20 Myths about historical costuming
There are LOTS of myths about historical costuming (which also ventures into the topic of reenacting), which can turn some people off from doing it. I’m going to bust some of those awful myths. (Also note, this is for historical clothing, not Fantasy/Renaissance Festival wear)
- Everything has to be sewn by hand.
Depending on the group you belong to, this one is usually not too much of an issue. Most groups I have had dealings with would rather have you there in garb than staying home, working on hand sewing. However, a good rule of thumb, is if the stitching is visible, you might want to hand stitch. I’d rather have an outfit done, than worry about my stitches showing. (I sew very little by hand if possible) - Corsets hurt.
UG! I hate that scene in Pirates of the Caribbean “You want pain? Try wearing a corset!” Yes, it feels wonderful when your corset/bodies/stays comes off, but they should not be painful to wear. They are a supportive garment for every day wear like a good bra. If your bra hurts, it’s probably not the right size/style for you. Like a properly fitted bra, a corset should be comfortable, but supportive. - All corsets are the same so they should be interchangeable through time periods.
*facepalm* If your corset looks like )( where it curves in with a small waist, but accentuated bust and hips, it’s probably a Victorian style corset. If it looks more like \/ , an ice cream cone, you’ve probably got a pair of bodies or stays which are an earlier style, like renaissance or Georgian. The shape of a corset underneath can dramatically change the shape of the outer layers. - Poor women couldn’t afford corsets.
A corset was a basic piece of wardrobe. Even slaves wore corsets, as can be seen by descriptions of escaped slaves wearing stays. It may be a patched up mess, but it would still be worn, even if there were no jacket on top, as a corset is almost the equivalent of wearing a sports bra while exercising or doing yard work today. - My skirts need to touch the ground.
In most time periods, skirts would be anywhere from calf, to ankle length for out of doors or camp wear. American Civil War tended to have the longest skirts, but even then, when working around a camp, if your skirts touch the ground, they will get dirty, and you can trip on them, not to mention catch them on fire WAY too easily to be practical. Save floor skimming skirts for Civil War ball gowns, worn indoors. - My shoes won’t show.
As I just mentioned, your skirts won’t be touching the ground, so your shoes WILL show! If you can’t afford a good pair of period shoes, try for a simple black shoe with the correct silhouette. Most reenacting groups will help you find someplace to get good shoes from, or may have some ideas or guidelines for you. - I can only do one portrail at a time. (Simple OR High class)
Just because you portray a washer woman in the morning, doesn’t mean that when it comes time for high tea, or the ball, you can’t get your fancy clothes on and portray a duchess or an officers wife too! - Renacting is for Men only.
In MOST cases this is untrue. Few groups will exclude women. Some may have restrictions on what women can portray, but if you don’t like it, you may want to search out a different group. - I won’t be able to Crossplay/wear pants.
A cosplay term, Crossplay means a Woman dressing like a Man, or Man dressing like a Woman. Like #8, the various groups may have restrictions, but the ones I belong to, would rather have more fun people to join them, than to exclude anyone. In the Massachusetts Battalion, not only are women invited to portray men on the battle field (we have an all crossplay women’s cannon crew), but they can portray men around camp as merchants, and other non-military posts. - Wool is hot!
In the winter wool can be warm, but it can also let air circulate in the summer time, and once you sweat, it can actually help to keep you cool. - I can’t wear that many layers in this heat.
You would be surprised at how cool you can feel when wearing period fabrics. However, even in period, people did not always wear all of their layers. There are several period accounts of men taking to the field without their jackets on because of the heat. However, they usually kept their shirts and (usually) waistcoats on, to keep the sun off of their bodies. - I can’t wear Underpants!
Seriously, the only one who knows if you’re wearing underpants is you. There may be issues with ease of using the bathroom in modern undies if you’re wearing a hoop, but it should not make any difference to anyone but you if you’re wearing them. - I’ll have no where to put my stuff!
You’d be surprised if you really dig to find out the kinds of pockets used in different periods. There have been discoveries of pockets for ladies to use with farthingales (hoop skirts) in the renaissance, much like the ones used in the Georgian period. There are lots of pockets for men as time goes on, and purses and pouches are quite often worn as well. - Regular Socks will be just fine.
Sometimes yes, other times, you might need longer socks if your breeches don’t cover the top, since that ribbed edge isn’t very period. It might also get in the way of garters, or gaiters. Try them before you bring them to an event and get embarrassed because your knees show or you can’t get your pants to close over them. Also check if the heel shows oddly with your shoes. - I have to wear my full outfit at all times.
There are many reasons to take off parts of your outfit! It’s hot, you’re eating and don’t want to get it dirty, your feet hurt, you don’t need that pouch right now. - I need someone to help me get dressed.
Most things (even corsets/stays) you can get dressed by yourself with some practice. However, I know in most groups, there’s usually someone who is willing to help. I often help, or loan out my husband’s services as a corset lacer (after helping me lace up for years he’s REALLY good), for ladies having a hard time getting those laces tight enough. - I don’t need sunscreen.
2 weeks. It took 2 weeks and I’ve still got a pair of scars on my chest from not wearing sunscreen on my bosom. - I don’t need a hat.
A) If it has a brim, it will help keep your face and ears from getting sunburn.
B) Almost everyone in period wore some sort of hat.
I know it looks a bit odd to the modern eye, but we have much better control of lice and fleas in this day and age. - All camp followers are whores. (Dressed like ye olde tavern wenches)
There are many camp followers, men and women, who have many chores that the soldiers didn’t have time for. From cooking, to nursing, to even laundry! Many wives refused to leave their husbands and followed the soldiers, some even picked up their fallen spouse’s weapon and joined in the fighting. I would check with your group about what rolls you can portray, but don’t be fooled by thinking you have to be a woman of the night. Also, check with your group, the camp followers may not have had glamorous outfits, but they certainly weren’t underbust bodices with off the shoulder chemises that showed off shoulders, in any time period (see sunburn). - I can’t go out until it is all perfect/Everyone will judge me if I’m not perfect.
I’ve heard many times from many groups “We don’t care if it’s perfect, we just want you to come out and play with us!” Almost every group I’ve seen, will either have loaner gear available, or will help you make your gear, and has a grace period for getting your kit together. NO one is perfect. We find new evidence which changes our views on what is “period” all the time. If someone is criticizing you, maybe they are just socially challenged and are actually trying to offer their help. Seriously, some people don’t know how NOT to come across like a know it all jerk. (I totally have cycles like that, where nothing comes out they way it sounds in my head.)
Originally published at TrishStuff.com. You can comment here or there.