Bodices are an easy addition to any Renaissance faire costume. They work well with everything from dresses, to tops and skirts. There’s a wide variety of options in terms of styles you can create. That’s why I wanted to show you how to make a Renaissance faire bodice in the many different styles. Creating these are quite simple since it just requires some basic sewing and boning. These can also often be done with fabric remnants or scraps since they require very little material. I can often make these with less than a yard of fabric and still have materials left over.
Basic Bodices
Before diving into fancy styles that incorporate more advanced techniques, let’s look at some of the more basic bodices you can create.
Overbust Bodice
This bodice typically lays on top of your bust.
Underbust Bodice
This type of bodice will typically have the bodice be placed below the breasts.
Waist Cincher
This one may not seem like a bodice. However I felt it’s also a common staple and worth discussing.
Reversible Bodice
This is still a simple overbust bodice, however you can make them to be reversible and it doesn’t require much additional skills or materials besides fabric.
Styled Bodices
If you’re not satisfied in learning how to make a Renaissance faire bodice, try some of these more advanced styles. Be aware they will require more niche sewing patterns to create them due to the very unique styles.
Bodice with Ruffles
Cottagecore Bodice
This may not be as suited for the Renaissance faire, but it was too cute of a style to ignore.
Cropped Bodice with Tails
This specific bodice was also made to be reversible but the steps will not cover how I did that and instead focuses on strictly making a bodice with tails.