Historical Tavern Maid Costume

Historical Tavern Maid Costume with Corset and Cap

Historical Context and Usage of the Garment

The historical model for this type of clothing corresponds to the dress of common town and country folk, especially the working classes, roughly in the 15th to 16th centuries. Tavern maids, servants, or peasant women needed clothing for their daily hard work that was practical, easy to maintain, and protective against the dirt of the kitchen. The costume consists of a wide linen shirt, which is practically gathered at the neckline with elastic. Its sleeves are finished with wide cuffs featuring decorative lacing. The long skirt is gathered at the waist with an elastic band, which allows for very comfortable wear throughout the day. The typical female silhouette is created by a lace-up bodice (corset) made of thicker duvetyne, which reaches below the breasts and supports the torso. The look is completed by a period cap with a wide brim, which is gathered along the face and neck with elastic. Historically, this cap protected the hair from omnipresent dust, tavern odours, and sparks from the fire.

Parameter Table

Sizes and Custom Colours

This Tavern Maid Anna costume is available in standard women's sizes according to this size chart. However, we can also make it exactly to your measurements at no extra charge. In that case, please fill out this measurement chart after completing your order.

Upon request, we can also make this costume for you in other colours according to these fabric swatches. Please note the desired colour or colours in the comment field of your order. Always state the swatch number, the colour letter, and the name of the colour (e.g. 03-A-yellow). If you choose a fabric with a different composition, the price may change. We will, of course, consult any potential price changes with you before processing your order.

Care and Safety

Warrior, to keep your new costume in perfect condition for as long as possible, we recommend machine washing the cotton parts at a maximum of 30 to 40 °C (86 to 104 °F) on a gentle cycle. It is best to wash the dark duvetyne corset separately to avoid dye bleeding onto the light shirt. Completely avoid tumble drying; let the garments air dry naturally, which will prolong the life of the fibres and the sewn-in elastics. You can iron on a medium heat setting designed for cotton. You can also read our detailed Cleaning and Maintenance Instructions here. Exercise great caution when wearing near an open flame (e.g. at a campfire), as cotton is a naturally flammable material. Please note that footwear or other small accessories shown in the photographs are not included in the delivery.

Recommended Accessories

To complement this costume, we highly recommend purchasing period leather peasant shoes or low historical footwear from our range, as well as a simple leather belt to tie over the skirt, upon which you can hang a canvas coin pouch and a wooden tankard. These 15th and 16th-century accessories will bring your tavern maid look to absolute perfection.