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Ladies  The top half of the ladies costume is a copy of that worn by Mona Douglas in the early 20th century The blue or white long neck scarf is held in place by a small celtic brooch at the throat and drapes  down to the waist. The loose cotton top is fastened using eyelet holes and two black laces in a criss-cross pattern at the front. The laces are in turn held in place by the full circle red underskirts which drop slightly below the split navy overskirts so they are visible at all times (this was peculiar to the parish of Lezayre, just outside Ramsey, and was not, we are assured, a sign of promiscuity!).  The long aprons were also known as "bratts" and were of a plain white or gingham check cotton fabric. The whole ladies costume has no buttons or zips and uses only ties or pins to keep the clothes in place. To keep the ensemble neat and tidy (and secure for dancing) a black velvet stomacher is worn tied by laces at the back. This is also a direct copy of the original worn by Mona although the original derivation is unsure.  White tights are worn instead of cotton stockings and the basic black character dance shoe of today is used. To finish the costume the ladies wear a basic snood (occasionally referred to by members as a "doily!") which is a cross between a bonnet and a hood.

 

Mens  The mens period costume consists of grey wool breeeches and a light blue shirt. The shirt can be worn with or without a collar and is open at the neck. The ties complement the ladies costume being black laces in the criss-cross pattern.  long navy blue socks are worn and the  same character dance shoe.  Around the waist is a cryss (Manx gaelic for a belt or girdle). As with many other celtic nations there is a tradition where it is said that men who have a "loved one" often gave the lady their own cryss as a token of affection.

 
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