Three Great Tudor Costume Ideas

Ah, so you’re going for the classic Tudor look this Halloween. Or is it a general Tudor themed fancy dress party? Either way, you can find or even make a great Tudor costume without too much trouble.

Dressing up is so much fun because not only do you get to look like a Tudor, but you also have every excuse to start acting like one. Here are three great ideas that should get you going:

1. Henry VIII Costume
Of course the most famous of all the Tudors, Henry VIII, what a character to play! The mad king who changed the laws of England to suit his whims, executed people in every way and had many wives. To have a convincing Henry VIII costume you need the bulbous belly to start with, make sure you get some padding if needed.

You need a great Tudor style tunic, royal red or purple. With black lining and a large regal gold medallion around your neck. The Tudor hat must be large and match his tunic, and the trousers must come to the middle of his legs, tucking into his socks or leggings. That’s the image you’re going for, but it’s only half the costume, as the other half is the attitude! Start acting like a king who can get whatever he wants without hesitation, and practice your booming and demanding voice – the total effect will be great.

2. Sir Francis Drake
Another great Tudor was Sir Francis Drake, the legendary navigator, captain, commander, and pirate. Known for his great explorations of the oceans and for leading the English fleet against the Spanish armada. And also feared by the Spanish, who called him ‘Francisco the Dragon’.

If you want to become this great commander of the night, you have to dress and act accordingly. A good Sir Francis Drake costume requires your typical Tudor-style blue suit, preferably with a hat and feather. Plus a high neck in the style of the times. A sword is a must for this costume since Drake was a warrior.

3. Tudor Lady Costume
Women’s clothing styles of the time were quite unique. The best way to recreate a costume is to look up the style online. A long purple dress with gold lining will be a good start. Braided ponytails or pigtails were also common, and a bonnet to match the dress on the head. Although there were many different coloring styles, the general theme was always the same.

Tudor suits are so much fun to wear because you are going back to another time – clothes seem so weird and wonderful to us today. But back then they represented the heights of power in society.