Making a pirate costume from scratch is not that difficult. If you're not very good at sewing, you can avoid that too! Read this wikiHow article to learn several ways to make a cute pirate costume using things you probably already have at home or can get at a thrift store. Read the steps below.
Steps
Method 1 of 7: The Basics
Step 1. Decide if you want to be a male or female pirate
You probably want to be a pirate if you are a girl and vice versa, but the choice is yours. Many descriptions of pirates are not very appropriate. If that's not what you're looking for, consider adding a feminine touch to a men's pirate costume.
Step 2. Find the picture of a pirate
This can serve as a guide to making your pirate costume, but it really isn't that important. This is likely useful if there is something unusual or fascinating about a real pirate costume that you want to emulate.
Method 2 of 7: Create the Top with a T-shirt
Step 1. Pick a large, white T-shirt that you are willing to alter
For the pirates who make up the crew, the top should not be as elaborate as what the pirate captain or a veteran pirate would wear. A t-shirt will do. It is best to use a large one, as it will convey the idea of being ripped and disheveled, something that all self-respecting pirates try to achieve.
Step 2. Start shaping
You have been at sea for months. While you don't want it to look like you have scurvy, make it look like you are the worst dressed. Cut out some areas of the shirt to give the impression of roughness:
- Cut the ends of the sleeves with jagged, jagged cuts.
- Cut off the bottom of the shirt. Pirates don't need hems.
- Cut out the neck of the shirt. We bet Hanes didn't exist in the days of the pirates.
Step 3. Paint blue lines across the shirt using fabric paint
Also paint lines around the sleeves. They don't have to be perfect; the more homemade they look, the better.
Let the paint dry, then turn the shirt over and paint the back in the same way
Method 3 of 7: Make the Top of the Costume with a Shirt
Step 1. Get a shirt that fits you well
If you prefer to wear a shirt rather than a T-shirt, no problem, especially if you want to be a pirate captain. A large, white, baggy shirt will be perfect. Try to find one that has wide rather than narrow sleeves.
If you are a woman, choose a men's shirt, as it will be large and probably baggy. If you are a man, avoid anything that is too tight or too short
Step 2. Remove the stiff neck
Pirates do not wear dress shirts with stiff collars. Get rid of it (make it walk the board!) By cutting it off and restoring a ruffle or similar soft collar. If you hate sewing, you can probably avoid this by using fabric glue to add a ruffle, but make sure the area you've cut doesn't fray.
If possible, make a few pleats to the ruffles on your neck. The volume of the ruffles will hide any enhancements you have made to the shirt
Step 3. Decorate it a bit
Since you are wearing a decent shirt, you can improve it instead of making rags. Think of some of the following ornaments:
- Fantasy buttons down the middle of the cuffs.
- A gold or silver chain for the neck area.
- Frills! The ruffles can be placed almost anywhere on the shirt (around the cuffs, around the neck, at the bottom, etc.).
Method 4 of 7: Making the Pants and Vest
Step 1. Choose dark pants for a traditional or simple look
Let the rest of the costume speak for itself. Back in the days of yore, pirates didn't wear flower pants, so don't worry if yours attracts attention.
If you prefer, you can wear a long skirt with a petticoat underneath. It is better if these are a bit bulky, because that way they will allow you to move freely. This is something pirates might like to wear instead of pants
Step 2. Fix a regular pair of pants
You can paint some stripes on a pair of plain pants or give them a more pirate look. Use fabric paint and paint vertical lines. The color must match the pants or any other item in the costume. Maybe you are a member of a gang of pirates, don't you think?
Another alternative is to wear pants, but with a coat of your size that fits in the front and with a train at the back like a full skirt. This is probably something you need to sew yourself or have it custom made, but it can be a nice pair of pants and a dress
Step 3. Consider wearing a dress that opens at the front
Make it smooth and dark in color. If you want it to have a pirate look, leave it unbuttoned so that the shirt or t-shirt can be seen underneath. The more classic pirates may want to be well groomed and keep it buttoned up.
For a cold night, wear a long, baggy coat. Look for such a coat at thrift stores. It can be used, as long as it does not fit you. Again, a dark color is best, but you can opt for a colored or patterned one if you are a flamboyant pirate
Method 5 of 7: Make a Hat
Step 1. Measure the diameter of your head
Use this measurement to have a pirate hat with the exact measurement. This is the part that is usually the most representative in the pirate costume. Fortunately, it is very easy to make a pirate hat.
Step 2. Draw the shape of the pirate hat on a piece of paper
Use it as a template. If you are not sure how to do this, you can find a template online.
Lay the template on a lightweight card stock and trace around it. Do this twice as you will need two sides for the hat. Then cut out the shape you traced
Step 3. Glue the whole hat
Run the glue or tape around the edges of the hat, without touching the bases where your head will go. If you use glue, let it dry.
Step 4. Paint the hat black
Apply at least two coats of paint and let it dry. Then paint a white skull and crossbones. Again, if you are not a very good artist, print one on the Internet and paste it.
If you are using paint, you may need to apply two coats, as white on black will initially be gray. Be patient, the hat is one of the most colorful parts of your grooming. Take your time to get it right
Step 5. Cut out a strip of cardboard that fits exactly on your head
Glue it in the shape of a loop or circle. Put it inside the hat and tape or glue it down. This will help keep the shape of the hat open and keep it snug on your head.
If it's windy on the street and you're forced to be an outdoor pirate, put an elastic band to keep your hat in place. But only do it as a last option as it can seem a bit bulky and silly
Method 6 of 7: Add Accessories
Step 1. Wear a scarf around your neck
A bright red scarf or kerchief around your neck will make you stand out and is something a pirate might wear. If you don't have one, make it!
- Cut a piece of red fabric in the shape of a square.
- Fold the square into a triangle shape.
- Roll it around your neck. Tie the ends behind your neck and have them point down the front of your neck.
Step 2. Put on a pirate belt
A belt around your shirt or t-shirt will be a perfect touch to the costume. You can also use a wide belt that you found in your closet or that you got from a thrift store, or you can even make one out of fabric or cardboard.
Some pirates wore (or "use" on Google images) a belt that looks like a sash. If you have a red or black scarf, you can easily turn it into a pirate belt
Step 3. Wear an eye patch
You can find the eye patch in costume stores, online, or you can make it yourself:
- Draw the shape of the patch on lightweight construction paper.
- Cut out the patch.
- Paint the exterior black and let it dry.
- Punch two holes in the top of the patch on both sides. Pass a thin elastic and tie a knot on each side. Check that the length of the elastic is just the size of your head before cutting and knotting the last hole.
Step 4. Wear old shoes or boots
Holes are great for him, as long as you're not getting into puddles or snow. Add a buckle to enhance the old look of a pair of boots, especially if you are the pirate captain.
The more worn they are, the better. Go to the thrift store to get some shoes that you will probably never wear again, or at least not until next year
Step 5. Wear skulls or gold jewelry, such as necklaces and earrings
Method 7 of 7: Additional Accessories
Step 1. Wear black makeup around the eyes
Mascara or eyeshadow works well. If you are a really evil pirate, use double. The shadows will give a more intense aspect to your look.
You don't have to be a reflection of Captain Jack Sparrow, but he looks very good
Step 2. Wear at least one earring
Wear a pair of gold hoop earrings if you are a woman. If you are a man, one will be fine. Don't have a hole to put the earring on? Many costume jewelry have snaps.
Step 3. Wear a scarf around your hair if you are a woman
Wear it like a headband. A real pirate will use it as an elastic sweatband, but yours can be more modern and a bit bohemian.
Step 4. Bring a cardboard sword or saber
Cut out a cardboard sword or saber. Paint the blade silver and the handle brown. You can put it through the belt when you don't have it in your hand.
Plastic guns are very cheap, and there are plenty of them in party or costume stores. Your show should last all night, just be careful not to trip over too many things or poke someone in the eye
Step 5. Make a spyglass
Use a paper towel tube or something similar. Paint it black. Then put a strip of silver tape a quarter distance from the top to divide it. Add another silver band at one end, which will look like the point where the pirate is looking. You can put it next to your belt with a piece of elastic.
Advice
- Pirates are like seagulls, they love shiny things (and they are very outrageous!). Anything shiny and pirate-like will work well with your costume.
- If you have a shirt, you could wear a white button-down with the sleeves rolled up.
- The hat, parrot, sword, and jewelry might be things that would be better to buy rather than make.
- Jewelry is always a good way to make your costume more realistic.
- Pirate costumes and other collectibles are a great outfit that you can wear on Halloween or another similar event.
- Wear a parrot on the shoulder. You can find plenty of toy parrots at thrift stores or online auctions. You can stick it with a few pieces of velcro or perhaps sew it to the shirt or t-shirt.
Warnings
- If you wear glasses, you could wear contact lenses if you want to see something when you're wearing it.
- If you get a bird, you will need to bring pretzels.