• Garb & Costuming Hornbook •

Participating in the Society for Creative Anachronism is an exciting opportunity to step away from the mundane world into the illusion of another time and place. While there are many elements that go into creating this artificial medieval world, the most obvious and important detail, and the one that everyone must first address, is our personal appearance. In fact, the SCA law and guidelines (the Corpora) states that "Anyone may attend Society events provided he or she wears an attempt at pre-17th century clothing,...At business meetings and informal classes, the requirement to wear pre-17th century dress may be waived." (section II-B that). This is why the clothing, or garb that we wear to SCA events and activities is so very important. Of course, if you are a beginner to this hobby you most likely will not know where to start. Hopefully we can help.

This Hornbook, while potentially valuable to those with more experience, was written with the beginner in mind and hopefully will provide the necessary guidance to help anyone create the necessary wardrobe for participating in the SCA. That being said, if you are attending your first few events, you might want avoid the expense and / or effort of assembling your own garb and simply consider contacting the Shire Chatelaine who is responsible for helping newcomers transition into the "Current Middle Ages." They will have access to the groups "Gold Key" of loaner garb which is available for use and may also be able to suggest other individuals in the Shire who would be willing to loan out personal garb for newcomer use. This of course is only a temporary measure and, should you find you like the hobby, will want to get your own garb as soon as possible.

Found Garb

A good option while still deciding if this hobby is right for you is to assemble a passable beginner outfit from re-purposed modern clothing, most of which can be found really cheap at the locat Good Will or similer establishment. When doing so, look for things that could reasonably pass for "an attempt at pre-17th century clothing." Think natural fabrics (or ones that appear to be natural) and more muted colors or patterns with little contrast to draw the eye.

For an easy woman's outfit, a long, full skirt and fluffy cotton blouse is always appropriate. To this could be added a leather vest and / or a wide leather belt along with an unadorned pair of simple flats or boots.

A man's outfit may be a bit more difficult. For pants one can use plain sweat pants worn inside out, natural fiber slacks with no obvious modern fastenings or pockets (jeans and cargo pants are right out) or maybe even plaid Pajama pants (again in muted colors). To this add a loose, oversized peasant style shirt, an oversized long-sleeve t-shirt that you have cut any elastic trim off of and a large oversized polo shirt with the the collar, buttons, and any noticably hemmed edges cut off. Poke some holes where the buttons used to be, and thread some leather lacing through the old button holes for an instant medieval look. Whatever shirt you use, it should be long enough that it hangs to your mid thigh or knee and you should cinch it at the waste with a belt. Unadorned shoes or boots that look like or are leather are always acceptable, but avoid tennis and other brightly colored footwear.

If you have any doubt about whether or not a mundane outfit would pass as an attempt at pre-17th century clothing, feel free to ask the Chatelaine or any more experienced member of the Shire.

Notes on Making Garb