Linen Tavern Wench or Red Riding Hood Costume

Women's Linen Tavern Wench or Red Riding Hood Costume

Historical Context and Rural Garment Details

The historical inspiration for this type of practical garment is traditional European rural and bourgeois clothing from the 18th and 19th centuries. During this period, simple women, peasants, as well as tavern wenches and maids—for whom durability and functionality were paramount—wore similar layered clothing. The complete costume consists of five precisely crafted parts. The foundation is a white cotton shirt with short sleeves and a deep neckline, bordered by delicate decorative lace. Over it, a striking lace-up corset is worn, which tightens at the front and perfectly shapes your figure.

The lower part consists of a long, flowing skirt reaching down to the ground, over which a long white apron is practically tied. The icing on the cake is the adorable cap with decorative ruffles. In the past, it served the necessary purpose of protecting hair from dust and dirt during hard work, but today it adds absolute authenticity and fairy-tale charm to the costume. The entire set is made of 100% cotton and a pleasant linen-cotton blend.

Linen Costume Parameters

Available Sizes and Colours

This Red Riding Hood or tavern wench costume is available in standard sizes according to this size chart. We will custom-tailor it to your exact measurements at no extra charge. In that case, please fill out this measurement chart after completing your order. Upon request, it is manufactured in other colours according to these fabric swatches. Note your desired colour in the order comment box (provide the swatch number, colour letter, and name). If you choose a fabric with a different composition, the price may change. We will consult any potential price change with you before processing the order.

Costume Care and Safety Warnings

Maiden, to ensure this beautiful garment serves you as long as possible like new, give it the proper care. For detailed information, please read the cleaning and maintenance instructions. We recommend washing the linen and cotton parts on a gentle cycle at a maximum temperature of 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). Do not use bleach or a tumble dryer, as the fabric could lose its strength and shrink. You can iron on a medium heat setting, ideally from the reverse side. We recommend washing the laced corset exclusively by hand. Please note that the footwear shown in the photographs is not included. When wearing the long skirt, exercise extreme caution near open flames and when walking up or down stairs to prevent tripping or the fabric catching fire.

Recommended Accessories

To complement this 18th and 19th-century peasant costume, we recommend you purchase comfortable period leather footwear, ideally simple lace-up ankle boots or leather ghillies. A great accessory would also be a wicker basket, a leather coin pouch suspended from the apron string, or a simple wooden cross for the neck, which will highlight your rural origins.