The secret to pulling off an outfit for Halloween festivities and costume parties is wearing a well-put-together and spot-on ensemble of a person (or object) you are portraying. And if you intend to go as a bandit on the high seas, these best pirate costume sets have the right elements, so you can convince everyone.
What Are the Best Pirate Costumes for Men?
The last thing you’d want is to be mistaken for a different character. Here are our top choices for the best pirate outfit for men.
California Costumes Store Cutthroat Pirate Costume
Key Features:
- 6-piece set
- Affordable price tag
- True to size
This cutthroat pirate wear from California Costumes Store transforms you into a real-life pirate without putting a dent in your wallet.
Plus, you get everything you need to look like a pirate:
- Shirt-vest combo
- Pants
- Head tie
- Boot tops
- Belt
- Wrist Cuffs
We particularly love the shirt-vest combo in contrasting white and black colors. The sleeves are puffy for comfort and unrestricted movement. If you are worried about the bagginess of the top, don’t be. Wrist cuffs are included in the set so you can separate your outfit from the Renaissance noblemen’s costumes.
However, given its bargain price tag, don’t expect this costume to be of the highest quality, mainly the accessories.
Another issue you should be aware of is the pants. They don’t go all the way down to the ankles. This isn’t an issue if you are under 6′, but if you are on the taller side, you’ll need to wear the included boot covers – unless you prefer to be a pirate expecting high waters. And, if we’re nitpicking, we wished accessories like an eye patch or a fake sword were included in the set.
Other than that, this pirate wear is an excellent option for budget-conscious individuals or those looking for a last-minute costume. It has the right inclusions to kickstart your pirate transformation.
Fun Costumes Store Captain Jack Sparrow Men’s Costume
Key Features:
- 7-piece set
- Closely resembles Captain Jack’s signature
- Great fabric quality
Captain Jack Sparrow from the hit film, “Pirates of the Caribbean” is one of the most recognizable pirate characters, thanks to his wit, flailing hand gestures, and of course, his elaborate wardrobe.
And with his popularity comes many pirate costume options that replicate his attire. But nothing comes close to Fun Costumes’ version.
This outfit definitely screams Jack Sparrow, from its white long-sleeve top with buttons halfway through and closure cuffs to the blue polyester vest, waist sash, and red bandana.
It’s not an over-the-top nor an elaborate ensemble. Still, we appreciate that you don’t have to go to extremes to be recognized as Jack Sparrow – and it’s an officially licensed Pirates of the Caribbean costume!
However, we wish that this pirate wear comes with a wig. The set only includes the following:
- White long sleeves
- Vest
- Sash
- Bandana
- Pants
- Belt
- Boots cover
Fun Costumes Store Pirate Flag Captain Men’s Pirate Costume
Key Features:
- 7-piece set
- Long coat with pirate flag feature
- Comfortable to wear
If you prefer to be a captain rather than a crew, get your hands on this pirate captain costume from Fun Costumes Store.
This pirate outfit steers away from the usual white top and vest pirate look. Instead, you get a long coat, not just any plain long jacket! At the base, you will find the skull and crossbones, AKA the pirate flag!
This coat’s design and length pair exceptionally well with other inclusions of the costume, particularly the striped black and white pants. Adding a splash of color to the attire is the red colored sash and bandana.
We also love that you get two belts, allowing you to layer them and create a distinct pirate look.
Here’s what you will be getting:
- Pants
- Two belts
- Long coat
- Sash
- Bandana
- White long sleeves
Unfortunately, the included white top is a bit thin, and the boot covers are not included. Other than these issues, this pirate outfit is a solid choice.
Overall, this set delivers a fresh and modern take on the classic pirate outfit, making it our top choice for the best pirate costume for men.
Spooktacular Creations Men’s Pirate Costume
Key Features:
- 7-piece set
- Hat with a skull print
- Pieces complements each other
The design of Spooktacular’s outfit is a bit similar to California Costumes Store, but it has a more streamlined and intricate style.
Rather than the usual white long sleeves, this pirate costume opted for a light grey tone, which beautifully complements the included vest.
Rather than the usual white long sleeves, this pirate costume opted for a light grey tone, which beautifully complements the included vest.
Speaking of the vest, Spooktacular also made sure to move away from the monochromatic shade by adding a skull pattern. There’s nothing outstanding with the print per se, but we love that its color matches the top.
For the bottom, you will get a red and black striped pair of pants, which breaks the monotone look of the top.
Spooktacular added accessories such as a belt, sash, and bandana to complete the pirate look. And, unlike the other pirate outfits in our review, this set is the only one with a hat out of the box.
It is not the best quality, but if you’d rather have a complete set from the get-go than spend on a separate hat purchase, it’s a sweet deal. Or, you can skip the hat and wear the bandana alone.
The inclusions of the Spooktacular include:
- Hat
- Vest
- Shirt
- Sash
- Bandana
- Pants
- Boots cover
Haorugut Adult Pirate Costume
Key Features:
- 4-piece set
- Ultra minimalist look
- Comfortable
If comfort is your priority, but you still want to look like a pirate, you should consider getting Haorugu’s costume.
This pirate outfit takes a minimalist approach. Rather than having the usual seven pieces in one set, you only get five garments – waist and head ties, shirt-vest combo, and pants. Each has a subtle pirate design touch, which surprisingly looks well put together.
But the real treasure lies in how comfortable this pirate wear set is. The polyester-cotton fabric is comfy and loose, allowing unrestricted movement from the moment you wear it.
Unfortunately, the material is a bit thin. We do suggest layering with a pirate trench coat and wearing a belt.
What to Consider Before Buying A Pirate Outfit?
If you want to look like a real pirate and get the best value for money, skip buying the first pirate outfit you see. Before committing to anything, always consider the following factors.
What Pirate Do You Like to Be?
Pirate costumes may look all similar, but there are a few key design elements that make them different, particularly on what kind of pirate you would like to dress as. In general, pirate costumes are divided into three:
- Captain: Pirate captain costumes are more intricate than crew members’ outfits. Usually, they have more embellishments like buttons and feathers. Many pirate captain costumes also have outerwear like a coat.
- Crew member: Pirate crew member outfits are on the tamer side. Most pirate crew costumes are on the cheaper side of the spectrum because they have fewer design elements. Most options are a simple shirt-vest combo paired with cropped pants. However, you can use accessories to enhance the pirate look.
- Fictional Pirate Characters: Some outfits are explicitly designed to resemble a fictional pirate character. For instance, Jack Sparrow’s costumes feature the character’s signature style. However, accessories like a long braided wig and hair beads are often sold separately.
Materials
Regardless of the theme party, you will find costumes using polyester, cotton, spandex, or a combination of these materials.
- Polyester: This fabric is the most common because it is cheap and easy to take care of. Most of the time is blended with cotton to make the outfit more breathable.
- Spandex: Spandex is often used in form-fitting components of an outfit. It is stretchy yet molds to the body when worn. Most costumes use spandex for the pants.
- Cotton: Cotton is popular for its durable and breathable fibers. However, they are more expensive. The good thing is that you can enjoy the benefits of cotton when blended with other cheaper materials like polyester.
Costume Inclusions
Costume inclusions can vary from one brand to another. Some are a complete set, like the products we’ve reviewed. Others have long sleeves and a vest but without including pants.
In general, you will want the following pieces present in your pirate look:
- Loose-fitting shirt
- Trousers/Pants
- Sash or Belt
- Bandana or hat
Keep in mind that accessories are often sold separately to keep costs down. If you want your costume to be realistic, investing in items like a sword or an eyepatch can put your attire to the next level.
Price Tag
The price of pirate costumes can range from $20 to as high as $60 (or more!). The cheapest options have fewer inclusions and often use low-quality materials.
Meanwhile, mid-range pirate outfits have a more intricate design, like an embroidered jacket. The materials are also often better, opting for a more premium fabric blend rather than just pure polyester.
Expensive costumes favor cotton materials and incorporate more design elements. Most of the time, you will also get accessories. However, there are some cases where these are add-ons.
Comfort and Fit
In general, pirate attire for men is not form-fitting. They are loose, specifically the top and pants, but they shouldn’t be so baggy that you can’t move them properly. Always refer to the manufacturer’s size chart. If it’s unavailable, message the seller and get a copy.
Tips for a More Believable Pirate Outfit
Whether your budget is short or the pirate attire looks incomplete, here are a couple of pirate costume tips so you can look your best:
- Wear makeup: Although real pirates do not wear makeup, applying heavy eyeliner can improve your pirate appearance. You can also add stubble by simply using dark makeup. If you are after a more rugged pirate look, you can also apply some eyeshadow around the eyes and forehead and add fake scars.
- Accessorize: If the costume doesn’t have any accessories included, consider investing in a plastic sword, tricorn (pirate hat), or an eye patch. You can also pick up faux jewelry like a skull ring or a coin necklace.
- Wear knee-high boots: Most outfits have boot covers that you place over your ankles. However, in most cases, they are of low quality and can ruin your entire look. If you have knee-high boots lying around your home, consider wearing them to complete your pirate attire.
Batten Down the Hatches!
Now that you have an appropriate pirate outfit, there’s one thing left to do – copy a pirate’s demeanor and slip in phrases like “batten down the hatches” or “Arrr!” to conversations for a more believable portrayal.
