Historical Tavern Maid Costume

Historical Tavern Maid Costume with Bodice and Cap

Historical Context and Usage of the Costume

The historical model for this garment dates back to the Late Middle Ages and the Renaissance, roughly the 15th to 16th centuries in Europe. During this time, such clothing formed the basic wardrobe of common town and country women from the working classes. Tavern maids, servants, and market women needed clothing that did not restrict their movement and protected them from dirt. The set consists of a light chemise with sleeves reaching the elbows, gathered with elastic. The torso is supported by a practical lace-up bodice, which helped maintain good posture during a full day of hard labour. For practical and moral reasons, the head was protected by a gathered cap that prevented hair from falling into food or getting dirty from soot and dust. The chosen fabric is a high-quality blend containing 55% linen and 45% cotton, which combines the excellent breathability of linen with the softness and pliability of cotton fibres.

Parameter Table

Sizes and Custom Tailoring

This Tavern Maid Adina costume is available in standard sizes according to this size chart. We can also 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, we can make this set in other colours according to these fabric swatches. Please note the desired colour or colours in the comment field of your order, always stating the swatch number, the colour letter, and the name of the colour. If you choose a fabric with a different composition, the price may change, which will, of course, be consulted with you before the order is processed.

Care and Safety

Warrior, to keep your costume beautiful for a long time and to maintain the strength of the seams, we recommend machine washing it on a gentle cycle at a maximum temperature of 30 °C (86 °F). Do not put the garment in a tumble dryer; hang it to air dry freely, which will prolong the life of the fabrics and elastics. Ironing is possible on a medium heat setting suitable for blended fabrics. Please also read our detailed Cleaning and Maintenance Instructions. Please note that cotton and linen are naturally flammable materials, so strictly avoid direct contact with an open flame (e.g. at a campfire). Also, note that footwear or small accessories shown in the photograph are not included in the delivery.

Recommended Accessories

With this stunning costume, we highly recommend purchasing period leather peasant shoes or low historical footwear, a simple leather belt to tie over the skirt, and a practical canvas coin pouch. All these accessories perfectly match the fashion of the 15th and 16th centuries and will bring your working woman look to absolute perfection.