Have you
ever wondered how to get a cool pirate costume?
There are
so many people with amazing costumes at the events I attend or the pictures I
see in facebook galleries. A lot of them sew their stuff but if you’re like me
- all thumbs – sewing isn’t an option
and letting someone else make a costume
would be incredibly expensive. Luckily there are lots of other
possibilities to get a really decent costume that doesn’t look like cheap
carnival stuff.
In the following
I would like to give you some personal advice because a costume doesn’t always
have to be expensive or handmade.
Option 1:
flea markets
Do you also
enjoy walking through a flea market? I really enjoy this and always find
something nice. Especially for old jewelry a flea market is the right place.
The seller doesn’t need granny’s golden rings anymore? Buy them! Pirates wear
golden rings! Sometimes you even find old blouses with ruffles or old coats that
are just perfect for a pirate costume. Just keep your eyes open and I am sure
you’ll find a little treasure! J
Option 2:
The WWW
Since we
just love to pretend to live back in the early 17th and 18th
century we can take advantage of the internet. You don’t even have to go on
Etsy, sometimes Amazon is enough to find a decent skirt, blouse or breeches.
You just ave to enter the right keyword. “Bohemian” works always great for
ladies and “army” for the gentlemen. Ebay is also a good source for second hand
clothing and sometimes you’re lucky enough to find some cheap vintage clothing.
Option 3:
Costume Stores
Depending
on where you live you might be lucky to have a costume store around the corner
or at least close by. Lots of them have annual sales and sell really good
costumes that are actually authentic looking. Though you should be careful with
the material. Synthetic fabrics might look nice but are usually crappy to wear
at medieval events or renaissance fairs. But if you have the chance to go to a
costume store – take it! Even if it’s just for a fun day with friends. Costume
stores are magical! ( Costume Stores own online shops quite often btw ;-) )
Option 4:
Events
You usually
find lots of merchants at medieval events who sell costumes. Of course this is
another option but you should be aware they the clothes are a little more
expensive oftentimes. But depending on
who is selling you might be able to negotiate.
I am sure
there are plenty more options but these are my usual sources when I want to buy
new things.
If you’ve
found what you wanted you can “style” your clothes by adding dirt or aging
them.
Aging is
actually quite easy: just put the clothes in a bowl with hot water and add
black tea and/or coffee and you’ll get a wonderful yellowish color and stains.
If you want to look even wilder you can use a grater and roughen the fabric
though you should try that on something else first before you “damage” you
costume too much.
Acryl
colors are also a good way to age your clothes. Just take a sponge and rub it
over some parts of the fabrics. And it worked better than colors for fabrics.
If you can
sew: don’t mind the above options and sew a hell of an awesome costume. ;-)
I hope you
liked my ideas. Now go ahead and be a badass self made pirate! Be creative and
don’t forget to have fun!!!
