Creating a pirate costume is easy and flexible. With the popularity of such films as Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean, pirate costumes are very popular. Many of the items used such as pants and blouses are already in your closet, or you can purchase cheap ones from your local Goodwill store or other second hand shop. The following will provide you with a simple foundation for creating a pirate costume. You can add details with toys or other items as necessary.

What You Will Need

• Old Pants (ones that can be cut)
• Bandana
• Baggy Shirt such as a White Button Up (could be a woman’s blouse)
• Vest
• Sash, scarf, or long piece of fabric (preferable the same or similar color to the bandana)
• Sword or other pirate objects (gold, chains, skulls, etc.)
• Eye patch (optional)
• Black Boots
• Scissors

How to Make a Pirate Costume

Step 1: Take your pants and cut a zig-zag pattern at the bottom of the legs. Or if you prefer you can simply tuck your pants in the top of your boot. This works best with black pants and tall black boots.

NOTE: If you cut your pants you can wash them to make the cuts less uniform to give them a worn out appearance.

Step 2: Tie the sash/piece of cloth around your waist leaving enough hanging down the side to create the look of a pirate. Here we used a uneven cut piece of red material left over from another project.

Step 3: Lay the bandana flat on a table. Fold the bandana in a large triangle. Take the bandana and place it on your head and tie securely in the back.

NOTE: If you do not have a bandana a large piece of fabric cut into a square can also work. We used more of the leftover red material to create the head covering for this costume.

Step 4: Assemble your costume by putting on the pants, shirt, bandana, and cloth belt.

Step 5: Add accessories such as the eye patch, vest, sword, or make-up to create a pirate image.

The pirate costume is flexible and you can be creative when putting items together. Boys can look rough and rugged and girls can look sexy but strong. The choice is yours.

Do you have any suggestions on making a pirate costume for Halloween? Feel free to post questions or comments below.