What make a pirate. Garb

[DamienBreaux]

hello, i was wondering what makes a pirates garb...Piratey?  or rather what is a good bass garb to work off of.? i ask because iam becoming selfconsccious about my garb that i have for the RF this weekened. as of right now i have

Black riding boots
Dark green trousers
Cream colored 16th century shirt 
grey vest
1 black leather belt
1 maroon sash.

i would love input and adivce about what i have, or how to make it better.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Welcome to the Community, Damien.

What makes garb "Piratey"? There's no real trick to it really! It's a bunch of things coming  together that suits your personality, style, and pocketbook.

Sashes, replica swords, replica pistols, hats with plumes, watching others dressed as Pirates, watching the 'Pirates of The Caribbean' films for referrences, developing your language or slang, and so much more.



My clients Stepanie and Jason in their "Pirate" garb made by me. The accessories they put together.

[operafantomet]

No pirate without a wide and/or frilly white shirt!

And then, as Lady Kathleen wrote, accessories. Remember that pirates rumble the sea. So think of clothes and items that would be practical. Most pirate outfits in movies have a basis in late baroque and early rococo style, but with a small twist. So also "Pirates of the Caribbean". So checking out what men wore in general in the period 1680-1740, and then make it cruder, more worn, more exotic. Bigger hats, or maybe more plumage, more frills on the shirt, bigger buckles, a pet animal from exotic areas on the shoulder, bolder colours, plainer fabrics which would endure months on board, maybe washed in sea water... Stuff like that.

And weapons, of course. Sword, daggers etc. Also, damages from battles - a patch over the eye, a missing hand or leg - would be plausible. These people were living in the fringe of society, and were considered criminals. They attacked peaceful ships, which obviously would fight back to save themselves. There would be damages.

That said, this toned down sailor/pirate is pretty awesome:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelsbagley/1485671197/

[isabelladangelo]

Are you going for the "Argh!  Me Maties!" type pirate of Hollywood invention or are you going for what actual sailors wore?   The Mary Rose - a shipwreck from the 16th Century- has a ton of great archeological "treasure" that shows what would have really been worn.  http://www.maryrose.org/life/cloth1.htm

[operafantomet]

Are you going for the "Argh!  Me Maties!" type pirate of Hollywood invention or are you going for what actual sailors wore?   The Mary Rose - a shipwreck from the 16th Century- has a ton of great archeological "treasure" that shows what would have really been worn.  http://www.maryrose.org/life/cloth1.htm

The "pirates" as we think of them today was in large a result of Europeans moving to America, and the trade between the two continents flourishing. This typically happened in the mid/late 17th century and 18th century. This is when it became profitable to be a full-time pirate, so to speak, plundering trade ships. It's also this type of clothes which has become synonymous with "pirates". So seeing what 16th century sailors wore might not be more H/A in this specific case.

That said, as long as there have been boats and trade toutes via the sea, there have been pirates. They don't belong to one specific era or part of the world. But as mentioned above, the time of the largest exchange of people and goods in European history (when sail ships was still the way to travel, that is) was rather in the 17th and 18th century than the 16th century. And with this the pirate business (and also the legalized privateer business) flourished.

[DamienBreaux]

when it comes to HA pirate garb or Hollywood garb, i am more drawn to the Hollywood garb, its just seems more fun . so its looks like i need Darker colors and accessories.
i really love the Barbosa Garb above!

[isabelladangelo]

Are you going for the "Argh!  Me Maties!" type pirate of Hollywood invention or are you going for what actual sailors wore?   The Mary Rose - a shipwreck from the 16th Century- has a ton of great archeological "treasure" that shows what would have really been worn.  http://www.maryrose.org/life/cloth1.htm

The "pirates" as we think of them today was in large a result of Europeans moving to America, and the trade between the two continents flourishing. This typically happened in the mid/late 17th century and 18th century. This is when it became profitable to be a full-time pirate, so to speak, plundering trade ships. It's also this type of clothes which has become synonymous with "pirates". So seeing what 16th century sailors wore might not be more H/A in this specific case.

That said, as long as there have been boats and trade toutes via the sea, there have been pirates. They don't belong to one specific era or part of the world. But as mentioned above, the time of the largest exchange of people and goods in European history (when sail ships was still the way to travel, that is) was rather in the 17th and 18th century than the 16th century. And with this the pirate business (and also the legalized privateer business) flourished.

I know. :-)  My family was pirates and we were so bad at terrorizing the English coast, King James VI/I kicked us out of Scotland and sent us over to Ireland.  We didn't stay very long.  I just find it odd anymore to see late 17th century/early 18th century styled "pirates" at a Renaissance festival.    What sailors wore in the 16th century is more H/A ...for the Renaissance.   

Technically speaking, you could call the Norse/Vikings pirates.  ;-)

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Damien..Here are a few shots of the Barbossa coat I did for my friend, Jason. He's really into Captain Barbossa and all the details of being a Pirate. Jason is into detail and I was happy to oblige him. He's excited to be dressing up in this for Halloween as well.

[operafantomet]

Technically speaking, you could call the Norse/Vikings pirates.  ;-)

Not just could. AM! At least on their plundering trips in Europe. Not so much on their trade travels to America and Asia.

[Captain Dungcaster]

You want to be associated with. There is much information on this thread regarding Pirate garb that other members have provided. Nice articles. I think you may want to determine the period. The "poular" images of pirates really date from 1680 to 1750's Remember Sir Francis Drake was considered a pirate at times and was one of Elizabeth's "Sea Dogs" That puts his dress with in the late 1500's.

Why not mix it up a bit. Look to be 1580's in dress with some pirate flair?

[Captain Dungcaster]

Here are some Reference books from Osprey Publishing. These are the "Elite" series and you can find them at Amazon. Lots of good information in the text and very nice color plates showing weapons and manner of dress.

[DonaCatalina]

Those are cool. I think I need to get Elizabethan Sea Dogs for His Lordship. Thanks for sharing.

[DamienBreaux]

Damien..Here are a few shots of the Barbossa coat I did for my friend, Jason. He's really into Captain Barbossa and all the details of being a Pirate. Jason is into detail and I was happy to oblige him. He's excited to be dressing up in this for Halloween as well.

THIS IS SO AMAZING!! really great work.

[Dinobabe]

I think pirate is more about attitude!  Pirates wore what everyone else wore during their time period.  Many people are caught up in the POTC version at the moment, which is great, but takes place well after most traditional ren faire time periods.  So wear what you want and have fun with it!