Summer Means Renaissance Events- Costuming on the Cheap!

Abby H.

Summer means lots of excuses to dress up in funny clothes: Renaissance faires and festivals, Viking events, Medieval faires, Scottish Highland games, SCA events, and fantasy events! Costumes can be expensive, and with the loss of Joann Fabrics, there aren’t a lot of places to buy fabrics and patterns. Sometimes, thrifting costumes (sometimes called garb in these circles) or buying online can be more time or cost-effective than making it yourself.

Looking for basic, medieval-looking clothing pieces can help you start a wardrobe. When looking for garb options, look for natural fibers like linen, wool, cotton, silk, ramie, or rayon. These types of fabric are found in nature and are breathable. They are also easier to care for. Here are some of the items to keep your eyes open for at thrift stores.

One look that can be thrifted

Women:

  • Plain colored peasant blouses
  • Long, flowing skirts
  • Tunic-style tops
  • linen or cotton pants with drawstring waists
  • Plain/ solid colored long dresses
  • Scarves
  • Belts
  • Vests
  • Cloaks/capes
  • Pouches/drawstring purses
  • Knee socks
  • Boots
  • Mary janes
  • Clogs
  • Sandals
  • Floppy felt hats
  • Jewelry

Men:

  • Tunic-style tops
  • linen or cotton pants with drawstring waists
  • “Pirate” collared shirts
  • Boots (tall boots, chukka boots, combat boots)
  • Vests
  • Belts
  • Cloaks/capes
  • Pouches/drawstring purses

In addition to clothing and accessories, thrift stores are great places to look for fabric, notions, and trim. Cotton, linen, wool, silk, ramie, and rayon are great choices. 100 percent cotton top sheets are also a good choice for under tunics or for lining other garments. White linen tableclothes and curtains make great undertunics and aprons.

Local San Diego, CA, thrift stores that have a good clothing selection:

  • Veterans Thrift 1130 E Main St El Cajon, CA  92021
  • Veterans Thrift 1049 Elkelton Blvd Spring Valley, CA  91977
  • Veterans Thrift 881 Broadway Chula Vista, CA  91911
  • AMVETS Thrift Store 999 Cardiff St San Diego, CA  92114
  • AMVETS 3441 Sutherland St #2031, San Diego, CA 92110
  • Twice Treasured Thrift Store 8363 Center Dr Unit 2 La Mesa, CA 91942
  • Thrift Corral Thrift Store 8693A La Mesa Blvd La Mesa, CA 91942
  • Father Joe’s Villages Thrift 405 Broadway Chula Vista, CA  91910
  • Father Joe’s Villages Thrift 1457 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
  • Valley Thrift 2085 E Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92027 (cash only)
  • Assistance League of North County Thrift Store 2068 E Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92027
  • Bridge Thrift 9617 Campo Rd Spring Valley, CA 91977
  • Bridge Thrift 4220 Balboa Ave San Diego, CA 92117
  • Goodwill Outlet 1466 F St San Diego, CA 92101
  • Goodwill Outlet 1996 Don Lee Pl Escondido, CA 92029

If you have trouble finding shoes, don’t worry. No one is going to think less of you for wearing modern-looking shoes. There are a lot of people who have to wear specific shoes for orthopedic reasons.

Look 2 for women- A long sleeved white blouse under a long jumper style dress to mimic a medieval Surcoat outfit.
Look 2 for men- A Near Eastern men’s ensemble.

If the thrill of the thrift store hunt isn’t for you, but you still want to save money when looking for your first garb, there are a lot of places online to look.

I know Temu gets a bad wrap, but there are a lot of companies that sell on Temu that drop ship items from all over the US, which means quick shipping and no import taxes.

Amazon is the same- there are a lot of great pieces that are available that work great for garb.

The Amazon Store PROCOS has great linen tunics and accessories for men and women.

Looking for knee socks? This is a great value.

And these linen pants are really soft and comfy. I own a few pairs.