ay, thats a lovely, uh, er, what IS that you're wearing? Way to go smooth talker. You didn't study up on your period clothing terms before heading out to faire did you? Now you can avoid the mockery of your better-educated peers.

• Tankard - The umbiqitous drinking vessel, generally wood or pewter.
• Shirt - Off white or dyed, often with full bodied sleeves.
• Cape - Distinguished from a cloak, by reaching only to the small of the back or thereabouts, capes are decorative items.
• Cloak - Often ankle length and hooded, designed more for warmth than show.
• Muffin Cap - loose cap with a floppy top.
• Biggins - close fitting hat to keep the head warm or other hats clean. So called from begins as the first hat a child wears.

• Bodice - A tight fitting vest which supports the bosom.
• Skirts - In two layers, an overskirt and an underskirt.
• Chemise - A one piece loose undergarment.
• Snood - A loose woven hairnet.

• Jerkin - Essentially a vest.
• Doublet - Another overshirt buttoning all the way up the front, generally with detachable open sleeves.
• Breeches - Pants by another name but without pockets.
• Slops - Loosely fitting baggy trousers, generally cut to mid-thigh.
• Codpiece - A fashion accessory designed to promote the appearance of a gentleman's package.
• Hose - Knitted stockings worn under slops.

Suggested references: The out-of-print (1934 publication) of Elizabethan Pageantry by HK Morse. Check your library for this one, I found a discard from San Francisco for $12.

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