Appropriate attire

for

Introduction

Since we portray pirates, buccaneers and smugglers during the Golden Age of Piracy, we should at least look as though we live that time period.There are plenty of options in attire and appearance for both men and women, even youth.

This is a presentation that will help you gain an idea of what was worn during the time period we portray - from 1660 to 1770. It will then be up to you to compile those styles to bring your persona to life.

Clothing Fashion was status and wealth. The style and

materials used silently said a lot about you - where you were from, you occupation and what you could afford.

Men's Attire

The basic outline: Just-au-corps Waistcoat Shirt Breeches Footwear Accessories Headgear

Men's attire The Just-au-corps generally an early frock coat.

Could be worn with or without a waistcoat. And worn by every class and rank.

Men's attire Most commonly used fabric were silks, cottons,

linen, and wools. Mixes such as linsey woolsey (linen-wool mix) were common, or even leather.

Men's Attire Decoration was popular, mainly with the

wealthier classes. Embroidery to trims, it was the perfect display of one's wealth.

Men's Attire Waistcoats were just as popular as the just-au-

corps.

Men's Attire Some waistcoats were sleeved, some were

sleeveless.

Men's Attire Style of breeches did vary, depending upon that

year's fashion.

Men's Attire Shirts worn in every class were mostly linen,

cotton was uncommon. The cut/style rarely changed over the years.

Women’s Attire

Clothing worn by women pirates mostly reflected that of what men wore. So for the women of the Resurrection, you can simply dress like a man or can wear other pieces of clothing as displayed in the next couple of pages. Some attire that women wore back then had a masculine hint to it.

Women's AttireWith a traveling/hunting outfit, there was a frock that is much like a man's coat.

Women's AttireYou have the option of petticoats or breeches. But breeches, slops and trousers were mostly worn on ship, the same styles worn by men. Mary Read was well known for wearing trousers!

Women's AttireA bodice ranged from boned to no bones, even quilted. Variations were jumps, stays, bodice, and jackets.

FootwearContrary to belief, boots were rarely worn on board ship. Shoes were often worn or rope sandals or bare foot. Stockings varied, too.

Head wear Hats were not often worn on ship. But here's some hats to make your outfit all the nicer.

AccessoriesCravats, fobs, belts, sashes, baldrics, gloves, walking canes, jewelry, and various other items could also be worn.

Foreign Attire Foreign Attire should reflect where your persona is

from, whether Native American or Oriental or Middle Eastern.

WeaponsWhether sword or flintlock, the right weapon made

the person. Swords, blunderbuss, carbine, pistol, musket, tomahawks, axe, knife, etc.

Period Attire

You are encouraged to do research on the fashion of the time period we portray which is 1660 to 1770. Fashions in countries did vary just as the fashion of each decade varied.

If you want more examples, contact the Captain or Quartermaster for a CD of more examples of attire, accessories, weapons and more.

Credits

All images were from various museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, Met Museum in New York, Kyoto Institute, and various auction houses. This is not for profit. It's only used for the educational purposes of the Pirates and Buccaneers of the Resurrection.