Well, folks, I've decided to put together a costume in anticipation for the Ren Faire at the Mount Hope winery here in PA this year.

I'm conflicted as to which way I'm going to go. I've checked out MRL's website and they have quite a few things I think I would really like. The only problem is, my finances can only allow for one costume at a time, so what I get will probably have to last me for a few years. I'm considering the possibilities of a Viking Age (I'll probably be trying for Anglo-Saxon), an early-medieval (I would REALLY like to do a Templar kit), and a late-medieval/early-renaissance costume.

I'm thinking of the following combination:

THIS tunic...

THESE pants...

And THESE boots...


... I should note that dead-on-balls historical accuracy isn't really my goal. My question is "would a die-hard Viking Age enthusiast be able to look at me without bursting out into hysterical laughter?"

I should also note that I'm trying to avoid wearing hosen. My college string ensemble and I once wore them with knee-length shirts to perform at a Madrigals dinner (Renaissance-themed cuisine and music performed by the chamber choir). They itched, they didn't move right, and I couldn't wait to get out of them. I prefer loose-fitting, breathable clothing, ESPECIALLY when I'm walking around at the Ren Faire in what is sure to be 90-degree heat with high humidity. Otherwise, historical accuracy would be higher on my list, across all periods.


I'm also torn as to what to do for swords and other weaponry. For a sword, I'm seriously considering the Huskarl sword in the Albion Mark lineup, as it can function as a "switch-hitter" between Viking-themed or Anglo-Saxon-themed costumes.

However, since I anticipate putting together a Templar kit at some point, I have also considered the "Stamford" and the "Norman" models, as they would be able to match both sets of costume...

Of course, by choosing something more culture-specific, like the Huskarl, I give myself a viable excuse to buy another sword somewhere down the line...


I'm afraid I already know the answer, but I'll ask for the sake of ritual...

If you guys were in my situation, what would you do?

My thoughts... Not trying to be harsh here.

Tunic: Well its not too bad since its wool. However, being MRL you are likely to find someone else in the same thing.
Pants: Not very good IMO. You should go with baggy braes and linen chausses. These are alot different than the later period hosen it sounds like you are describing.
Boots: COMPLETELY AHISTORICAL. This is the worst of the bunch. Don't get 'em. Absolutely no evdience for anything like these. Get some ankle high turnshoes.

Might I suggest Historic Enterprises Dark Ages line.
http://www.historicenterprises.com/cart.php?m...&c=101
Can't beat them for authenticity. Though the turnshoes they offer are of later design, so you should look to other places. I got mine from Revival Leather.

As for period, well I have to admit I do 11th C. Norman, so I'm alittle biased. We could always use more Saxon dogs.... errrr... I mean serfs.... :lol: ;)
Go for the Stamford. If I wasn't waiting for a Reeve and Senlac, I'd order one. Although I must admit, the crossguard is alittle early for a templar impression, the teacozy is awesome...

I tried to post a reply and got a "Bad Gateweay" erro message. Sent you a PM instead :)

Oooh....costuming, one of my most favorite subjects. :D

I would second the recommendation of the Historic Enterprises site, you definitely woudln't get laughed at in most of those clothes (by me at least). But then, I am biased towards Anglo-Saxon and Viking styles (they are sooo appealing to this lady!). :p

Whatever style you go with, definitely do not choose those boots. Shoes, as my more fashion-conscious sisters have told me many times, affect the look of the entire outfit. Get some sexy winingas instead. ;)

Best of luck, and post some pics please when your garb is complete! :D

Okay, everyone, I got it-- lose the boots.

Out of curiosity, as every one of the websites carry Viking Age shoes, were boots not invented yet?

I also posted this topic in SFI, and a few of them recommended Historic Enterprises as well. So it looks like they're a safe bet.

Seeing as how they also sell both Anglo-Saxon and Viking pattern trousers, I feel somewhat vindicated in my choice of pants...

So, a few more questions:

1) I see Historic Enterprises sell winingas. Does anyone carry these linen leg-wraps you Norman guys (whom, despite their little squeaker of a victory on Senlac Hill, are still, in the end, French) are talking about? They sound a little easier to wear in the summer than the heavy wool winingas...

2) I was thinking about getting a scabbard/suspension/belt set-up when I order the sword, so period accuracy shouldn't be an issue there. Out of curiosity, were there NO belt-suspended scabbards at this time, or were they just UNCOMMON? In my years of entertaining this hobby, I have learned that is an important distinction...

Thanks everyone, so far. Keep the pointers coming!

Jeremiah, you and I don't live too far from each other (relatively speaking). We ought to try to get together one weekend at the PA Ren Faire.

I personally will not buy any more clothing or accessories from MRL or their clones. My reason? Three words: cotton, rayon, and spandex. That equals hot. Nevermind the historical inaccuracies in design.

Smith,...what a nice Saxon name :D not really I am just kidding. for the pants I would go with these http://cgi.ebay.com/FLAX-NORMAN-PANTS-TROUSER...dZViewItem
as I think the braise and chuasses seem a little off for a viking costume and www.revival.us has a new set of fiking shoes.

After looking around abit, I have found references to braes and chausses found at Hedeby, so they most certainly were worn by Vikings....

Yeah, I'm sure you are correct about them being in use but I guess it is more of a personal taste in viking wear. Of coarse I would be useing an earlier persona and the thought of braise and chausses in an Iceland winter :eek:

Jeremiah: If you are doing 11th C. Saxon, a sword belt would work too. I was just saying a Baldric for sure if you were going to go Viking. To be honest, the Bayeux tapestry and other 11th C. sources are so vague that many swords seem to stay at warriors hips as if by magic. Some were certainly held beneath the hauberk, but most seem to hang there, without either a baldric or belt. So its really up to how you want to interpret it.
You know what screams Saxon to me (well besides a broken back seax) Dane Axe! If you really want to stand out as a Saxon, get a Dane Axe...
As for the chausses vs pants. Well thats one of the good things about this period, if you want to go trousers, there is still evidence. However, when you get around to a century later, and your templar kit, sorry bud your gonna have to if you want to be anywhere close to authentic
As for the death of William: Swollen naked body on the floor??? Sounds like the Elvis of the 11th C. to me. I could make a joke about exploding all over the scene, but it would be in very bad taste (or smell)... :lol: :p ;)

David: Raymond's Quiet Press is awesome. Though I have never used them, several friends have, and the product is always top notch. http://www.jelldragon.com/index.htm is a good place to look too. I am making a belt with some fittings I purchased from them.
Jeremiah, you should check both of those places, you should find enough bling between the two places to flesh out your kit. Make sure to search the belt fittings in crafts at Jelling Dragon, as they have some nice Saxon belt stuff.