Medieval Knight Costume

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The knight is the classic hero of medieval tales, and it’s a costume that works for a kid at school, an adult at Halloween and a regular at the Renaissance faire.

What Makes It Work

The tunic is the base. A long tunic or surcoat worn over everything, belted at the waist, with a bold emblem on the chest, like a cross, a lion or a dragon. Pick two colors and stick with them.

Under the tunic, armor sells it. Real chainmail is heavy and expensive, so most people use a knit “chainmail” shirt or a silver-sprayed hood. A plastic or foam helmet and breastplate work well for Halloween.

Then a sword, a shield with matching colors, a belt and tall boots. For kids, foam swords are safer and they’ll still have a blast.

What People Get Wrong

Plastic armor that clanks and pinches at every joint. Foam armor looks nearly as good and is much more comfortable. At a Renaissance faire, the shiny costume-shop look stands out in a bad way, so go with linen, wool and leather if you can.

Buy It or Build It?

Kids’ kits run about $20 to $40. Adult kits run about $40 to $100. Faire-quality armor can cost hundreds, but a good tunic and a foam helmet looks great for Halloween.

Where to Buy

RetailerWhat they carry
AmazonCostume kits, wigs and accessoriesShop on Amazon

FAQ

What's the difference between a knight and a crusader costume?

Crusader costumes usually mean a white tunic with a red cross. A knight costume can have any coat of arms and colors.

Are swords allowed with a knight costume?

Rules vary. Many schools and events ban weapons of any kind, so a foam or cardboard sword is the safest choice.

What goes with a knight costume for couples?

A princess, a queen, a dragon or another knight from a rival house.

Can I wear a knight costume to a Renaissance faire?

Definitely. Most faires have peace-tie rules for swords, so check the website before you go.

Next up: Princess Costume

See Also

Viking costume illustrationVikingTunic, fur, a round shield and absolutely no horned helmetWizard costume illustrationWizardA long robe, a pointed hat, a staff and a beardPirate costume illustrationPirateSwashbuckling sailor with a tricorn hat and a cutlass