The pirate has been a beloved character in various forms of media for a long time. Their appearance in literature dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Pirate films have been a recurring genre since the 1920s and their popularity rose again with the introduction of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise and more recently through the TV show Our Flag means Death.
In most popular media, the appearance of pirates is based on what is called the Golden Age of Piracy, which took place between the 17th and 18th centuries. So their costumes are usually inspired by the late 17th and early 18th centuries. However, piracy existed long before that time and still exists today, so there are many more options when it comes to pirate costumes.
In this blog, we'll use the more common representation of pirates as inspiration, but we'll show you how to realize that idea with all sorts of different items.
Shirt
One of the basic pieces in a pirate outfit is the shirt. It's a great basic to start with and offers the opportunity to play with layers or a more understated outfit. There's also a lot of variation in the type of shirt you can use. Some prefer a simpler shirt, while others like some extra details such as laces or ruffles. The shirt is generally white or cream coloured, as that's easier to combine with other items, but other colours are definitely an option too.
Trousers
Usually pirates are shown wearing fairly straight trousers, not too tight, but not too loose either. They need to be comfortable to move around in. Of course, you can always play with the type of trousers you wear. Very wide-legged trousers, such as harem trousers, can also look great in a pirate look.
Waistband
Another very well-known item used in pirate outfits is a scarf or strip of fabric around the waist. This is often combined with one or more leather belts. By tying a sort of scarf or fabric belt around your waist, you can very easily add a small colour accent to your outfit.
Belt
An accessory whose importance should not be underestimated is the belt. As a pirate, you need a place to keep all your important stuff... your compass, spyglass, purse, pistol, you name it. A good belt is the perfect place to hang your stuff and tuck your pistol underneath. A decorative buckle is an extra bonus to show off your success in plundering.
Bag
Bags are often seen as a good way to keep your money with you, but they can also contain other important items. For example, gunpowder, dice and other small artefacts. If you're planning to dress up as a pirate for a festival, a bag is a great way to keep your valuables safe and in style.
Sword
Piracy is a dangerous profession, although some might say the danger comes from the side of the pirates. In any case, a weapon is a must-have for every pirate. Stealing, plundering and threatening is difficult without weapons to back up your words. Pirates also regularly face authorities or other pirates, in which case a weapon is needed for self-defence. Weapons come in various options, but the most common weapons for pirates are pistols and swords. Pirates often have to fight in relatively small spaces, so not all types of swords are practical. Cutlasses are generally considered the preferred swords for pirates.
Equipment
When you're on the open waters, a pirate cannot survive without certain items within reach. Navigating the ocean is quite difficult. At night, the stars are a big help, but during the day a pirate needs a compass to find his way.
Another handy piece of equipment is the spyglass. Land is often too far away to see with the naked eye. It's also essential to be able to recognize a ship in the distance as quickly as possible. By the time you can see whether a ship is friend or foe without a spyglass, it's too late to possibly avoid conflict.
These types of small accessories are fun finishing touches for your pirate outfit.
Rope
On a pirate ship, rope is used everywhere. That's why it's never a bad idea to have some rope with you. It's a great prop to use for photo shoots or just as a nice addition when you're dressed as a pirate at a party or festival.
Hat
Perhaps the most iconic accessory in a pirate outfit is the hat. Hats are a great way to keep the sun out of your eyes and protect your head from too much direct sunlight. The most famous type of pirate hat is the tricorn, but there's no need to stick to one specific model.
Coat
Some people might think that pirates amassed great wealth by robbing others, but most pirates were not that wealthy. Any luxury items they possessed were not purchased, but stolen. The coats often used in pirate costumes are a good example of this. What we commonly call "pirate coats" are Justaucorps. This type of coat was worn in the late 17th century and throughout the 18th century. The Justaucorp began as a fashionable item for the nobility and a variation of this design was used in the army and navy. It is commonly believed that pirates stole these coats for personal use, and thus the "pirate coat" came about.
Pirate-like props
The fun thing about pirate costumes is that you can really go all out with accessories and props. Some have already been mentioned in this blog, but there are many more fun props to use. Items such as beer mugs and barrels can be great to use during photo shoots or to bring to a festival to add something extra to your costume. Ultimately, don't forget your rum and beer!
