Why Authentic Pirate Clothing Beats Your Cheesy Halloween Pirate Costume

Let’s face it. Buying a new Halloween costume year after year is ridiculous. You end up buying a silly costume every Halloween and are seldom the same character ever again, right? I finally got tired of it and resolved to build up an authentic pirate costume by buying authentic pirate clothing each year. One Halloween, I got it in my head to build up an authentic pirate costume by buying one or two pieces of authentic pirate costumes every year. I’ve never looked back.

Why Buy Authentic Pirate Clothing?

First, let me say boys, girls, men and women of all ages can dress up as pirates and pirate wenches. Everyone can play here. Look to the recent pirate movies and stories for inspiration and examples on how to dress up and act like pirates.

Secondly, there is no end to a good pirate costume. There are many components to creating real pirate costumes and you can keep adding layers to your pirate wardrobe, year after year.

And really, dressing up in real pirate clothing when your friends are in their lame $20 polyester costumes is a high. You already look good; now, next to those gaudy costumes, you look even better.

Getting Started with Your Costume

To begin, focus on clothes and accessories equally. Authentic pirate clothing is the most important part of your pirate costume. It is the foundation of your costume, so set yourself up properly.

First, explore your home, thrift stores, online renaissance stores and any local renaissance fairs for the best looking pirate clothing. For boys and men, start to look like a pirate by selecting black trousers (though gray and brown also can look good.) Tight pirate pants or really baggy ones that you can cut off at the knees can be perfect for your costume. Shred and scuff the edges to make for a ragged, authentic look.

For the ladies, girls and women targeting the pirate wench genre, a black skirt will be perfect, but maroon, gray or brown work well here too. As with the men’s pirate costumes, ragged those edges for skirts for the tattered, unkempt look.

Authentic pirate clothing also includes the simple, white shirt with long sleeves. Avoid buying too formal or dressy shirts for this purpose. Loose baggy shirts will give the perfect impression. Improve the look by leaving a few buttons undone at the top of the shirt. Maybe even cut off the collar if there is one. Real pirate clothing is never clean or tidy. So, use stained shirts with some cuffs or ruffles. Try to find a shirt in the Victorian style, which will be the most authentic pirate costume. Pair this medieval shirt with a black, brown or red vest, with stripes or without.

Pirate Costume Accessories

Pirate Boots

Accessorizing your pirate costume is wonderful way to look authentic. The first accessory that comes to mind while dressing up as a pirate is the boots. Find tall black boots to go with your black pirate pants. The most traditional pirate boots are the knee-high, leather variety that fold over at the top.

If you cannot find boots or they are out of your budget, you can try going for a pair of inexpensive boot covers (you wear them over your shoes.) Boot vendors at the renaissance fairs will shake their heads sadly as they watch you walk by, but chin up.. you’re just getting started, right?

Ladies, you have more flexibility in this department. You can go for high heeled boots, flats or extravagant leather boots to look like the perfect pirate wench.

Pirate Belts and General Bric-a-Brac

Big buckled belts in black or brown are perfectly suitable for authentic pirate costumes.

The sash is another great accessory. A bright red sash or scarf that is tied around the waist is a perfect pirate accessory.

A pirate hat or a bandana is an absolute necessity. A pirate hat—with a bandana under it—is the way of a real pirate clothing ensemble. A red bandana goes well with the entire costume. You can even sport a look with just the bandana and no hat.

Long hair is perfect for a pirate. Get your locks braided or add dreadlocks and add authenticity to your costume. Not that crazy? Do it to a wig. Men, grow some scruff before going out on Halloween or visiting that local renaissance festival. (Pirates don’t shave regularly.)

Jewelry is another accessory that forms a part of authentic pirate clothing. Pierced ears can sport large earrings in gold or silver color. Pirates love to flaunt their style, so add as much bling in the form of earrings, necklaces, beads and rings as you want.

Don’t forget to buy an authentic looking sword. Or, go easy and buy a toy pirate sword to be safe. (Besides, who wants to cart around that heavy thing all day? Just because a real sword looks sweet, it doesn’t mean you want to be tripping on it everywhere you go? Does it? Maybe..)

Where to Find Authentic Pirate Costumes?

Now that you know how to build an authentic pirate costume, begin by searching the local thrift stores, your old clothes and trunks, online renaissance stores, etc., for the perfect pieces to your outfit. Jewelry, hats, bandanas, shoes and clothes can even be found at garage sales. An online renaissance costume store will offer the real deal. From there, simply keep adding to your existing pirate costume each year and say good-bye to wearing cheap Halloween costumes!