How to Make a Halloween Pirate Costume

Pirates have been especially popular since "Pirates of the Caribbean" came to the big screen. If you're short on cash or the costume you want can't be shipped on time, you can make your own pirate costume out of inexpensive materials. The best way to create a pirate costume is to load it with accessories. Add just the right touches, and your costume is sure to make a splash at your next Halloween party.

Things You'll Need

• Black pants
• White linen shirt
• Boots
• Vest
• Red sash
• Multicolored sash
• Leather belt
• Wig
• Pirate's hat
• Prop weapons
• Leather glove

Instructions

1. Pick some basic black pants. You can use just about pair, since you won't be able to see them very well once the other costume accessories have been added.

2. Add a flouncy linen shirt with large, billowy sleeves. If you don't have one, check the local thrift shop for something similar. Keep the top few buttons of the shirt open.

3. Cinch the shirt at the waist with a wide leather belt that has a large buckle. Place a long, black vest over the shirt. The vest should have large buttons and long button holes, if possible. You can also wear a jacket with a long tail over the vest.

4. Get a long, dark wig from a discount or party store. Trim the wig to the length you want. Braid some of the front strands and add beads to the ends. Place a long, red sash over your head and tie it in the back.

5. Tie a long, multicolored sash at your waist just above the leather belt. Add some large, brown leather boots. If you like, add a pretend sword on a long leather strap or a prop gun in a holster. A large pirate hat is also a great accessory.

6. Braid the trimmed strands from the wig and affix beads to the end. Use spirit gum to attach this to your chin to serve as a beard. Finish the costume off with a fingerless leather glove on your right hand.

Tips & Warnings

• For a woman's pirate costume, bind the decorative blouse with a corseted vest. Add a miniskirt and fishnet hose instead of the pants, and wear high heels and a pirate's hat.

• To create a really authentic looking pirate costume, put on a couple of fake gold teeth.

• You can buy spirit gum inexpensively online (see Resources below).

• Never use real weapons as part of your costume. Pretend weapons can be obtained inexpensively at most costume stores (see Resources below).

Resources

• Inexpensive spirit gum
• Pirate sword on CostumeCraze.com
• Pirate pistol on CostumeCraze.com