Easy Ideas for Pirate Costumes

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 17^th and 18^th 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!!!