A Renaissance dress isn't one garment but a few layers that work together: a light blouse underneath, a fitted laced layer, and a full skirt with a petticoat. Once you know what each layer does, choosing and wearing a dress becomes simple.
In short
- Layer 1 is the chemise, or today a full-sleeved blouse.
- Layer 2 is the fitted, laced dress or bodice that gives the shape.
- Layer 3 is the skirt and petticoat, for fullness and warmth.
- Choose by bust measurement and height, and size up if you layer.
The layers, explained
- The chemise. A loose linen undergarment with full sleeves, worn next to the skin and washed often. Its neckline and sleeves show around the dress. Today, a white blouse such as the Flared-Sleeve Renaissance Blouse does the job.
- The kirtle or bodice. A fitted dress or top, laced at the front, side or back. It shapes the body without a corset. The Square-Neck Lace-Up Renaissance Dress works this way: sleeveless, laced down the front, with a flared skirt.
- The skirt and petticoat. Extra skirts add fullness and warmth. The Lace-Hem Cotton Petticoat goes underneath; the Drawstring Ramie Skirt can be the top skirt with a bodice.
- Extras. An apron, a belt with a pouch, a shawl or a partlet (a thin cover for the neck and shoulders).
Three styles to choose from
- Working or peasant: a laced dress over a blouse, an apron and a thin belt. Cool, practical and right for any faire. See the peasant guide.
- Folk: a full-skirted dress with a short laced vest, like the Full-Skirt Dress and Laced Vest.
- Fantasy: a gown that borrows from history without copying it, such as the Viking Satin Gown with Laced Bodice or the Hooded Elf Dress Costume Set.
Shop dresses and layers
See all dresses and gowns.
Getting the fit right
- Bust first. Compare your bust with the chart. The laced dress runs from XS (bust 90 cm) to 3XL (bust 118 cm).
- Height second. The same chart suggests a height for each size, so the hem lands in the right place. Our laced dress is 114 to 120 cm long, for heights from 150 to 185 cm.
- Room for the blouse. If you wear a blouse underneath, or are between sizes, choose the larger one.
- Lacing. Lace from the bottom up, snug but not tight. You should be able to breathe, sit and eat.
Our measuring guide shows how to measure, and the plus-size guide lists the pieces with the most room.
Questions people ask
What do you wear under a Renaissance dress?
A blouse or chemise, and a petticoat if you want more fullness or warmth. Light shorts under the skirt stop chafing on a long day.
Can I wear the laced dress without a blouse?
Yes, on a hot day. It is sleeveless with a square neck, so a light cotton top underneath works too.
Do I need a corset?
No. A laced dress gives the shape on its own. Read corset vs bodice for the difference.
