've observed. I assume it's probably because people might assume those in garb are actually a part of the act or something.
Like someone else says, generally you seem to be treated more as if you're "in on the joke". It's not an overt thing. It's just a...thing.
Oh, and people not in garb are likely to ask you for directions. Or if you're on cast. Et cetera. You may be asked for a photo op. Which is kind of weird, but fun?
To garb or not to garb is a choice everyone has to make and it is a great question on how you will be treated.
Personally when I am garbed I get the feeling that I am given more respect by venders and cast. While some do not interact with you, other do more so. A great example of this is at CoRF there is a nun and a brother. Everytime I came near they went prostrate for me. It added more of an element to the visit.
Going garb will possibly also garner you attention from paytrons. As someone who dresses in noble garb I cannot tell you how many times the little girls stopped to ask if I was a real princess or the amount of times I was called the Queen just because of how I was dressed and Toki was even refeed to the King a few times which was funny.
While at CoRF the cast will interact with everyone, they are more likely to interact with non-garbed people. The pickle guys especially. I would think that cast and venders would be more liely to intereact with non-garbed visitors as they are the majority and I think this brings them back again and again and again. Were as those of us who go garbed are those that fill in the holes that cast cannot do.
Out of 20 years of going to CoRF I have only gone non-garbed once. That was the least fun at faire I ever had. Toki went to CoRF for the 1st time last year and he is sold on going only in garb and wants to expand his garb closet.
QuoteThe best thing I can liken garb/non-garb to is a big tailgate party for a football game. Would you go without at least wearing your team's colors? A team sweatshirt is even better--and better still is if your whole family comes along, and everyone wears their favorite players' jerseys, paints their faces with team logos, and dances around in the parking lot with the team mascot. I don't know why it's better--it just is.
I totally agree with this.
I do agree that you are much less likely to get pulled on stage when in garb (which is a good thing in my opinion! lol) and the hawkers tend to be less agressive. What I meant by more interaction is that, in my experience, the shopkeepers seem more willing to talk to me about their wares and this past weekend some of the ladies of the court engaged me in conversation which I doubt they would have done had I been Jane Doe in jeans and a t-shirt.
Quote from: FireFaerie on August 06, 2008, 04:42:06 PM
QuoteThe best thing I can liken garb/non-garb to is a big tailgate party for a football game. Would you go without at least wearing your team's colors? A team sweatshirt is even better--and better still is if your whole family comes along, and everyone wears their favorite players' jerseys, paints their faces with team logos, and dances around in the parking lot with the team mascot. I don't know why it's better--it just is.
I totally agree with this.
Excellent analogy.
This is it, for me too.
Garb, Definitely!! I went once in mundanes, after almost 30 years of garb only, and I Was Miserable!!! Vowed Never to do that again.
Garb allows you to insinuate yourself into the scenery, you Walk differently, you Talk differently and no one mentions your accent, you Think and See Things differently. And, you meet a Lot More People to play with since you're often mistaken for cast and asked for directions, photographs, etc.
Dayna
Garbed is definitely the way to go! I'm ashamed to admit it but I went for years in danes and had fun but when I put on my first garb and went about 6 years ago, it was like night and day! In danes you're just part of the crowd and nobody really much worries about you especially in a large faire. In a large faire if you're in danes and get noticed by anyone on cast or at a show its unusual.
In garb however its completely different. I found that cast interact more with you, vendors treat you differently and the other playtons (those who pay but come in garb too), treat you differntly too and you start to make all kinds of friends quickly. Even the danes treat you differently as if you are part of the show or something. Its really amazing and so worth it. Once you've gone garbed you'll NEVER go without garb again!
Way easier to meet cute guys (shhh don't tell my bf!) I met a lovely knight my age who makes all of his chainmail... and he was hot! lol. Personally I just started going in garb, i've been twice in garb... the first I didn't have a whole lot different, because well... my garb sucked. I liked it, but it wasn't quite as evident what I was, and plus, for some reason MDRF doesn't have a lot of fairies... :-( I dressed as a wood spirit type creature... the next time I went in my rainbow fairy stuff, and had loads of fun, still didn't meet anyone from the forum *puffy face* but next time! I shall, *nods* but I know why I didn't, I don't spend a lot of times in the pubs because my lover boy is allergic to ciggarette smoke... and well, it's a bar! lol but next time I'll probably go a few times without him so then I shall meet people, and be wearing regular garb as soon as I get it made!
I have soo much more fun in garb just because it feels like you're part of something, I don't want to say like the difference between shopping at walmart and being an employee, but maybe like being an actress vs. an audience member, or a performer at a circus vs. the same...
When you're garbed, you really feel like you're part of the magic! Like Pinn said, get an R/F pin so fellow forum members can spot you! It'll look spiffy on your new garb. :)
The Renaisance Faire scene is totally relaxed, fun, mystical, and habit forming.
Going in GARB adds more dimensions to the experience.
Try it!!! You will definitely like it!!!
As far as the case in point.. my name is Pin'n M'Crack.......amusing story behind that, but that is for another time, hopefully face to face ;D
to find out more of us look in the Squires Tavern and find the Clan M'Crack.
Hey all - thanks for the feedback! That does cast things in a new light, I will have to try this in garb of some sort.
I can get away with something simple my first go around right? Do you think maybe just a robe would work? I can get one of those sent to me before Saturday. I think building a whole persona and full set of period clothing might take me more than a few days.
And what does one wear under a Monk Robe? I tried looking on the net for this and got a lot of info about Buddhists lol Do I just wear street clothes under there? What do you do with your wallet, cash, credit cards, keys - and even camera?
you could always buy stuff at the faire, you know. stop into one (or more) places and they'll help you get outfitted. after that, just grab your regular clothes, run back to the car and change.
What do you think they wore? ::)
Quote from: PinnMcrack on August 07, 2008, 10:46:16 AM
What do you think they wore? ::)
It's only obvious to you folks because you have been doing it so long. You forget what it is like to take your first step into this. :-\
Do they wear breeches or trews and a shirt under it? Do they wear those leggings/hose like I've seen? Is it some sort of Tunic like the Romans wore? Do they wear nothing under it?
I'm sorry if the questions seem utterly stupid to some of you - I'm just asking about things I couldn't find a obvious answer to elsewhere online.
I mean in the last few days I've researched a lot of related topics hoping to get an understanding but I'm hoping those with detailed knowledge of the clothes and era can help me along as needed.
I think Pinn was trying to be funny with that comment. Kind of like how a scot always gets asked what he wears under his kilt.
I know a friend who dressed as a friar and just wore trews/breeches and a period shirt underneath. If it was hot enough out, just the pants.
No one is really going to know what is under there, so you could wear whatever will be most comfortable for you.
As for carrying needed items, stop by a leather merchant and buy a pouch (or two). Most decent sized pouches can fit most of what you will need.
Cheers & good luck!
Sean
Quote from: Rafe on August 07, 2008, 11:07:01 AM
I think Pinn was trying to be funny with that comment. Kind of like how a scot always gets asked what he wears under his kilt.
I know a friend who dressed as a friar and just wore trews/breeches and a period shirt underneath. If it was hot enough out, just the pants.
No one is really going to know what is under there, so you could wear whatever will be most comfortable for you.
As for carrying needed items, stop by a leather merchant and buy a pouch (or two). Most decent sized pouches can fit most of what you will need.
Cheers & good luck!
Sean
OH no offense taken - I just hate to sound as stupid as I know I do lol -
Will do! Thanks Sean!
Quote from: Sir Robert of Essex on August 07, 2008, 11:08:20 AM
OH no offense taken - I just hate to sound as stupid as I know I do lol -
Will do! Thanks Sean!
LOL! You definately don't sound stupid. You are researching & asking the right questions. ...and you came to the right place to ask them in my opinion.
Garbing is definitely the way to go. I suggest that rather than having a robe ordered to you at the last minute, show up at the Faire before opening, see the gate opening show, and go in, straight to a few vendors.
Do a little planning ahead of time; watch a few movies from the period (Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves, any of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, 'A Knight's Tale'. 'First Knight', 'The Princess Bride', 'Black Knight', etc.). Watch the costumes. Get yourself in the right frame of mind, then think, 'What type of character would suit me, what would I like to be for the day?' Don't copy any particular character, make your persona your own. It could be as simple as a peasant, a wandering traveller/woodsman, or regular townsfolk. Townsfolk/peasent costumes can be as simple as a peasant shirt, dark pants and boots. A simple vest, doublet or tunic and bracers could easily be added to dress it up a bit. All of these will be available at the vendors at the Faire.
Or you could go more specialized, as in a Knight, Viking/Barbarian, Swordsmen, Druid Priest/Monk or even something mystical like an Elf or a Wizard.
As you get more advanced, if you should so choose, you can construct a character for yourself, from top to bottom. Your imagination is the limit.
Check out websites. Search out Scottish/Irish/Celtic stores near you, they have nice peasant style shirts and other items. Check for costume shops, rentals, etc. in your area if cost is a limiting factor for you.
Most of all, have fun with it.
it's the air maybe you know your part of the group putting on garb
i know it's different it's just something you have to try going in Garb is like putting on wings and soaring with the birds while birds are nice on the ground when you put on wings your one of them.
To GARB or not to GARB that is the question! GO GARB.Try it you'll like it. :D
Definitely, faire is more fun when wearing garb. But I suggest to take it slow. Most of us here will agree that what we bought to wear the first time at faire is not the garb we currently wear. As we learn more and more, by talking to and looking at other people, our tastes will evolve, and the black velvet bathrobe with a zipper up the front with the chain belt and a wreath of flowers on my head now doesn't seem as wonderful as it did 28 years ago when I first wore it and thought I was the cat's meow.
Don't break the bank and buy yourself an outfit that you may wear at first and then it sits in the closet, and you are saying to yourself, "My god, what was I thinking??"
Also, you don't need to have a name, character, persona, history, etc. put together in 1 weekend. There are many of us here that don't have a character, just love to go in garb. The most important thing is to enjoy yourself, and enter into the fun.
Unless you know right off the bat what you want to *garb* in, that takes time to figure out. I found it fun to watch other people in their costumes, see what interested me.
Money wise, that takes time too, budget within your means. Unless you have the cash to drop immediately, which most of us don't.
Take your time, see what tickles your fancy. Then slowly add to your collection, piece by piece. Towards the end of the faires, some vendors are more willing to make a better deal, to get that sale.
Oh the things to think about.
For me going in garb is half the fun. I have convinced most of my family to do it (they were a little hesitant at first) but even the most skeptical was glad they have garb. It took time though. My husband wears a poet shirt a tunic and a belt, and than he just has black jeans and black shoes. I think he secretly desires leather armor but $$ is an issue. It may have been a little harder for him to find something he felt comfortable in than it was for the girls. I think going in garb makes it even more fun go for the garb :).
My stepdaughter was hard at first to convince to go in garb. Last week she asked if she could have a new dress!!! You don't go to the beach in a tux and you don't go to the theatre in cutoffs, same applies here. When you dress the part you feel as if you are that part. My husband first had a monks robe because it was easy to sew, the day the beautiful girl kneeled in front of him and asked what could she do to atone for her sins, made his day!
Wow it really sounds like Garbing is the way to go. I was worried if I show up in something incorrect that people might start snickering or saying 'what a moron' LOL - but it seems like at least starting out I can get away with just something very simple.
I am going to give it a whirl!
I love the outfits that people have put together, when I went last week I must have taken 200 pictures - just of people in the outfits. Some of them look extremely difficult to put together too LOL! People must be ready to pass out under wool cloaks and armor in the middle of summer..
Makes you really wonder about the Crusaders and having to fight in mail armor in the holy land - yikes.
That is one thing to consider very much, your comfort zone. I *HATE* being hot. So, a nice cool comfortable outfit is indeed a must for me. I love the pretty dresses, but, not if I am going to melt in them, no thanks.
If this has been said before it still needs to be repeated. Remember to go for clothing made from "Natural Fibers" ,like cotton and such. This is most likely how those people you saw where able to survive in the heat. ;D
Quote from: Sir Robert of Essex on August 08, 2008, 01:27:41 PMPeople must be ready to pass out under wool cloaks and armor in the middle of summer.
Armor, yes. Wool? Not necessarily! People are constantly surprised how comfortable the period fibers and fabrics really are--particularly when you take into account the protection from the sun. This picture (http://pic50.picturetrail.com/VOL417/1033223/17273772/318098840.jpg) was taken when it was about 85 degrees out. That's *all* wool there (except for my linen shift)--really nice wool flannel, even. And I didn't even break a sweat.
You will very quickly get used to the costumers on this board chanting "
natural fibers, natural fibers, natural fibers." (Linen and wool are the best for staying cool, cotton and silk keep you a little warmer. Of course, you want to take the weight and finish of the wool into consideration, but in general, it's lovely, lovely, lovely all-weather-friendly stuff.)
Quote from: Sir Robert of Essex on August 08, 2008, 01:27:41 PM
People must be ready to pass out under wool cloaks and armor in the middle of summer..
It's not so bad. I am wearing what you see in my picture to every faire I go to this year (there is a higher res version in Arms and Armor "my new scale maille). Last year it was the same, only with slightly lighter chain maille. My daughter will be born in the fall, and chasing around a little one in that next year is not a good prospect, so I need to get it out of my system before that.
Although heavy, the breeze blows right through it. You do sweat a bunch, carrying it around is hard work and tires me towards the end of the day, but how I feel in it and the reaction I get is well worth it. This is not something to start out in, however.
Quote from: robert of armstrong on August 11, 2008, 07:00:58 AM
Quote from: Sir Robert of Essex on August 08, 2008, 01:27:41 PM
People must be ready to pass out under wool cloaks and armor in the middle of summer..
It's not so bad. I am wearing what you see in my picture to every faire I go to this year (there is a higher res version in Arms and Armor "my new scale maille). Last year it was the same, only with slightly lighter chain maille. My daughter will be born in the fall, and chasing around a little one in that next year is not a good prospect, so I need to get it out of my system before that.
Although heavy, the breeze blows right through it. You do sweat a bunch, carrying it around is hard work and tires me towards the end of the day, but how I feel in it and the reaction I get is well worth it. This is not something to start out in, however.
I tried it this weekend in a very simple attire - and have to admit it was more fun than I expected LOL. Though putting it on and off at the car , at first I felt a little weird like people were going to laugh at me.
The material while all wool - was actually pretty comfortable I didn't feel hot even in the sun. It was however, annoying to get to my money, credit cards, and driver license for those character-breaking moments of shopping lol!
So I see I need to invest in a bag of some sort that blends in.
I also encountered a problem with footwear. A Budget-conscious choice got me a pair of Renaissance shoes online, though when they arrived, I realized why they were so well priced - it was all synthetic material. Once my foot was in there, I was sweating like crazy, and this was just the test-wear I did at home before going. Sitting on the sofa with those shoes on for 30 minutes and when I took my feet out my socks were soaking wet. So I had to go to the faire in normal footwear which really looked terrible if anyone paid close attention ( though tried to cover it as much as I good with a floor-length garment ).
Having seen a couple of knightly-sorts wearing sneakers though.. I guess I could have been worse.
But some decent shoes will be next on the agenda. Maybe I'll just start with sandals?
Eventually I'd love to go the Knightly route - I do see chainmail offered online but I have to wonder - how do you know it will fit? I mean I can't haul my Chaimail to my local Chinese laundry and ask them to alter it.
Also it seems to run around $300 for just a chainmail shirt , I hate to gamble with a poor fit!
Unless you're in noble garb, you can most likely get away with some plain leather sandals. Here in Texas, it's not an unusual sight on those 90 degree weekends (plus 80% humidity), I've never given it a second thought. Better to be slightly out of place, if anyone even notices, than to have heat stroke. And they are a lot more comfortable and look better than tennis shoes!
I have heel spurs and have to wear orthodics in any shoe I'm spending all day on my feet in. Several footwear companies make black or brown tennis shoes. They blend in better and until I can find period shoes to put my insoles into keep my feet from hurting all day long.
I love going in garb. I feel awkward if I dont go in garb. lol. I feel more immersed into the experience. Cast and regulars interact with me more when I am in garb. It is so much fun to speak to regulars there, and get photo ops :)
im still waiting for me r/f pin. lol :(
Natural fibers you will ALWAYS be much happier.
On the shoe issue, I have to say leather is the way to go. As much as it is a pain to break in (don't do it at the faire it's self) it is worth it. I would rather spend 50-100 bucks getting a good pair of rennisance or Medival mocassins then wear regualr store bought stuff. My rogue bought a pair to go with his kilt, and they became his sandles for the summer. When it get's chilly we just add matching socks ;D