Bet! They were definitely in the minority, but never less there and they were very capable. So don’t worry about sacrificing your well-established credibility among your fellow Renaissance fair friends when you buy a really cool and very authentic pirate costume … one that you wanted very much, that you wanted very much! Rest assured that you are right when you carry your own machete!
We’ll talk about who you can base your character on later, but first let’s look at that killer outfit designed with the essentials. Did I mention that this is also a costume that is not only appropriate for the Renaissance fair, but will be used well in that Halloween party where we adults can dress up or down, your decision?
Shirt
The shirt, the basis of ALL Renaissance-era clothing or wardrobe, is important. The lucky thing about a pirate costume is that if they were pirates and were caught, they were usually executed. So flaunting statutory laws by dressing above your position and risking a fine was not a major concern, do you understand what I mean? All shirt styles, fabrics, and colors except purple, of course, are appropriate for your new festival outfit. Stick to the full version even if you run with the guys.
About dress
If you’re going to base your costume on the pirate, why not be the captain? Do you want to climb the rigging or clean the decks? I do not believe it! However, you will need to be armed. A baggy shirt and an equally baggy overcoat can hide a lot of weapons.
Boots
Thigh-high boots, maybe for that Halloween party, but not at the local Renaissance fair. It wouldn’t be entirely authentic and it would definitely be awkward to walk with them at the fair all day. You want them to be black leather and up to the calf. They won’t be as tight-fitting as most women wear today, but loose and will curl up a bit on top.
Lady Mary Killigrew
She was the daughter of a pirate and was married to a pirate from Suffolk, England. Her husband was appointed by Queen Elizabeth I to the rank of Vice Admiral and was accused of suppressing piracy. When the good captain Sir Killigrew put to sea, Lady Mary “commanded” her castle staff and put to sea herself. His luck finally ran out in 1570 when he captured a German merchant carrying cargo and sailed him to Ireland to see what he could get for his pirate work.
A problem of the owner of the pirated ship was a friend of Queen Elizabeth, this is not a good thing. There are several versions of what happened next, but the result was that she left the piracy business … and went into wielding stolen goods! What a Girl!