Children love faires: knights, jugglers, animals, games and, best of all, dressing up. A child's faire outfit should be simple, comfortable and easy to run in. Here's how to put one together from one or two new pieces and what's already in their wardrobe.
In short
- Start with a lace-up shirt in cotton. It works for a knight, Viking, ranger or villager.
- Add their own dark trousers or leggings and comfortable boots.
- Choose the size by age and chest measurement, with a little room to grow.
- Shirts that lace at the neck are not for toddlers.
The base: a shirt that does every character
A loose, laced shirt is the start of almost every child's outfit.
- The Kids' Lace-Up Renaissance Shirt is cotton, in black or white, sized from 3–4 years to 12–14 years.
- The Kids' Stand-Collar Shirt is cotton with a stand collar and a lace-up front, in dark brown, khaki, navy, red or white, from 3–4 years to 13–14 years.
Five easy characters
- Young knight: a white or red shirt, dark trousers, a belt, and a shield made at home from card. Many faires sell wooden swords and shields too.
- Little Viking: a brown or khaki shirt, a belt worn low, and a small pouch.
- Little ranger: a green or brown shirt, dark trousers, boots and a small pouch on the belt.
- Villager: a white shirt with a long skirt or trousers and a small coin pouch.
- Squire: a navy or red shirt with a belt and a home-made tabard cut from felt.
Shop kids' pieces
Getting the size right
Both shirts are sized by age, but children vary a lot at the same age. Measure around the chest and compare it with the size chart on the product page. If they're between sizes, choose the larger one: these shirts are cut loose, and they'll get another season out of it. See how to measure.
Safety and comfort
- Neck laces: shirts that lace at the neck with a cord are not suitable for toddlers. Tie the laces short for older children.
- Props: choose soft or wooden toy swords, and check the faire's rules.
- Hems: keep trousers and skirts above the ankle so they can run without tripping.
- Sun: a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.
- A meeting point: agree on a place to meet if you get separated, and put your phone number somewhere on them, such as a wristband.
Keep the day fun
- Plan around the joust and one or two children's shows.
- Take breaks in the shade between activities.
- Let them choose one small souvenir at the end of the day.
Questions people ask
Do children dress up at Renaissance faires?
Lots do, and performers love talking to young knights and princesses. Nothing elaborate is needed.
What age is best for a first faire?
Any age can enjoy it, but children from about five upwards get the most out of the shows and the joust.
