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Irish Wolfhounds and Costumes
Irish Wolfhounds are camera hogs all by themselves. A way to let
them have even more lime light to show up at an event with both of you in
costume. If you are not shy, the two of you will have a blast.
Having taken wolfhounds to events in costumes, and even organized the dog
section at fairs... and having learned some of this the hard way, I figured I'd
share the knowledge. What I will present are tips for getting started
costuming and how to create the look without spending a fortune in money... or
time. Then I will address other considering when attending an event with
you and your dog as well as suggest some sites for finding places to attend.
Decisions
Picking a costume - what era?
 | Medieval / Dark Ages / T-tunic |
| Renaissance / Elizabethan |
| 19th Century / Victorian / Civil War |
Consideration for all costumes
| Picking the character |
| Treatment of Materials |
| Research on the web |
Books to use
| Costuming to a T |
| Dress in Ireland |
Links to get books, costumes
Picking a costume - what era?
OK, so you and your Irish Wolfhound have been invited to an event and you're
been asked to come in costume. (Some may call it 'garb'.) What to
do????
First, what time period is this event? Renaissance, Medieval, "oh,
you know, just what they wore" -- that 3rd is seriously an answer I've
gotten when a group of us did a charity gig with the hounds. Generally,
the requirements can be broken down into 3 VERY BROAD categories. (For
costume purest who stumbled onto this page, this is first time costuming with a
specific purpose, not historic accuracy. These suggestions are to help
the owner and the dog. However, I will provide links to those wishing to get
into the more serious side.)
| Medieval / Dark Ages
 | Think Robin Hood, minus the tights, King Arthur minus the armor, the
Wind and the Lion
 | The garb starts with the basic "T-Tunic" garment,
something most can create in an evening of sewing. No pattern
needed |
|
| Events will be some Irish Fairs of "Ireland though the Ages"
or SCA gathers or wars (Society of Creative Anachronism). |
| If you have a choice, this is the least expensive and easier era to
start in. |
|
| Renaissance / Elizabethan
| This is by far the most common choice. |
| Men's peasant garb will not be too complex but women's will take a bit
more work, and a lot more fabric. |
| It is important to find out "how correct" the costume must
be a what are the event's definitions. This can be a thorny
situation if you are 'working' an event vs. just attending.
| Be careful, their definition of "Irish" costume may be
different than there standard definition, so ask. |
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| 19th Century / Victorian / Civil War
| Think "Gone with the Wind" minus the hoop skirt |
| This ers is less common to be done 'Irish', but easy to fake for
guys. Ladies, if you have Ren costumes, there are some easy cheats
to get you though also. |
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Consideration for all costumes
Picking the basic character's station
| Before you get started you need to decide what class you want to portray
-- you don't have to be exact, just think about it.
| Are you a peasant or trying to be upper? |
| Are you a farmer, warrior, a prince?
| There wasn't really a middle class until Renaissance times. |
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| I suggest cost wise, it is better to start as a peasant and
practice.
| If you and your wolfie like costuming, later you build a more accurate
and detailed outfit. |
| Some love to play the "dirty Celt" for warriors |
| Personally, I have more fun planning to wear "the best" the
person might have afforded and worn to "fairs".
| There are going to be lots of pictures, so might as well create a
"pretty as a picture" situation. |
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| If you are costuming with a group, find out where they want you to
start and listen to their advice. |
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Treatment of Materials
Fabrics
| ONLY USE NATURAL FABRICS
| I cannot stress this enough. At a costume event, you need to be
looking out after your dog, not warring about passing out from the
heat. Don't wear anything that can't breath. |
| Fabric choices
| Linen or Cotton for the shirt |
| Wool, linen or cotton for the out garments. |
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| Pre-washed before you cut!!!!!!!!!
| Not counting the fact that most fairs and other gatherings will be
dusty, your wolfie will get excited and drool... and step on you
outfit... and not being familiar with the loose clothing you will drag
it though things....
| Wash it in hot to warm water, dry it |
| When in doubt, cut a square and wash it first as a test. |
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| Colors
| Everything does not have to be drab, no color. Even the Roman's noted
the Irish's bright clothing. However, color's may be limited by
what group you're with. |
| Stay away from day glows, period. No screaming any color, pure
purples and reds (unless doing Victorian). Black was expensive to
do right. Colors will be blended or muted to our modern eye. |
| Many fairs will restrict fabrics to being solids only, striping and
simple plaids did exist.... but before you choose the non-standard
fabrics (if you're just going to play), consider how much you want to
stand out.
| I have a 9 yard skirt of varying width striped gauze... it has
never been worn to faire without comments or incident.... but is
wonderful and period. |
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Research on the web
There are a number of source out on the web that document Irish and Celtic
costume. I really do suggest you read some of them...
| Warnings:
| Hours can be lost this way but it gives you a detailed overview for
making a more accurate costume than I am going to list here.
| Hey, it's part of what makes the web fun. |
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| There will be some absolutes listed on some pages like "never use
cotton", "research completely and pick an exact time and
place", "no shortcuts".
| I believe it is OK to cut corners to get started, especially if
you are not sure you and your dog want to do this regularly.
If you've got the time and resources, please do the research... but
don't let the complexities stop you. |
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| Many of these web sites have been constructed for specific
groups. Their language will be a bit different talking about
reenactment, garb, clans, etc. There may be restrictions listed or
one site may disagree with others...
| The restrictions are important if you are going to work with a
group... but do make sure your dog is up to it before committing
both of you to a long faire. |
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| Sometimes the term Celtic is substituted to mean Irish and Scottish
and....
| How much distinction you need to make depends on how detailed your
costume is going to be... That is a decision you make as part
of your research. |
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| Sites for overviews on Irish clothing
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 More coming......
later.
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Please feel free to write to ask questions or share: daCat@AlleyCatScratch.com.
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This page last updated
07/27/09
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