More Info About Pirate Costume

All real pirates were splashy dressers, men and women alike. First, we'll cover the elements that both boy's and girl's authentic pirate costumes have in common: The tri-cornered hat, typically black, always carried the insignia of the crossbones and skull. Men's hats were usually much plainer than the women's, decorated with a long feather - or two, but absent the rows of fancy laces and ribbons with which the women embellished their hats. The ordinary pirate crew members sported scarves and bandannas, instead of hats, deferring to the Captain and his 'officers'.

All you boys and girls need a sword and a pair of swashbuckling boots. Feel free to enhance that plastic sword with a row of jewels, fastened with a little glue. The flashier the better!

Now, for some of the subtler differences between girl's and boy's authentic pirate costumes: boys need an eye patch, demonstrating their experience in battles at sea.

If you're a girl, every authentic pirate costume should show that feminine side - lots of lace, brighter colors, striped off the shoulder tees, fancy jeweled belts and more elaborate hats and jackets, heavy on the lace and decorative accessories. By all means, add plenty of bangles, necklaces and outrageous earrings!

Pirate men generally dressed in a simple tunic shirt, left hanging outside long breeches, with a simply cut vest, affording freedom of movement on the high seas. Female pirates wore more tightly fitting garments, designed to show off a shapely figure. A fitted bodice and vest replaces the man's loose tunic shirt and simply cut vest.

The authentic pirate costume can be a very inexpensive proposition for a great Halloween costume that makes you stand out in the crowd.