Men’s Cheat List for Costuming as a Patron at Dickens Fair

By Christopher Erickson
GBACG Member-at-Large

Here are a few tips and tricks that I picked up from starting out by costuming out of my closet that works great for men’s wear. Most men should either have most of these items in their closet or be able to find these items at thrift stores or online.

Men’s shirt:       

A plain white dress shirt will work wonderfully. Since most cravats were wrapped around the neck a few times and made the collar sit high, it is okay if the collar is not folded down. If the collar has those plastic collar tabs, they can be used the keep the collar points down. Ironing folds into the collar points works as well. A non-pleated wingtip-collar tuxedo shirt would also work.

Men’s cravat:    

A rectangular small scarf about 6 inches wide and 6-9 feet long or a strip of cloth 6 inches wide and 6-9 feet long would work well.

Men’s vest:        

There is an argument about points vs. no points on the bottom of the vest. Some vests did have points on them, but they were more subtle or not as sharp as current fashion. One way to either eliminate the points or make them more subdued is simply to fold the flap over and pin it in place with safety pins. I recommend ironing the fold to give it a crisper look if the fabric can be ironed according to the care instructions. One can also sew them in place for a more permanent solution.

Men’s Pants:     

A plain pair of pants will do in a pinch. Most modern and reproduction vests will cover the modern waistline of men’s pants (below the belly button closer to the hips). If you want a more period feel, you can buy the pants with a longer inseam and a larger waistline to wear around the traditional waistline (at the belly button). The longer inseam will be needed to compensate for the pants being worn higher. For a further period feel and to keep pants up, buttons can be sewn into the waist band for suspenders.

Men’s shoes:    

Any good lace up shoe or boot will do. For boots, it is better if there are no logos on the boots.

Men’s coat:        

In a pinch, a wool overcoat will do. Most coats that reach from mid-thigh to knee length will work well. A tartan scarf wrapped around the neck will cover lapels that may appear too modern.