The Renaissance Faire is a peculiar event that sprouted from a high school history project in Southern California during the early 1960’s. It has grown into a sub-culture that spans across the United States, Canada and Europe. Some events are solid historically based events, others are hysterical spectacles of flesh and fantasy, clinging to a thread of Renaissance history…
The Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Southern California publishes a guide for costuming, which is very good. However, I've always wondered why they present male peasants in what appear to be modern trousers. I've looked at tons of period paintings, engravings, and drawings of Europe's 16th-century peasantry, and have only recently discovered a few period pieces that indeed, show peasant men in what appear to be trousers...or the equivalent of modern day pants. The vast majority of contemporary artworks portray peasant men in split-hose or breeches (venetians) with stockings. The Southern Faire Costuming Guide recommends long breeches, like pajama pants, with cross-gartering from ankle to knee. I'm not going say they are wrong, I just haven't seen any evidence that this was worn in 16th-century England. Frankly, it has the smell of the Norse all over it, and I doubt very seriously English, or European peasants for the matter, were still wearing Dark Ages, Viking fashion during the 16th-century in a widespread manner. However, if there is some evidence, I really want to see and examine it. Nothing is impossible.
Here is what I have found in regards to 16th-century peasants wearing "long breeches". They did exist, but are very uncommon in regard to other styles shown in period artwork...
