Medieval Costume DIY | Starter LARP/FAIR Outfit for 0$

Build a fantasy medieval costume with only the clothes you have at home + medieval costume "hacks" to boost your Medieval Aesthetic. Full item lists included!
Lots of events will let you borrow or rent a costume. For many reasons you may not want to do that, but luckily, you can make something very similar right at home, or even use a combo and build your own base and then rent the rest. Either way I want to help you get started on your adventure. Medieval costuming doesn’t have to be intimidating or expensive.
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/ livinganachronism
00:00 Intro
2:00 Level 1
6:21 Level 2
9:22 Level 3
Make a Medieval Hood the easy Way: • Turning a Modern Hoodi...
Backstitch Tutorial: • Backstitch
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-"Vetur Frosti", "Village Ambiance", "Now We Feast", "The Lone Wolf", "Battle of the Creek", "Medieval Loop" by Alexander Nakarada | www.serpentsoundstudios.com
Music promoted by www.free-stock-music.com
Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
creativecommons.org/licenses/...

[@KubinWielki]

I feel like this is *the* kind of video that youtube (or internet at large) was meant for. An experienced hobbyist sharing his knowledge on how to get into a hobby with as low of an entry barrier as possible, making it accessible to people from all paths of life. Very considerate of you to do it, and I applaud you, good sir.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Thank you!

[@fetteleven1640]

YES

[@keithwhite5301]

I have 2 stepsons, aged 7 & 5. This video gives me hope for a common interest that we can better bond upon. Thank you sir, hope to see you in the LARPing world.

[@danielthompson6207]

Unfortunately, men's fashion has taken a major hit over the past few centuries. This was an excellent video, helping us poor men do well with what little is available.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Definitely agree

[@Leubast]

Bring back the cloak!

[@IMJwhoRU]

@@LivingAnachronism Agree. One thing I’ll add though; if it fits the aesthetic who cares if a piece of clothing was “designed for” a woman? If it’s the look you’re going for, wear it.

[@Rystefn]

"Unfortunately, men's fashion has taken a major hit over the past few centuries" Not just that, but it's pretty much exactly the same as it was a two hundred years ago, especially at the more formal end. The only difference between a suit now and a suit from the 1860s, for example, is how many buttons and how likely it is to be double-breasted. It's tragic, really.

[@caranorn]

Well that depends. But one thing is certain, this video does not show anything approaching medieval fashion. Take a look at the mass of fabric used in the 13th century, how cottes evolve to become ever shorter in the 14th finally leading to 15th century doublets over joined hosen. And colours, where are the colours? Indigo (and woad) dyed blues, madder reds, weld yellows, combined dyes and finally the pure black that became so fashionable in the 15th century. And yes, even peasants wore clothing significantly richer than what is portrayed in this video, which of course does not have a single cut resembling historic examples.

[@jeannereed4989]

Ok, working mom here.... hard, long hour working mom... got home from work at midnight to see a note from my son. See, He has a field trip tomorrow, and I get to go! They've been studying medieval times and we're going on a tour of a real castle. We will all start as pages and hopefully graduate to knighthood. Anyway, costumes are encouraged. He didn't want to dress up, though I was dying to! Well, apparently at last minute he changed his mind and wants to be a peasant. I was slightly in panic mode, but this video was a huge help!! Thanks so much!

[@hayley6094]

Pro tip for ladies- scarves, especially ones that are wide enough that you can wrap them like a shawl. You can even use infinity scarves like a peasant cowl if they’re big enough and you wrap + pin them right.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Great tip!

[@danicatempleton6745]

To my LARP's October game I wore a large wool scarf from my regular wardrobe around like a shawl and then tucked it into my belt. I got many compliments on how I winterized my kit :P

[@jarnopit8934]

I literally do not understand how you’re not among the ranks of shadiversity and skallagrim, this is superb quality content. Great stuff, will share it.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Probably because I just started, but thank you so much! I'd love to get to where they are one day!

[@orphanedpotatolord]

husa a man of quality

[@orphanedpotatolord]

@@LivingAnachronism he is right thou

[@spook233]

You should look at Shad's newest video! Guess who he's singing the praises of?!?!?

[@swbrown1995]

You'll get there I'm sure just keep up the great work and quality

[@rockinHurley777]

I made a legolas costume and wore it to the fair and the greeter there bowed and said "you're the only legolas I've seen all year!" He was ecstatic and I felt great lol

[@katherinec6031]

I know, I rarely see LotR at all. It was SO popular, and then it was considered overdone for a while so it disappeared, but I think it is ready to be new again. Same for Narnia (though it wasn’t nearly as popular to dress up as to begin with, it’s a similar age)

[@erikrandan7294]

LOL my wife is the living embodiment of what you said about Women's clothing. A friend went to the Ren Faire with us and didn't know what to wear, so my wife went to her closet and pulled out a few items and said "Try these on".... they were clothes she wears on a daily basis😆

[@LivingAnachronism]

That's me too, but for my guy friends. Someone needs a cloak or something, they come to me haha!

[@Leubast]

Reminds me of when Shad wore his wife's dress.

[@willmfrank]

Fun fact about those waffle-textured underclothes: When Greg and Tim Hildebrandt were illustrating "The Lord of the Rings," they dressed their models in waffle underwear as reference to represent chain mail.

[@LivingAnachronism]

I used to use them as chain mail when I was a kid

[@willmfrank]

@@LivingAnachronism If you use the black or dark grey versions, you can mix silver craft paint with fabric-painting medium and dry-brush, catching just the high spots; the effect is very convincing when used onstage -- but not so much for close-up live theatre, and not at all for film or video.

[@SynnJynn]

Long Johns?

[@KatieGimple]

Time to start converting my wardrobe to be more medieval so I can look properly eccentric!

[@annbrookens945]

I know, right? I want to convert a couple hoodies right now!

[@zxyatiywariii8]

It's also practical; I have a winter cloak that's so much warmer than any coat I've ever had. So I can definitely recommend some Medieval styles work excellently in the 21st century.

[@Rajaat99]

This is a fantastic video. Another tip I've done in the past, when a friend has no proper footware, is to wrap their tennis shoes in burlap. That works well for children as well. Also, mostly for kids, get an old white t-shirt with no logos. Cut off the collar, cuffs, and bottom. Then soak it in water with black tea bags. It dyes it to a great yellow-white color. Black or brown sweats and you got yourself a peasant's costume.

[@ghifarakbar8492]

or a slave costume xD

[@Rajaat99]

@@ghifarakbar8492 Practically the same thing.

[@MomShots]

Great ideas!

[@kittyestes3656]

As a goth I haven't a hard time piecing together an ensemble my husband however only has Victorian outfits so this was most helpful!

[@ningkon3787]

That's kinda awesome actually

[@Drchweber]

“Because.... hi.” Smooth. 😏 Good ideas, well presented. Well done, sir.

[@experiencedwitness2575]

I need more of this in my life

[@tyrian666]

Another tip: If you want your character to wear fur you can go to ikea or whatever (in switzerland we have obi, ikea etc.) And get one of those faux fur carpet and cut it into shape I did it and it works great my character wears fur "tassets" over the tunic with a wide belt and it fits for my northern dwarven style (it kinda looks like ive killed and skinned 3 wolves one for each leg and one for a fur "cape")

[@merlinjenkins3814]

Ah yes, the game of thrones extra option. (No really they used the £10 sheepskins for Night's Watch cloaks!)

[@tyrian666]

@@merlinjenkins3814 that explains a lot 😂 I have not yet watched game of thrones eventhough someone once gifted me the entire series on blueray 😅

[@whoahanant]

Honestly if the clothing is neutral enough you can just grab womens clothes for some parts. Just because something is in the mens or womens section doesn't mean you can't wear it. If it isn't too frilly and more of a neutral type of clothing that happens to be in the womens section then you can grab that and use that. Sadly mens fashion and clothing is kinda static.

[@darthswagedorn]

For real, I have done this exact thing. The outfit I wore to my first Ren Faire came mostly from the women's section of a local thrift store, and it worked perfectly!

[@katherinec6031]

My brother used the same tunic for his medieval peasant costume that I used previously as an overdress for my Briton woman costume…and it is literally just a plus-sized shirtdress from a thrift store paired with base layers and a belt. Looked completely different on us, and looked great both ways haha

[@paulkline1574]

For level two, if you have a pullover style hoodie (so, no zipper) that you can modify, remove the sleeves, and the handwarmer pocket (if there is one) and you can start there. If you are so inclined, you can get a grommet kit, split the front, fold the edges over and use the grommets as lacing holes (possibly level three)

[@ronv6637]

Already have grommet kit in tool box, another use for my tool addiction

[@paulkline1574]

One of the things you can do for Level 1 garb is to turn the sweatpants inside out (tucking the pockets in, because, duh) and they look very similar to "woolen hose". This way, it doesn't look like sweatpants.

[@alanmackinnon3516]

Do you know what woollen hose actually look like. All the hose I've seen in illustrations and have worn are tight fitting, not lose fitting.

[@paulkline1574]

@@alanmackinnon3516 Was that an actual question, or just a thinly veiled insult?

[@alanmackinnon3516]

@@paulkline1574 I'm sorry if you thought it was a insult, it was genuinely question and I just explaining the reason I said what I said. As I say I do apologise if you took it the wrong way.

[@paulkline1574]

@@alanmackinnon3516 Ah, "I do apologize if you took it the wrong way." The classic non-apology. So, it was an insult. Good to know.

[@gabrielvega1713]

As a broke dude who was the jeans and a tshirt guy at my first ren faire last year (it was actually shorts and a tshirt), and is so excited to go again this year, I can already tell your channel is going to save my "wasted at ren faire budget" from being entirely spent on a costume the week before that wont even look good

[@HumpeMakeup]

I'm a woman and have been larping for 16 years - but I LOVED this video 🥰🥳

[@LivingAnachronism]

Thank you!

[@wesleybarrett9502]

Instead of Brooch you can use jute twine or leather thongs/strings or make then from leather scraps. To save those blankets you love of course.

[@Valkanna.Nublet]

I've been thinking about this since watching and something just occurred to me. You mentioned that you're not sure about women's clothing, but still managed to make a couple of suggestions. I have another suggestion. Many women have leggings of some variety. It seems to me that they could be used as hose, just need to cover up the elastic at the top and bottom. I know this video is about doing a costume for $0 but leggings are usually cheap so a guy could grab himself a pair that fits.

[@domingopgarcia8391]

Im gonna level with you, I mostly wear women clothing when dressing for larp, to the point I routinely go browse the womens section and know my sizes and measurements for it. Its way cheeper, easier to find, and omg the boots selection alone is worth it

[@JeremySpringfield]

This is the best video on newbie garb that I've seen in 20 years. Well done! And I learned what a waffle henley shirt is. I have a couple just never learned what they were called.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Thank you! Best compliment I could ask for.

[@tiedyebadger]

Shoes are absolutely the holy grail of garb. They make or break your look

[@tabithamartin4092]

My very first Renn Faire outfit was simple and only cost me like $2. Black sweat pants, moccasin boots, a yard of cloth (the $2) that I cut a hole in to fit my head through, and a belt. The fabric became a basic peasant tunic that I belted off. simple, easy, and oddly enough, many thought I worked at the Faire that day.

[@brobergaaron]

Just shared this video with a bunch of friends and you got some new subscriptions, sir! My wife was cracking up at all your jokes about the ladies clothes. FYI, we found this video when searching for videos about cloaks and brooches because my two boys are loving the Prydain book series and want to do some dress up. Adaon’s brooch to your KZbin channel - what a world.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Thank you Sir!

[@EmberLeo]

If you do make that modern hoodie hood, cut the plastic tips off the shoelace-style drawstring cord, and stitch the ends shut. Bonus points for removing the grommet and stitching that hole as well, or at least doing something to take the chrome level shine off of it. The modern plastic ends and the shiny modern grommets are the remaining giveaway that the hood started life as a fleece hoodie!

[@markkupeltoniemi5954]

That sword is driving me nuts. Its bloking the door from opening. Does not decrease the level of the video, excellent work.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Set will be changing drastically, and quite shortly!

[@ingridwendt9963]

CT faire shared you and this was great! now when my guy friends say they have nothing medieval for the faire i can show them this!

[@urchincreature]

I'm a big medieval clothing and textile nerd and imo this was pretty excellent. It's great to help demystify medieval clothing and make it more accessible. Love the hoodie hoods and hose, very inventive! Done the Chelsea boots and blanket cloaks and Asian style ('kurta'?) under shirts before - good advice. I would add a straw or felt wide brimmed hat with a round crown, if wanted; great for hot sunny days. White veils for femmes, from an old sheet or scarf, pinned with sewing pins if needed, is so ubiquitous and unmistakably medieval.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Excellent additions!

[@speakinspells]

this is so great! my husband isn't into larp or medieval things so he wont ever wear a costume, but this!! this works so well with every day clothes. thank you!

[@bumboy5348]

Coming back to this vid every Ren Fair

[@satellite2696]

The renaissance fair is in town this month. Trying to get my gf and I looking apparently. Thanks man.

[@SirFrederick]

Well that was interesting. I hand sew a new outfit for each Renn. Faire Year.

[@dureyinpyles6321]

Dude this is so cool!! I'm literally going to a renaissance fair in two days

[@LivingAnachronism]

Hey have fun! If for some reason it happens to be the CT Renaissance Faire, I'll be there.

[@dureyinpyles6321]

Will do! No it's the ren fair in kuna Idaho but ya it should be a blast. I'm going to be a minstrel there, I have a Rebec and a hurdy gurdy I'm going to be playing

[@LivingAnachronism]

@@dureyinpyles6321 Oh man that's awesome! With luck I may be on that end of the country one day, so perhaps one day we'll run into each other at the faire in idaho.

[@dureyinpyles6321]

@@LivingAnachronism ya man that would be Awesome

[@this_jedi_crafts6626]

So happy that the KZbin algorithm lead me to your channel - can't wait to explore your other content. Just so HAPPY to find someone focused on Men's Renaissance/ Medieval/ LARP'ing content for MEN! I know that a.lot of men don't get into it but for those that love to Cosplay AND do Renaissance Faires - this is a great resource. I'm a fairly skilled, self-taught sewer and have also noticed that there are almost zero videos on at least putting together a McCall's (or other commercial sewing pattern) for Renaissance (usually not historically accurate costumes) so maybe, if I can get organized, I can create content around that. But THANK YOU for this video (and for your channel). You look amazing and the layers are great.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Thanks so much! Detailed sewing tutorials for men's clothing would be a fantastic resource. I'm not equipped to do that, but networking, networking. If you start putting out content like that please let me know. I'm glad that the algorithm seems to have picked me up a little bit! :)

[@karrde5566]

this is really helpful i basically wore brown pants light green self dyed shirt and flip flops for my first ren faire lol

[@tyroneharwood4391]

there aren't a lot of larp clothing video's for men out there, let alone one's this helpful

[@jarerum3840]

Thanks for mentioning the shoes. I have been working on my costume for over 10 years but as a student, the budget for medieval leather shoes was always too much... But I have recently been thinking I should invest in them nonetheless. Your words just highlighted how important they are!

[@BRAXSlS]

4 years ago I had a 1000 dollars. I was going to put together the most creative custom epic somewhat fantasy medieval outfit, armor, and gear and was going to find a way to make it super lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear but I didn't know how and then 2 years went by and I had nothing! This bro is a genius! Thoe then again maby I'm just bad at costume design, lol

[@Lillogicaallegria]

Maybe unconsciously for all these years I’ve bought stuff that fits but you’re right, I’ve discovered my wardrobe is 30% medieval and 35% pirates (because hey “everything’s better with pirates!”) and all works perfectly for a “very soft everyday LARP” (I don’t know how to call it!) because are my actually dresses, not random stuff for costumes. About boots (not blue ones of course)…have you ever notice how different anyone walks with boots instead of sneakers? So much heavy and bold, so much adventurer! I’m putting together some outfits and now I can wear my garb if I want to have fun and don’t look ridiculous (I’m 48, understand!) …outside I’m ok, in my mind I’m ready for an adventure, whether I walk the dog in the woods or need go to town. I've never think about it and I had it under my eyes in all these years...You taught and old dog new tricks, I’m very grateful, you lightened my life.

[@angstydoodles1101]

Remember, kids, thrift stores are your friends. I haven't quite yet gotten into LARP or Ren Fairs or what have you, but I do cosplay sometimes. Thrift stores have saved me from selling a kidney.

[@LivingAnachronism]

The importance of thrift stores can NOT be understated. Great finds almost every time.

[@KorumEmrys]

Also, to enhance thin soled leather boots, cut larger vehicle tire strips or pieces to boot outline with chalk and use either twine or boot laces or leather thong strips to tie the tire pieces over the sole. I cut mine out with bolt cutters and wire cutters and used gorilla glue to make reinforced sole over moccasin boot soles including a toe cover to enhance protection, which is more important than having a flat sole on moccasin boots, particularly if you intend to CAMP or hike in your costumer/period gear and wardrobe. =)

[@LivingAnachronism]

Great comment, I've seen some people do something similar with moccasins (currently making my first pair now!), they take a rasp and create a rubber dust and then combine that with glue and paint it onto the soles. Any thoughts on this method?

[@zentierra7803]

Just came over from Shadversity, upon hearing that good sir extoll your merits. I was greeted by this fantastic (and so very useful) introductory video on your home page...and subscribed on the spot. Looking forward to exploring your channel!

[@LivingAnachronism]

Thank you kindly!

[@MechaBorne]

This video shows that there are no excuses to not dress up for a faire! Really resourceful and thoughtful video here, new favorite channel!

[@SigneofHorses]

Best advise from this.. wear your own clothes.. they fit and make you feel comfortable thus believable to be something a character would wear.

[@garybonz]

Thanks for the tips !

[@IuliaBlaga]

This was epic! I love how inclusive to all levels this channel is.

[@Stickmanyisus]

this is amazing thank you

[@mickmackplays]

I love your videos! I am sharing them with my larp friends!

[@KorumEmrys]

MEN - Men's Khaki's, Pleated or Plain Front-Brown or Grey are fine as well. Mandarin Collared shirts, Henley-style shirts-Both are good. Wear a brown or black leather belt. Brown or black leather shoes or boots-NOT western boots. An Old Wool blanket -fold in half and cut hole to put head through. Wear belt around blanket tunic. If any leather drawstring or other leather pouch. Scottish Bonnet ar driving cap will work for hat. Solid or Plaid colored wool blanket as cloak would be great if available.

[@MomShots]

This video is so great! I love that you broke it down into levels. I’m excited to check out your other videos now. Thanks!

[@TealCheetah]

What great suggestions!

[@patriciacole7976]

Really cool ideas.

[@IsmaelKenig]

THANK YOU! This is exactly what I was looking for!

[@aidan4472]

9:20 I am going to throw this channel’s name around the D&D community now, because with these videos, you deserve the same recognition as Lord Shad himself.

[@LivingAnachronism]

Thanks very much!

[@macallanswinney186]

Nice and simple thank you sooo much!

[@sagapoetic8990]

Thank you for these fantastic ideas! I just discovered your video and subscribed -- I'm looking forward to exploring your videography. TY again

[@ericarsenault9891]

Very well done, lot's of great tips =)

[@pimedus9675]

A very good video! Sharing it in different forums and groups! :)

[@annbrookens945]

Cool! This was extremely helpful and instructive. I'm always up for learning new ways to cobble together believable costumes!

[@danhurl1349]

This video is brilliant!!

[@carlwegener7544]

This was a very well delivered.

[@r32456]

Thank you so much. This will help so much as we make clothes this year.

[@krystalz2166]

Thank you so much for this! I've been looking for two years for something like this

[@titanicwasaninsidejob6210]

amazing video. thanks for this.

[@RGBthe4]

Great video! Very helpful for my first Ren Faire

[@robertortiz-wilson1588]

Very organized and easy to understand, thanks!

[@CharIsMe]

I love your videos. They're informative, interesting, and you've got a great sense of humor. You're doing great work!

[@skyywriting]

Thanks so much for this video! It is absolutely perfect for what I was looking for and so helpful! All of the visuals of the different levels was great. Thanks for putting so much time into this!

[@celinepark6855]

This video is freaking amazing

[@brendonsorenson344]

Nice Eyelets! Just teasing! Great video!!!! Love the reusing of the hoodie sleeves!

[@eckohelmick1710]

Literally the most helpful video I’ve seen OMLLLL

[@einarlotric]

Your awesome, this video gave me so much input for my handfasting ceremony outfit.

[@94cubisa]

Thank you!

[@floofymuffin]

This was helpful and delightful. THANK YOU.

[@brooky2907]

bro im in the middle of making a medieval short film and this is GOLDEN

[@ameliabyrne9070]

Joined for first time, subscribed and liked and.... shared with all my friends.

[@jakerz8724]

I just found your channel. Keep up the good work!

[@waderoberts3701]

This is impressive.

[@that_shanti9355]

I just LOVE your presentation :)

[@LivingAnachronism]

Thank you so much!

[@jona6792]

This is perfect. Thank you so much❤️

[@LivingAnachronism]

Glad you like it!

[@GhostlydoesArt]

Been looking for costume ideas for my D&D character (he's a wood elf druid). This helped so much. Definitely subscribing! Thanks for the video!

[@Ifyouaskmewellwhoaskedyou]

This really helped so much with my son’s medieval school project & presentation (which included a costume). LARPing has always seemed like fun! Thank you!

[@3.75istheway7]

Really like your hood! Mine is blue and I also have a gray one

[@creaksmcgee6620]

thank you so much i have 2 top quality costumes that are so comfy and nice

[@katherinec6031]

Estate sales are fantastic for fasteners and accessories. I’ve found many beautiful pins, brooches, and other pieces of jewelry that way. Especially good if you are doing fantasy medieval-one of my joys is a leaf brooch I found that was silver and gold themed, and became a deep cut piece as Pippin’s elven brooch that Aragorn finds (“not idly do the leaves of Lorien fall” and all that-by that time, the green of the brooch had faded to silver…which I imagine was due to the elf magic lol)

[@danielbetham80]

This is amazing and im only just starting in larp so this is perfect

[@celestejavier6464]

Good tips for a last minute renisance festival costume 👍

[@yiannimigias4024]

Your channel is FIRE. Get this man more subs. You helped me develop a healthy mentality for going into my first Ren Faire.

[@joshbingham212]

Great video man! Looks like I found my Halloween costume this year!

[@graysonshinault8454]

going to my first faire i love this video

[@MadCarTK]

Going to the fair in June next year and need to make something to wear!

[@diegooland1261]

Thank you!! I really need to level up. Great advice. Henley shirts, my new BFF.

[@podladog0075]

Holy motherload of information! My friends and I are looking at role playing as an adventuring party for next years Ren fest and this is a ton of fantastic information!

[@loupagoo]

I was tasked to create a costume for my partner for the upcoming renfair and this is exactly what I needed! Thank you so much for this excellent video!

[@charlesfournierletourneau9369]

The thing where you spot a nice medieval thing I get so good!!

[@moistmilkies]

Best tutorial, seriously! 10/10

[@acecondor289]

Hey Kramer, just wanted to thank you for these videos. My buddy and I went to a big Ren Faire in Washington this week and decided to go in costume for the first time. Your advice for making some starter costumes was invaluable and I was actually really proud of how I ended up looking. Keep up the good work man!

[@ksspang]

Solid video, enjoyed the ideas and the way your personality comes through without being ridiculous or over the top and annoying. Well done!

[@zionscreations]

You saved me soooooo much money, time, and stress. GREAT video!