Autumn faires and spring openers can be cold, windy or wet. Medieval people lived outdoors in exactly this weather, and their answer still works: several layers of fabric, a good cloak and sturdy boots. Here's how to stay warm and still look the part.
In short
- Think in three layers: a shirt, a warm middle layer and a cloak on top.
- A modern thermal layer underneath is invisible and makes a big difference.
- Keep your feet dry: boots, gaiters and a spare pair of socks.
- In rain, wear a thin poncho under your cloak and keep velvet for drier days.
The three-layer system
- Base layer. A long-sleeved shirt or blouse. On a cold day, wear a thin thermal top under it.
- Middle layer. A tunic, a laced dress, a vest or a padded coat. This is where most of the warmth comes from.
- Outer layer. A hooded cloak, a long overcoat or a fur-look cape. It blocks the wind and you can take it off when the sun comes out.
Choose your cloak
A cloak is the most useful cold-weather piece you can own, and it goes with almost every character.
- The Hooded Ranger Cloak is a cotton-linen blend, 140 cm long, with a hood. It wraps well against the wind.
- The Velvet Hooded Cloak has a deep hood and stops at 100 cm from the shoulder, so it doesn't trail in the mud.
- The Sleeveless Hooded Overcoat falls below the knee and leaves your arms free.
Not sure which to pick? Read how to wear a cloak.
Warm middle layers
- The Quilted Padded Coat is cut long in the style of a gambeson and is 80% cotton. It is one of the warmest pieces you can wear to a faire, and it looks right for a knight, guard or soldier.
- The Viking Faux Fur Shoulder Cape sits across your shoulders like a thick collar, which is where you feel the wind first.
- For women, a petticoat under a laced dress adds a warm layer, and leggings under a long skirt are never seen.
Boots, legs and feet
- Low Faux Leather Boots have a cotton and faux fur lining.
- Mid-Calf Lace-Up Boots lace closed against mud and wet grass.
- Lace-Up Studded Gaiters go over your own boots and keep the lower leg drier and cleaner.
- Wool socks, and a spare pair in your bag.
Shop warm layers
If rain is forecast
- Wear a thin, clear or dark rain poncho under your cloak. The cloak hides it and takes the worst of the rain.
- Velvet gets heavy when soaked, so choose cotton-linen on a wet day.
- Faux leather wipes clean, so belts, pouches and bracers cope well.
- Keep your phone in a pouch with a flap, or in a small plastic bag inside the pouch.
- Pack a dry shirt for the drive home.
Questions people ask
What should I wear to a Renaissance faire in cold weather?
A long-sleeved shirt with a thermal layer under it, a warm tunic, dress or padded coat, a hooded cloak, and lined boots with wool socks.
Can I wear a modern coat?
Of course. If you'd rather keep the look, wear a fleece under your cloak. Nobody will see it.
Is velvet warm?
Yes, velvet holds warmth well and blocks wind. It is less happy in heavy rain, when it gets heavy.
