Waistcoat, early 19th century

**Creag** · 31st January 14, 04:58 AM

I'll be visiting my brother in Harrisburg, PA this summer and he's talked me into going to the Celtic Fling at the PA Renn Faire. It would be no fun without being somewhat 'period' and I'm looking at some options.

I've been looking at waistcoats that would be appropriate for emulating the period between about 1800 to 1820, and could use some advice from folks who have more knowledge. What do you think of the following options from Gentleman's Emporium? What colors would be best (there are quite a number of options)?

Commander Vest

Fitzwilliam Vest

Classic Canvas Work Vest

I imagine I'd want to get the waistcoat tailored to fit snugly, and may want to replace buttons. As always, I appreciate the comments and advice of the Rabble.

**English Bloke** · 31st January 14, 06:19 AM

I like those, the brown work-vest is ace!!

There's a company in UK does similar waistcoats.

**Farmer Jones** · 31st January 14, 06:54 AM

Originally Posted by English Bloke

I like those, the brown work-vest is ace!!

There's a company in UK does similar waistcoats.

Thank you for this link. I have forwarded it to relatives in England, who will find it very useful.

**Highlander31** · 31st January 14, 01:04 PM

Have you looked at Old Frontier Clothing Company? They manufacture clothing for western reenactments and modern day. Their double breasted vest is patterned after an original they purchased at auction.

http://www.oldfrontier.com/index.htm

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**Creag** · 31st January 14, 09:27 PM

Thank you gentlemen. Those are some good options to consider. What I'm looking for, however, is whether the options I'm looking at (and the ones you have recommended) are the right style and what colors I should be considering.

**Dale Seago** · 31st January 14, 09:58 PM

<<I've been looking at waistcoats that would be appropriate for emulating the period between about 1800 to 1820>>

That's a faire bit past the Renaissance, but some excellent suggestions for the "look" you seem to be going for.

**Creag** · 1st February 14, 07:33 AM

Originally Posted by Dale Seago

That's a faire bit past the Renaissance, but some excellent suggestions for the "look" you seem to be going for.

A faire few years future of the Renaissance, for sure. It seems many of the kilted folk at these events go Jacobite, but I don't have a great kilt. My modern made kilt will still not be right, but at least mildly credible.

**Downunder Kilt** · 1st February 14, 01:53 PM

Creag, it is most rare that anyone wearing a kilt at renfaires is being acurate in their portrayl. The renfaire period is meant to end in the year 1600, yet the first generally accepted record of the kilt being worn is 1594. Yes you see those that are the supposed highland guard of reigning monarchs and other nobility, but if you search through the various groups web pages you usually find advice that if they are asked about the kilt, they will admit it is not historically correct for the time period they play.

From banter on this and other boards, it appears that a lot a peaple attend these renfaires to have a fun day out and from photos produced, I would agree that this seems to be the result.

Have a fun time at the renfaire, that is the best advice I can give.. Cheers

**Derek Conley** · 1st February 14, 06:21 PM

I performed in Renaissance Festivals for years (in fact, I was the main villain and fight director at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival in Tampa for a time), and I can tell you that accuracy is last on the list for anyone involved except for hardcore actors. The patrons essentially wear whatever they'd like, and have a great time doing it. First and foremost: wear what you want and have fun!