Pirates have been around for thousands of years and their bold, quirky way of dressing and rebellious attitude have made them great subjects for movies and books, but they also act as great inspiration for any costume party or Halloween. So why not go to your next party dressed as a pirate?

Custom

There is a lot to consider when it comes to pirate costumes. Do you prefer JM Barrie’s Captain Cook with his ghastly appearance and the hook for his hand? Or the more modern version of a pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow, with dreadlocks and lining? In any case, most costume shops will be able to accommodate you in no time.

If you are not interested in taking on the role of an already famous pirate and want to have your own version of the pirate costume, there are many things that you can include. Starting with the basics, you need loose-fitting clothing in black, white, or deep reds and purples. The more emotions on the sleeves and chest, the better. Wear long, loose-fitting pants and a thick belt with a large buckle around the waist. Just add black leather knee-high boots and the basics have been covered. You may also need a wig. In which case, get long straight black hair or dreadlocks. Girls can do it too, the same rules apply but you can go more feminine with a gypsy skirt. There are, of course, numerous obvious accessories that make the look a bit more authentic. Add a bandana, eyepatch, sword, jewelry, and of course, a pirate hat. If you want to go the whole mile, add thick black eyeliner, a parrot, a peg leg, or a fake tan, as pirates are usually depicted as quite sun-tanned. These will all add to your look and earn you the best costume in no time. Most costume stores will carry a variety of costumes and additional items, making it easy to get everything you need for the perfect pirate costume.

However, you can’t just dress like a pirate, you also need the attitude and it’s what makes dressing like a pirate so much more fun. First, you need to learn how to talk the talk. Keep your voice low and gravelly and change boring “hi’s” to “ahoys”, try not to go too long without going “argh” and refer to everyone as “friend”. It might be annoying to everyone but you, but you wouldn’t be a true pirate without it. You can easily learn the lingo by watching movies or searching the Internet. You also have to get the mindset of a pirate. You should act confident, arrogant and rebellious by speaking loud and upright or you might lean more towards the intoxicated and less intelligent type, in which case you should act a little goofy and throw some “yo ho ho’s”.

So for any fancy dress occasion you attend in your pirate costume, remember to find an over the top costume with all the extras and practice how to walk, talk and act like a pirate.