Looking for authentically historic sailor costumers

March 26, 2012 8:28 PM

Need ideas for historical nautical costumes. Preferably 18th Century British sailors. I don't need to go as the captain or someone important. In fact it's kind of better I don't. Also where does one go about finding such costumes?

Primarily I just want to look authentic See here for example. Any of those would be fine - especially the shiphands.

posted by zaebiz to Shopping (5 answers total)

I can't help you with the "where" although if you know anyone redoing their roof, their tar could come in handy. I imagine reenactors of the same period could give you more information on where to buy the rough fabrics and more specialty pieces.

Although later, the Naval History and Heritage Command (unfortunately, it's down right now for me) has a wealth of information on the American side, and in truth at the early stages a great deal of it was informed by the British Navy. The BBC has a useful look at life as a sailor in the 18th century which comes with some nice illustrations. The charming website http://www.seayourhistory.org.uk/ has many images and items from the Royal Naval Museum in Portsmouth and others, although it skews decidedly later. The Royal Museums Greenwich may also be of use. And this is a fairly good write-up with nice pictures of a diary of an 18th-century sailor which was up at auction [caution: Daily Mail, but the pictures are much better than the other top hits for that.] This has some interesting battle scenes, along with portraits and objects. These pictures, including "Seaman of the Pallas Leaning on a Bowchaser" would seem to be quite close to what you're looking for.
posted by jetlagaddict at 8:54 PM on March 26, 2012 [1 favorite]

Hit post too soon! This is a great little overview of clothing on board although the site focuses on many types of sailors and there's a cool game to boot!
posted by jetlagaddict at 8:57 PM on March 26, 2012

Quite a few of my family are into 18th century reenacting. They, and all reenacters, strive to be as authentic as possible.

For the last several years they've done a thing called 'The Big Row' where they row their reproduction boats between different points in the upstate NY area.

Check out last years 'Big Row' for some good shots of how they dressed.

Also here is the more info page of their website which has many good links.

Memail me if you want me to ask them for more specific suggestions.
posted by Confess, Fletch at 9:16 PM on March 26, 2012

As to the 'where' question, AFAIK, they make them themselves.
posted by Confess, Fletch at 9:35 PM on March 26, 2012

Whatever you decide to wear, write "hold fast" across your fingers, like Joe Plaice, and you'll make them all sneer again.
posted by Cold Lurkey at 9:54 PM on March 26, 2012