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What did the pirates wear? Look through the pages to find out…
What colour were pirate clothes? Pirates liked to break the rules! They copied the colours that only the Queen and the royal people wore. Some of the colours were: Crimson, violet, purple and deep blue. They wore lots of these colours at the same time. None of their clothes matched because they had stolen most of them! This is a dress like the one the queen might have worn.
What did the clothes feel like to wear? Pirate clothes were quite tight. They couldn’t be loose or baggy in case they got caught in the ropes while they were doing important jobs like climbing the rigging. This pirate has tight trousers with a belt to hold them in place so they didn’t get caught in anything!
Pirate accessories! Gold Hoop Earrings These made a pirate look rich but also were believed to help cure sea sickness! Bracelets, chains, pins and pendants Gold, silver, precious jewels and pearls Plaits and ribbons Many pirates put ribbons and plaits in their hair. Blackbeard was famous for tying black plaits in his beard and hair. He used to set them on fire with matches to scare his enemies!
More pirate accessories! Pirate belts Pirate belts were wide and worn around the waist. They were sometimes worn across the shoulders to carry weapons! Buckles Ornate buckles were used to decorate pirate belts and shoes. Fancy buttons A decorative addition to pirate jackets and shirts. Scarves Some pirates wore a scarf round their neck.
Shoes, breeches and stockings Pirate Boots Pirates usually wore big boots that went over the knee. Some pirates wore special covers to go over the top of them. They were made from leather and were usually black or brown in colours. They had buckles or laces to tie them. Lots of pirates went barefoot which made life easier when they were scrubbing the deck!
Shoes, breeches and stockings Breeches Breeches were short trousers usually only worn by English pirates. Stockings Woollen stockings to keep the pirates warm on the seas. They wore silk ones when they were on land to look as if they were rich!
Pirate head gear! Bandana Pirates wore these on their own or under their hats to keep the sweat out of their eyes. These were usually black, red or brown. They could also be stripy.
More pirate head gear! Tri-cornered hat This was a hat with three corners. It was worn by pirates and made of different materials including leather. A Captain might have had his decorated with a red feather. Knitted caps Pirates sometimes wore a special kind of cap called a Monmouth cap. This pirate is wearing a Monmouth cap.
Pirate shirts and jackets Colours The colours of the jackets and shirts were bright, like the clothes of the queen, but never matched! A doublet An expensive long coat worn by pirates. They usually wore these when they were on land as they were difficult to wear when they were on board ship. They were decorated with ornate fabrics and buttons.
More pirate shirts and jackets Shirts These had puffed sleeves but were too baggy to be worn on board ship. Waistcoats A short-sleeved jacket which the pirates wore under their doublets. They could be brown or black.
What the Captains wore One of the most famous captains in the golden age of pirates was called Black Bart. Even though his name was ‘black’, he was known for his fancy, brightly coloured clothes! Waistcoat and breeches Waistcoats were a short sleeved jacket that pirate captains would have worn under their coats. They were made of velvet and were a rich crimson colour. A painting of Black Bart and his bright clothes.
What the Captains wore Hat Captain’s hats were often decorated with a red feather. Sash These were expensive and made from silk. They were used as a belt and to decorate the front of the pirate’s coat. They were tied around their waists. Jewellery The clothes of this pirate captain were decorated with gold buttons and ornaments.
