What to Wear to Medieval Times: A Comprehensive Guide to Medieval Attire
Stephanie Patterson
Table of Contents
Planning a trip to Medieval Times can be an exciting experience, but deciding what to wear can be a daunting task. As someone who has attended Medieval Times shows multiple times, I can assure you that your outfit can make or break your experience. Whether you’re going for the first time or are a seasoned attendee, it’s important to dress appropriately for the occasion.
Medieval Times is a dinner and show experience that takes you back to the medieval era, so it’s important to dress the part. While there isn’t a strict dress code, it’s recommended to wear comfortable and casual clothing. Many attendees choose to dress up in medieval-themed costumes, but it’s not necessary. You can still enjoy the show in regular clothing.
That being said, if you’re looking to fully immerse yourself in the experience, there are a few things to keep in mind. The medieval era was known for its long dresses, tunics, and robes. For women, a long flowy dress or skirt paired with a blouse or corset would be appropriate. Men can wear a tunic or shirt with loose-fitting pants. It’s also important to wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking around the castle and standing during the show.
Understanding the Event
What is Medieval Times?
I recently had the chance to attend a Medieval Times dinner show, and it was an experience unlike any other. Medieval Times is a dinner theater chain that features jousting, sword fights, and other medieval-style entertainment, all while you enjoy a meal fit for a king.
The first Medieval Times location opened in Florida in 1983, and since then, the chain has expanded to several locations across the United States and Canada. Each location has a castle-like structure that serves as the venue for the show and meal.
What to Expect at Medieval Times?
When you arrive at Medieval Times, you’ll be greeted by staff members dressed in medieval garb. They’ll direct you to the main hall, where you’ll find a bar, gift shop, and other amenities. Before the show begins, you’ll be assigned a knight to cheer for throughout the performance.
You’ll be given a colored crown that corresponds to your knight’s color, and you’ll be encouraged to cheer and jeer for your knight throughout the show. Once the show begins, you’ll be treated to a spectacle of jousting, sword fights, and other medieval-style entertainment.
All the while, you’ll be served a four-course meal that includes soup, bread, roasted chicken, spare ribs, and more. Vegetarian options are also available upon request.
Overall, Medieval Times is a unique and entertaining experience that’s perfect for families, couples, and anyone looking for a fun night out. Just be prepared to get swept up in the excitement and cheer for your knight with all your might!
Dressing Appropriately for the Event
Medieval Times Attire for Men
For men, the dress code for Medieval Times is casual. However, it’s always fun to dress up in medieval-inspired attire to fully immerse yourself in the experience. A simple tunic paired with tailored cloth leggings, called chausses or hose, is a great option. Striped hose were popular during this time period. A surcoat and mantle can be added for a more layered look. If you don’t have these items, a simple button-up shirt and pants will suffice.
Accessories are a great way to complete the look. A belt with a decorative buckle, leather boots, and a hat or hood can add a touch of authenticity to your outfit. Don’t forget to leave your modern accessories at home, such as watches and sunglasses, to fully embrace the medieval atmosphere.
Medieval Times Attire for Women
Medieval fashion for women was all about layering. An everyday outfit regularly consisted of at least six different garments, including underwear and outerwear. A tunic, surcoat, and mantle were the three main pieces worn by both men and women. For women, a long, flowing dress or skirt paired with a blouse or chemise is a great option. A corset can be added for a more fitted look.
Accessories are also important for women’s medieval attire. A decorative belt, leather boots or sandals, and a headpiece such as a circlet or veil can complete the look. Avoid modern accessories such as jewelry and purses to stay true to the medieval theme.
Accessories to Complete the Look
Accessories are key to completing your medieval-inspired outfit. For men, a belt with a decorative buckle, leather boots, and a hat or hood can add authenticity to your ensemble. Women can add a decorative belt, leather boots or sandals, and a headpiece such as a circlet or veil to complete their look.
Additional accessories such as a cape, cloak, or gloves can add an extra touch of flair to your outfit. Don’t forget to leave your modern accessories at home, such as watches and sunglasses, to fully embrace the medieval atmosphere.
Tips for Choosing the Right Outfit
Consider the Weather
When deciding what to wear to medieval times, it’s important to consider the weather. If it’s a hot day, you’ll want to wear something light and breathable. A cotton or linen shirt with loose-fitting pants or a skirt would be a good choice. If it’s a cooler day, you’ll want to wear something warmer like a wool tunic or dress. Don’t forget to bring a cloak or jacket in case it gets chilly in the evening.
Consider Your Comfort
Another important factor to consider when choosing your outfit is your comfort. You’ll be walking around the castle and sitting in the arena, so you’ll want to wear something that won’t restrict your movement. Avoid wearing high heels or tight-fitting clothes that may be uncomfortable. Instead, opt for comfortable shoes like sneakers or flat sandals and loose-fitting clothing.
Consider Your Budget
When it comes to choosing your outfit for medieval times, you don’t need to spend a lot of money. You can find affordable options at thrift stores or online. Look for simple pieces like a tunic or dress that you can accessorize with a belt or scarf. You can also make your own outfit by sewing or repurposing old clothing.
Overall, when choosing your outfit for medieval times, it’s important to consider the weather, your comfort, and your budget. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to look great, just focus on finding pieces that are comfortable, practical, and fit the medieval theme.
Dos and Don’ts of Medieval Times Attire
Dos
When attending a Medieval Times show, there are certain dos and don’ts that you should keep in mind when it comes to attire. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that you want to be comfortable. The show is approximately two hours long, so you will want to wear something that you can sit in comfortably for that amount of time.
For gentlemen, a collared shirt and jeans are always a safe bet. If you want to dress up a little more, you can wear a blazer or a vest. Ladies can wear a dress or skirt with a blouse, or pants with a nice top. You can also wear a scarf or shawl to add a little extra flair to your outfit.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you can wear Medieval-inspired clothing if you want to really get into the spirit of things. You can wear a tunic or a dress with a corset, or even a full suit of armor if you really want to stand out.
Don’ts
While there are many things that you can wear to a Medieval Times show, there are also some things that you should avoid. One of the biggest don’ts is wearing anything that is too revealing. Remember that this is a family-friendly show, so you will want to keep your attire appropriate for all ages.
You should also avoid wearing anything that is too casual. While you want to be comfortable, you don’t want to look like you just rolled out of bed. Avoid wearing sweatpants or athletic wear, as well as anything that is ripped or stained.
Finally, you should avoid wearing anything that is too modern. While you don’t have to wear completely authentic Medieval clothing, you also don’t want to wear anything that looks like it came straight off the runway. Stick to clothing that has a Medieval-inspired look, rather than something that is too modern.
Conclusion
In conclusion, attending a Medieval Times show is a unique experience that allows you to step back in time and immerse yourself in the world of knights, princesses, and kings. When it comes to what to wear, it’s important to keep in mind the theme of the event and the comfort of your outfit.
As I mentioned earlier, dressing up in costume is a popular option, but it’s not necessary. If you do decide to dress up, make sure your outfit is appropriate for the occasion and comfortable to wear for a few hours. Alternatively, you can opt for casual attire such as jeans and a t-shirt, but consider adding a touch of medieval flair with a cape or a crown.
It’s also important to consider the weather and the activities you’ll be participating in. If the show takes place outdoors, make sure to dress appropriately for the weather. If you plan on participating in the pre-show activities, wear comfortable shoes that you can move around in. Lastly, don’t forget to have fun and embrace the medieval spirit!
Whether you’re dressed as a knight or simply enjoying the show in casual attire, the most important thing is to enjoy the experience and make lasting memories.
