Whether it's Halloween, a costume party, a play, or just for fun – embodying a convincing pirate look requires the right mix of clothing and attitude. If you want to know how to pull it off, follow these simple tips.
Look Like a Pirate
Step 1: Get the Right Face.
Get the right face. If you want to look like a pirate, make sure your face looks convincing. The right clothes won’t make you a pirate as much as a proper face and head will. Here’s what you need to do:
- Get a good tan or apply makeup that's a few shades darker than your skin to give your face a sun-kissed look. You spend a lot of time on deck under the sun, so a tan is natural.
- You need rosy cheeks. Both male and female pirates are busy fighting, swordplay, and running around the deck, so they should have flushed cheeks. Apply a bit of blush to your cheeks.
- You need “smoky eyes.” All pirates should have black eyeliner for that “smoky” effect. Also, apply dark eyeshadow, regardless of whether you’re male or female.
- Pirate hair should be wavy and look natural, as if it has been dried by the sun.
Step 2: Wear the Right Clothes.
Wear the right clothes. Pirate attire will help you achieve the desired look. To create the image of a true pirate, it’s not enough to have just the right face; you need to wear a shirt and pants like a true sea wolf. Here’s what you need to do:
- Whatever you wear, remember – you spend most of your time at sea, and you don’t have time to buy new clothes; your own clothes are washed in saltwater. Your clothes should be faded and worn out. The more patches and holes, the better.
- Both men and women can wear a loose white shirt that can be tucked into pants. Loose laces can hang from the collar. Men can show their chest hair through the shirt, while women can have a slight neckline.
- You can wear a black or red vest over the shirt. Pirates can get cold at night out on the windswept sea.
- Men should wear tight leather pants or ripped black jeans. Women can also wear leather pants or a red skirt with black stockings featuring an interesting pattern. The stockings can also be ripped.
- On your feet, you can wear black pointed boots or torn brown sandals. Going barefoot is also an option if it's appropriate.
Step 3: Choose the Right Accessories.
Choose the right accessories. The right accessories will enhance your look and show that you’ve put thought into your character. You don’t need to wear too much, but a few items can complete the ensemble. Here are some things to consider:
- A pirate hat (also known as a tricorn) is essential. A tricorn will add mystery to your appearance.
- A leather belt. It’s a bonus if the belt has a sheath for a sword.
- A plastic sword. A gold or silver plastic sword should be tucked into the sheath. Be careful with it, and let everyone know it’s not real before you draw it.
- A parrot on your shoulder. This will truly impress the crowd. A stuffed animal or toy will work best.
- A bag of gold doubloons slung over your shoulder. It should jingle with coins, and coins should occasionally spill out of the bag. This will show that your time at sea has been prosperous.
- An empty rum bottle. Pirates love rum, so you can fill the bottle with a non-alcoholic drink (like root beer or something similar) and take sips from it periodically. If you're at a party or somewhere it’s allowed and you’re of legal drinking age, you can drink from a real rum bottle.
- A few temporary tattoos. A skull tattoo, crossed bones, or an anchor on your arm, neck, or forearm will help complete the look.
- Jewelry. A true pirate should wear a thick chain with a pendant around their neck and round gold or silver earrings. If you’re a man and don’t have pierced ears, use clips.
Act Like a Pirate
Step 1: Be Audacious.
Be audacious. To look like a pirate, you need to be completely confident. If you act naturally, people will believe you are a real pirate. Here’s what you need to do:
- Don’t act like you’re in a costume. When people compliment your outfit, look confused and don’t take them seriously.
- Strut with confidence. Walk around with your hands on your hips, confidently. Don’t hide in a corner with your hands down; real pirates don’t do that.
- Wherever you are, walk around and look around as if you’re preparing for a battle that you’re going to win.
Step 2: Speak Like a Pirate.
Speak like a pirate. To look like a pirate, you have to sound like one. You shouldn’t talk like an ordinary person and should remember this all the time. Here’s how you should speak:
- Always be a little aggressive. Growl, grunt, and be unfriendly.
- “Slur” your words. Pirates are always a bit tipsy, so speak as if you’re slightly drunk.
- Refer to yourself in the third person. For example, “Jack needs to drink more rum.”
- Make mistakes in your words. For example, “You need to sabre, you scurvy rat!”
- Random sailor phrases, like “On deck!” or “Shiver me timbers!” will serve you well.
