Maternity Renaissance Faire Costumes
Not sure what to wear to the Renaissance Faire when pregnant? Just because you’re expecting doesn’t mean you need to skip out on dressing up for the ren faire! It also doesn’t mean you have to invest in an entirely new costume you’ll only wear once. Use this guide to help pick pieces that you can wear both during maternity and after!
The Basics
In general, choose items that are adjustable, elasticized, or loose fitting through the bust, ribcage, waist, and abdomen.
Though we don’t have photos of every item, each category can be used as a reference for how all items in that category fit on a pregnant person. For example, the photos below may show a green skirt, but you can expect a similar fit for the same style of skirt in all our different colors.
These photos were taken at 26 weeks pregnant during a first time pregnancy.
Please keep in mind that every pregnancy is different. These photos are just an example, but we can’t guarantee how things will fit on your body in particular at the specific stage of pregnancy you’re in.
Maternity Corsets
Historically, wearing a corset during maternity was a very normal part of a woman’s life. For those who could afford it, special maternity corsets were worn throughout pregnancy. These corset were adjustable on the sides, in the front, or both, to allow for a growing bump.
Not everyone could afford a new corset or dress for maternity. These women would leave their normal clothes unlaced around their bumps, making their normal clothing work however was possible.
Below are the different styles of corsets we recommended for pregnancy. The great thing about corsets being so adjustable is that you may not even need a special maternity corset at all. All of these can be worn during and after pregnancy.
Princess Stays
Our Princess Stays are inspired by historical maternity stays. Side lacing along the front princess seams allows you to adjust the width where you need it most, while still maintaining a great fit through the bust. We love these stays because they work great for maternity and non-maternity wardrobes.
18th Century Stays
Any of our stays and bodices with plastic boning are flexible enough to be worn over a bump with a few adjustments, but our favorite choice is our 18th century stays. Flared waist tabs fit adorably over a growing belly and accentuate the waist. The lacing can be laced all the way down the front of the corset, or only over the bust for an even more comfortable fit. The back lacing will need to be laced more loosely to accommodate your change in size.
Maternity Dresses and Chemises
Historical chemises and dresses worn under corsets were traditionally already quite loose fitting, so requiring a new chemise during maternity was not necessary. Nearly all of our chemises in our shop work for wearing under your corset, but these are our favorite picks, and include items that can be worn on their own or layered under a corset.
Flutter Dress
Our Flutter Dresses are a really cute way to show off your bump and maintain comfort. During hot summer ren faires, you'll appreciate the loose flowiness of these dresses. The straps can be tied under the bust to add a bit of shape, or you can wear this under a corset or other layers for an easy base layer.
Bell Sleeve Chemise
Our Bell Sleeve Chemises, with their dramatic cascading sleeves, are great pieces to create a simple renaissance faire outfit that is comfortable, breathable, and still carries some historical flair.
If you want a minimal, uncomplicated ren faire costume, use this dress as a base layer and add some renaissance faire accessories to complete the look (it also pairs wonderfully under a corset, of course!).
Kirtle Dress
The Kirtle Dress is a great layering piece to add a bit of shape to your costume. If you still want to keep your costume non-restrictive through the waist, but want to add a bit more interest than just a chemise can offer, layer a Kirtle Dress over any chemise. Our Kirtle Dresses are only fitted through the bust and underbust, so you can leave your belly free of any restrictive clothing. The dress has lacing in the back to further add a bit of shape. We find this dress very flattering on bumps of all sizes, and it's a great piece for wearing after pregnancy too!
Milkmaid Dress
Milkmaid dresses are a very feminine and classic option for a renaissance faire costume, and they double as a completely normal item to wear during your everyday life, during pregnancy and after. We've pulled the elastic layers at the waist up to create a cute little ruffle between the bust and the waist, and this also allows more room for a growing bump. Layer a belt and a few accessories over it and you've got an instant ren faire outfit.
Skirts
Skirts are another great way to add interest to your renaissance faire costume without adding too much restrictive clothing. Opt for a style that is loose through the waist and the hips. Skirts are easy to wear layered on top of a chemise with a few accessories or paired with a corset (if you want to go all out!)
Since a skirt would typically be worn at your waist, you'll probably need to size up a size or two during pregnancy.
What size should you get?
In these photos, the model is wearing the same size corset she wears when not pregnant. The back is left significantly looser to accommodate the change in measurements. Whether you can wear the same size or need to size up one size will depend on how much of a lacing gap you want in the back, or how much you started with before your body started growing.
During non-pregnancy, we typically recommend choosing a size one size smaller than your typical clothing size for a snugly fitting corset, or choosing your typical clothing size for a corset with lacing that closes all the way. During pregnancy, choosing a corset one size smaller will result in a larger lacing gap, especially in the back, as shown in this photo. Choosing your normal clothing size for your corset will result in less of a lacing gap in your corset both during maternity and after.
If you're not sure what size to get, it's safest to get your normal clothing size, or the size recommended by the size chart.
For other clothing items, the size you'll need depends on the fit of the item. We found that dresses and chemises that are loose fitting through the waist could be worn in the same size as your non-pregnancy size. For skirts which sit at the waist, you may need to size up one or two sizes depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy. Refer to the size charts for these items.
Most Importantly...
Ultimately, picking your maternity renaissance faire costume should be about what makes you feel most comfortable during your pregnancy. Bringing a change of clothes to stash in the car, or wearing an outfit that has layers you can shed as the day progresses will help make your faire experience more comfortable. Remember to drink lots of water and always listen to your body when you need a bit of extra rest or a delicious turkey leg for a snack.
Shop All Maternity Friendly Pieces
-
Chartreuse Satin 18th Century Stays
Regular price $158.00 USDRegular price -
Lacey Ribbon Chemise
Regular price $66.00 USDRegular price -
Strawberry Floral Ruffle Skirt
Regular price $84.00 USDRegular price -
Plum Velvet 18th Century Stays
Regular price $148.00 USDRegular price
Blog posts
View all-
Maternity Renaissance Faire Costumes
Want to attend the renaissance faire during your pregnancy? Here's our complete guide on what to wear to the renaissance faire when pregnant. Hint, it's simpler than you'd think...
Maternity Renaissance Faire Costumes
Want to attend the renaissance faire during your pregnancy? Here's our complete guide on what to wear to the renaissance faire when pregnant. Hint, it's simpler than you'd think...
-
How to Measure Yourself for a Corset (And Actua...
Just like buying a new bra, picking the right size corset requires careful measuring and a sometimes a bit of trial and error. This guide walks you through exactly how...
How to Measure Yourself for a Corset (And Actua...
Just like buying a new bra, picking the right size corset requires careful measuring and a sometimes a bit of trial and error. This guide walks you through exactly how...
-
Bodice vs. Corset, What’s the Difference?
Here at French Meadows, you may have noticed that we use the terms bodice and corset interchangeably. That is because in the context of contemporary fashion, they are very similar...
Bodice vs. Corset, What’s the Difference?
Here at French Meadows, you may have noticed that we use the terms bodice and corset interchangeably. That is because in the context of contemporary fashion, they are very similar...
