I’m Kayla, and yes, I wear men’s ren clothes. I like the fit, and the pockets (when there are any). I spent this past season at two big fairs and three small ones. Hot days, muddy days, and one windy night. I learned what holds up, what pinches, and what makes strangers yell “Huzzah!” at you in the food line.
Here’s the thing: some pieces feel like costumes. Some feel like real clothes. I learned the hard way.
If you want the minute-by-minute recap (plus a few outtakes I couldn’t fit here), I put together a diary on Penny Chic that breaks down how I wore men’s Renaissance clothing for a whole season and what really passed the test.
My quick picks from real use
- Armstreet linen shirt (natural, size M): breezy, soft, no cling. 9/10
- Museum Replicas/Windlass doublet (black, size L): sharp look, warm. 8/10
- Mytholon “Gustav” pants (brown, size L): roomy, sturdy seat. 8/10
- Dark Knight Armoury belt pouch (medium): fits phone and card case. 9/10
- Fugawee Cavalier boots (brown, size 9 with gel insoles): comfy after break-in. 8/10
- Cloak and Dagger Creations wool cloak (forest green): cozy, heavy. 9/10
- Etsy leather mug frog (simple loop): works; tools smell like real leather. 10/10
For my body: I’m 5'7", wider shoulders, short torso. I carry weight in my hips. I usually buy men’s M shirts, L pants, L doublets. Belts in size L with extra holes.
What I wore, and why it worked
The Armstreet linen shirt was my base. It’s not flashy. But it breathes. The sleeve ties stayed put, even when I hauled a cooler. The hem hit mid-thigh, so it tucked into pants without creeping out. I wore it straight from the wash while still a bit damp on a hot day. Smart move.
Over that, I used a Museum Replicas/Windlass doublet. Black with matte grommets and sturdy lacing. The cut gave me a chest shape without squeezing my ribs. It looked great, even a little knightly. But it ran warm after 2 p.m. in July. I learned to unlace two holes at the top and switch to a lighter belt.
For pants, Mytholon “Gustav” were the hero. The seat is reinforced. The waist ties are strong. No sag at the back when you sit on hay. I squatted to help a friend tie boots, and nothing split. That’s a win.
On my feet, Fugawee Cavalier boots felt stiff on day one. By day three, they molded to my ankle. I slid in a cheap gel insole. That saved me. The leather took a little mink oil and drank it up. No blisters. Just a ring of dust and pride.
I added a Dark Knight Armoury belt pouch. Medium size. It held my phone, cash, and a tiny sunscreen. The clasp never popped open, even when I jogged for kettle corn. I also clipped a simple leather mug frog from an Etsy maker. It kept my tankard steady and my hands free. Sounds small, but it’s big once the crowd gets thick.
When the air turned sharp, I grabbed a Cloak and Dagger Creations wool cloak. Forest green. Fully lined. It felt like a hug with a hood. It did pull at my throat when I moved fast, so I shifted the clasp off-center. Then it hung better.
Fit and comfort (the truth)
- Shirts: Men’s cuts sit wider in the shoulders. Good for me. If you’re narrow, size down. Linen beats cotton blends when it’s humid. For a modern comparison of breathability and cut, this in-depth review of Arket’s linen shirts shows how contemporary linen pieces stack up in warm weather.
- Doublets: Size up if you want layers. With a gambeson pad under it, my L felt snug. Without, perfect.
- Pants: Tie waists matter. They let you eat a giant turkey leg and still breathe. Elastic waist looks modern and fights your belt.
- Boots: Break them in at home. Do laps on stairs. Socks that wick. Swap insoles if you’ll walk all day.
You know what? Comfort makes the look. If you’re tugging at your hem, it shows.
Being comfortable isn’t just about fabrics; it’s also about having enough energy to haul coolers, dance at the pub sing-along, and still make the drive home. If you’re curious how simple nutrition tweaks—like timing your meals—might help you keep that stamina up, you’ll appreciate this science-backed explainer on fasting and testosterone that breaks down how meal timing can naturally support hormone balance and recovery so you can hit the next faire feeling fresh.
Heat, sweat, and stains
Ren fairs can fry you. That’s real. Linen helps. Wool breathes if it’s woven right. Polyester shines in photos but traps heat. My black doublet looked sharp, then felt like a toaster. I brought a second shirt in a tote. Midday swap. Fresh shirt, happy me.
And when the sticky surprises hit—think leaning against a resin-coated wooden fence—you’ll be glad you already know how I actually got tree sap out of clothes with zero fabric casualties.
Dust sticks to dark fabric. I used a soft brush back at the car. For spills (mead happens), a dab of water and a clean cloth beat scrubbing. Never wring linen. It will twist.
Little things that bugged me
- Laces fray. I waxed mine with a tiny bit of beeswax. Problem solved.
- Grommets can chew soft cords. I threaded a cotton shoelace for a day. It held and looked fine.
- No pockets. Pouches are a must. A second pouch for snacks saved my mood.
- Cloak weight. Mine slid if I wore a slick shirt. A brooch with teeth gripped better than a smooth clasp.
I know, small stuff. But small stuff adds up.
Style notes I didn’t expect
Black reads noble but warm. Natural linen feels peasant but gets cheers. Brown pants hide dust. Green cloak pops in photos with trees. A wide belt shapes the waist. A hat changes your whole vibe. I borrowed a felt cap from a friend for one set. Boom—instant character.
If your calendar swings from jousts to juleps, check out my field test of derby clothes for guys—many of the layering tricks carry straight over.
Also, a simple leather wrist cuff made me feel finished. Silly? Maybe. Effective? Yes.
What to buy first if you’re new
- Start with a good linen or cotton-linen shirt. Armstreet is my favorite. Sloooow to wrinkle if you hang it right.
- Get sturdy pants with ties. Mytholon has value. Epic Armoury is solid too.
- Add one leather pouch and a belt that’s thick. Cheap belts curl.
- Borrow a cloak before you buy. They’re pricey and heavy.
For a modern spin on thrifty, practical styling ideas that still feel period-adjacent, take a scroll through Penny Chic before you hit the checkout button.
Then, if you fall in love, grab a doublet. Museum Replicas/Windlass gives the best bang for the buck. Armstreet has custom work if you want fancy.
Care tips from my porch
- Wash linen cold. Hang dry. Iron while damp, or don’t—wrinkles read rustic.
- Air out boots overnight. Stuff with newspaper if wet.
- Wipe leather with a tiny bit of oil, not much. Shiny looks tacky here.
- Keep a travel needle and black thread. I fixed a belt loop in five minutes and felt like a hero.
Travel logistics matter too. If your faire pilgrimage takes you through New York’s Hudson Valley and you end up overnighting near the riverfront, a quick scroll through Bedpage Newburgh’s local classifieds can hook you up with last-minute lodging, rideshares, or even second-hand costume pieces posted by nearby vendors so you’re never scrambling between faire days.
Odd moments that sold me
At the Bristol Renaissance Faire, a man in line asked where I got my shirt. I said, “Armstreet.” He nodded like I told a secret. Later, a kid bowed at my cloak and called me “my lady sir.” I still smile at that. Clothes change how folks treat you. Also how you walk. In boots, my stride got longer. In the doublet, I stood taller. Funny, but true.
What I’d skip next time
I tried a satin-look vest from a big-box