Jester Costume
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Court jesters entertained European kings and queens for hundreds of years, and they were one of the few people allowed to mock the ruler to his face. The bright two-color outfit and belled hat make one of the most recognizable costumes there is, and it works at Renaissance faires, Mardi Gras, masquerades and Halloween.
What Makes It Work
The look is called motley: two bold colors split down the middle or in a harlequin diamond pattern. Red and gold, purple and green, or black and white are classic. Wear a top or tunic in one color on one side and another on the other, with tights or leggings in the opposite colors.
The three-pointed hat with bells on each tip is the signature. Add a pointed collar with a bell on each point, and curled slipper shoes if you can find them.
Carry a marotte, the jester’s scepter with a little jester head on top. Jingle every time you move. For Mardi Gras, go purple, green and gold.
What People Get Wrong
Mismatched sides. Motley works because the colors swap perfectly, left to right and top to bottom. The other miss is a floppy hat with no bells; jesters should jingle.
Buy It or Build It?
Jester costumes run $25 to $60. A belled hat and collar set costs $15 to $25 if you build the two-color outfit from solid pieces.
Where to Buy
| Retailer | What they carry | |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Costume kits, wigs and accessories | Shop on Amazon |
FAQ
What colors does a jester wear?
Two contrasting colors, split down the middle or in diamonds. Red and gold or purple and green are classic.
What is a jester's scepter called?
A marotte. It’s a stick topped with a small carved jester head.
Is a jester a good Mardi Gras costume?
Yes. In purple, green and gold, it’s one of the most popular.
Can I wear a jester costume to a Renaissance faire?
Absolutely. Jesters are one of the most fitting characters at any faire.
Next up: Ringmaster Costume
See Also
Free: The Last-Minute Costume Cheat Sheet
Ten costumes you can make tonight, mostly from your own closet. One page, printable, plus a short email before each costume season. No spam.