Pirates is always a popular fancy dress theme throughout the year, but seems to be even more so during spring & Summer.

As there are so many pirate accessories that you can purchase, it is one of those costumes that can be put together at home quite easily using tatty, cut down trousers and shirts. Maybe because of this, and the economic situation as it is at the moment, but we have found that pirates are even more popular than usual.

Props & Frocks has a whole range of pirate costumes, suitable for all the family, and to suit all budgets.

Some Ladies Pirate Costume Ideas…

Pirate Wench Costume.
Ladies can wear a peasant style dress, or blouse and a long skirt. There are many versions that also have a lace up bodice and bandana. Although there are sexy, short versions on the market, there are also longer styles available.

Elizabeth Swann
A character from Pirates of The Caribbean and governed by the Disney licensing laws.

Elizabeth’s costume changes many times throughout the three films. She wears georgian dresses, long, off white shift dress and full shirt, long waistcoat and pantaloons when she is pretending to be a male crewman.

Pirate Crew
These costumes tend to be similar to the men with a striped top, pantaloons or skirt, sash tied at the waist and a bandana or hat. This costume should be easy to put together.

Just take some old jeans (other trousers or skirts will also be suitable) and cut them down, the more ragged the better. Use an old shirt, it doesn’t matter if you do not have a striped top, and again cut it down. Use a belt arouond your waist – you can purchase pirate belts, or use an old one. This is your basic costume, use whatever accessories you decide on to create y our own unique outfit.

Mary Read
Mary Read was born in 1685 in England and was only 1 of 2 known women pirates. Ladies on board ship were considered to be unlucky and Mary had to dress as a man. Ladies will need to use a small mens costume, or alternatively, look for a Prince Charming | Principal Boy style of costume, which will suffice for this character.

Anne Bonny
Anne Bonny is probably the most famous female pirate. She was a ruthless plunderer, raider, and menace to the sea faring vessels in the Caribbean Sea. She is commonly referred to as “Toothless Annie”. Although she dressed and fought as a man, she was soon discovered and instead of bowing down to the pressure from the crew, she killed all who opposed her. Not a lady to have a row with! To get the ‘toothless’ look, use tooth wax. This covers your chosen teeth with a black putty and gives the impression of teeth missing. This character should dress manly, see Mary Read.

And here are some male pirate costume ideas…

Captain Hook
From Peter Pan. There have been a few interpretations of the villain Captain Hook. The character has starred in Disney’s cartoon version of Peter Pan and in many films, including the film ‘Hook’ where he was played by Dustin Hoffman.

Typically a long frock coat is worn with pantaloons and a frilly shirt. He wears long, black boots and a large hat. A long, curly wig, moustache and a hook finish off the costume.

Pirate Captain costumes are available to purchase.

Captain Jack Sparrow
From Pirates Of The Caribbean. This is a Disney production and therefore has strict licensing laws attached to it. A costume, unless licensed cannot be called Captain Jack Sparrow and you will probably see similar looking costumes called Pirate Captain etc.

Typically a long, distressed frock coat or waistcoat is worn with a full shirt. Trousers are tucked into boots and he wears a bandana or a 3 pointed hat. Dark eyes and a gotee type beard finish off the costume.

Therer are lots of pirate accessories that have the ‘Sparrow’ look, so you should be able to create this character’s costume quite easily.

Pirate Crew
In most pirate films, the crew will play a part. They are normally dressed in stripped tops, cut away trousers, sashes tied around the waist and a bandana. They can be men or women – see the costume description in the ladies section.

Blackbeard
Blackbeard’s real name was Edward Teach. He was a ruthless pirate who was named after his long, black beard.

You will need a Captain Hook style of costume, most people tend to chose black, but it is not necessary. It is obviously very important to wear a large black beard and an agressive snarl.

Long John Silver
From Treasure Island. Ruthless pirate looking for treasure hidden by his old crew mate Billy Bones. Apart from the normal pirate attire, a peg leg is also required.

The Australian celebrity Elle McPherson, born today in 1963, is possibly best known for being a fashion model nicknamed ‘The Body’. She has, however, taken the precaution of also developing a successful business career, designing fashions for other people to wear. Diversity is everything, and whilst there are risks in getting too many fingers in too many pies, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on developing trends. For example we are currently wondering whether the new Aardman animations film ‘The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists’, released this week, is going to generate a revival of enthusiasm for all things piratical, like Pirates of the Caribbean did a few years ago, and whether we should look to spicing up our relevant stock. Coincidentally, the new film involves the vocal talents of many British stars, including Hugh Grant. He is well-known now, but back in 1993. pre-‘Four Weddings’ and less famous, who was it who appeared in his film ‘Sirens’ and, having added some exotic frisson acting as a ‘playful’ model, also appeared on the posters to help promote the film? Elle McPherson!