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Kid's Pirate Costumes--get hints for sewing or buying just the right outfit! Updated June 20, 2008. Related info--- HOME :: Latest News :: Halloween Section: Family Halloween Fun, overview :: Costumes: Jack Sparrow, pt 1 :: Captain Jack, pt 2 :: Animal Costumes :: Boys Superheroes :: Clowns :: Disney Princesses :: Pet Costumes :: Pirates/kids :: Witch and Vampire costumes :: Stores: Disney Stores :: Halloween BuildABears :: Party America :: Party City/Los Angeles :: Party City/other So Cal :: Spirit Halloween :: Year-round costume stores :: Activities--Disney: Disneyland Halloween Events :: Woodys Roundup pics :: Haunted Mansion pics :: Haunted Mansion, pt 2 :: Disney Pumpkins :: Disney Candy Corn :: Mickeys Halloween Parade :: Dance w/Disney Characters :: Halloween Disney Characters :: Knotts-- Knott's Halloween Events:: Scary Farm Pics:: Halloween Haunt Pics, pt 2:: Six Flags-- 6 Flags Fright pics :: Magic Mtn pics, pt 2 :: Kids Pirate CostumesGet helpful hints for sewing or buying the perfect Halloween pirate outfit!
In 2007, costume shop owners reported that sales of pirate costumes made their "top 10 lists" of hot Halloween products...and the trend has slowed down very little for 2008 (even though there was no new Pirates of the Caribbean movie this year! And, Pirates of the Caribbean 4 isn't planned until 2011.)On this page, we'll talk about pirate costumes for children that you can sew or buy. We've already talked about Jack Sparrow costumes for men on a separate page of this website; two pages, actually. If you missed those pages, you may wish to check out the following: 1.) Jack Sparrow Costumes, pt 1 talked about assembling a Capt'n Jack pirate outfit from clothing you might already have (or purchase from a thrift shop;) 2.) Captain Jack Sparrow Costumes, pt 2 talked about sewing or buying a brand-new pirate costume. 
When it comes to kids, there's an abundance of pirate costumes to buy or sew this year. Boy's costumes invariably have an "adventuresome" look. Girl's pirate costumes, on the other hand, can project a range of varied styles. Not only is there the "serious" adventuresome pirate (which can come with either pants or a skirt) but also the "cutie pie" pirate for toddlers and younger girls, and even the "sassy" or "flirty" pirate wench styles for tweens and teens.Photo note: In the picture to your left, you're looking at a toddler girl's skirted pirate costume which was a particularly good deal at Walmart. For a mere $12.97, this pirate dress was made with unusually high-quality fabric for a bargain-priced Halloween costume. The velvet was soft to the touch; the black and white satiny fabric of the skirt actually had raised polka dots, which gave the pirate costume a nice texture. In addition a lace-trimmed, padded pirate hat (shown in the image to your right) was included to complete the look. Sewing a child's pirate costumeKids Pirate Costume Sewing Patterns -- Simplicity
In the photo to your right, you can see the leg of a purchased pair of boy's pirate pants. As you can plainly notice in the picture, there is no hem on the edge of the pants. Many times, mass-produced Halloween costumes DO have raw edges, which helps keep costume prices down. These pants are made with 100& polyester knit fabric; they probably won't ravel during wear, despite the cost-cutting method used to sew them. Nevertheless, one advantage of sewing your child or grandchild's Halloween costume yourself is completing the outfit with care; adding polished touches such as sewn hemlines, higher quality fabric, etc. That way, your child's pirate costume can be thrown into the dress-up chest and used for many "pretend" playtime scenarios throughout the coming year...AND be washed repeatedly...all without raveling or coming apart at the seams!1.) Simplicity pirate costume pattern #3650, sizes from baby through toddler age 4. Pattern includes boys and skirted girl's variations in the same package. Outfit has 2 main pieces: top, and choice of either pants or skirt. Skirt has "plain" hem (not jagged edge.) Top is meant to be made in 2 colors, to look like the arms are really a blouse showing from beneath a vest. 2 pirate accessories are included: a sash and a bandana. Medical scrubs, a cowboy or girl, and chef costume with tall chef's hat are other Halloween or "let's play dress-up" costume patterns included within the package. 2.) Simplicity pattern #3680, sizes girl's 3 through 8. This girls-only pirate dress features a stylish jagged-edge, multi-layer skirt. The dress is meant to be sewn with different colors for the top & bottom halves to give it the appearance of being a peasant blouse tucked into a skirt. Accessories include a wide belt, a bandana and bloomers (which are intended to show beneath the skirt.) Other patterns within the packet are for witch, fairy, cowgirl and hippie girl costumes...making it an economical choice if you need to make more than one Halloween disguise. 3.) Simplicity pattern #3617, sizes for tween girls 7 through 14. This girls-only pirate dress features a jagged-edge hemline. Relatively quick and simple to make, this waist-less dress pattern looks somewhat like a nightgown until a belt is added. If you're experienced at sewing, you could whip this up after your daughter leaves for school in the morning and be ready with the finished costume by trick or treating time in the evening. One accessory comes included---a sash. 
4.) Simplicity pattern #3610, sizes for boys approximately age 6 through 14. This pattern helps turn one's own clothing into a complete pirate outfit. The pirate ensemble starts out with a boy's own shirt, pants and belt. A purchased pirate hat and sword add the essential pirate "look" to the costume. And to complete the outfit, you make this elegant pirate's cape, which would make your son look more like the pirate captain rather than one of the crew. This is another simple pattern an experienced person could run up in a day's time. Elegant braiding (purchased) is a nice touch; and the pattern also includes a fancy cravat pattern, if your son wishes to look still MORE like a dashing pirate king.5.) Simplicity pattern #3644, sizes for boys (or girls; no skirt included, though) approximately age 7 through 14. This is the official Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean sewing pattern...and is it ever the "pirate pattern to end all pirate patterns!" If you've got the time---and the skill---this pirate costume has "the works." A fancy frock coat is included in this one, unlike most. You'll be able to add the fancy brass buttons and braids (purchased separately) that will make your youngster feel like the most lordly of pirates. This is also one of the few kid's pirate costume patterns which has a separately-sewn vest. A blousy shirt pattern will allow your child to have just the right "look" of the olden days even if he takes off his frock coat. Blousy pants and boot covers complete this adventuresome looking pirate's costume. A hat is shown on the pattern cover; however, the pirate's hat pattern is not included; nor is the belt. 7.) Simplicity pattern #3997, in sizes Child 3 thru 8 for either boys or girls--- If you've already got a suitable piratey-looking blouse or shirt, this pattern gives you the vest and jagged-edged pants or shirt to go with it. Also included is the pattern for a long, fringed sash to be worn as a belt. The pattern package shows the outfit being complete with purchased eye patch, pirate hat or pirate's parrot...but instructions for these are not included in the pattern packet and must be purchased separately. Cowboy/cowgirl costume, 50's retro outfit, and Army camouflage suit variations are other options which are included along with the pirate costumes, as well.
Butterick kids pirate costume patterns
Photo note: In the boy's pirate top to your right, you appear to see the arms of a shirt sticking out from under a vest. In reality, this is a one-piece garment with the sleeves sewn in a contrasting color and type of fabric. Both store-bought and some home-sewn pirate costumes use this technique of simplifying the costume-making process.1.) Butterick sewing pattern #B4632, which ranges in sizes "Child's xs to xl" features a boy's Halloween costume which can be made into either a pirate outfit or a Robin Hood/Peter Pan-style suit. The shirt will please those who hate putting in sleeves, because the sleeves are cut out together with the main body of the shirt. A wide collar and shoestring-style lacing on the shirt are features which add visual interest. Separate vest, pants and boot cover patterns are included. Strangely enough, a girl's fairy costume (with wings) comes included in this package. McCalls children's pirate costume patterns
Photo note: Pirate-style pants are often made with blousiness at the waist and legs. Many times, this is done with elastic; other times the pattern calls for adding gathers. One advantage that purchased pirate pants have by using elastic is that an elastic waistline stretches to fit more sizes. Though a waistline with gathers provides roominess, too, it's a style that's very fitted towards the individual wearer, since the waist doesn't expand.1.) McCall's pirate costume pattern #M5493 fits infants size 1 through preschooler size 4. Both boys' and girls' variations come included in the package. The boys' pirate costume features a wide neck for easy slip-on; no zipper nor velcro fastener to fool with. Sleeves are made in a contrasting color to make the top look like a pirate shirt with vest. Pants have a false-ragged hemline. The girls' pirate dress includes a pattern for wide, laced belt. Plans for a beanie hat come included with the pattern. 2.) McCall's costume pattern #M5495 makes a very similar-looking outfit to the one described above. This pirate costume also features a wide neck for easy slip-on, and sleeves made in contrasting color. The pants also feature a faux-jagged hemline. The difference, for girls, is that instead of a pirate's dress, a jagged-hemline skirt is used with a top. A scarf pattern comes included, which can be worn around either the head or the waist, depending on the look you'd like to create. 3.) McCall's father/son pirate pattern #M5446 can be used to create a "dynamic duo" of the seafaring kind! For kids age 3-8, and adult men sizes s-xl. This is a versatile pattern which can create the look of either a pirate crew member OR a pirate captain. For the crew member's outfit, you'll make pants, shirt, simple separate vest (no lapels, buttons or pockets) and sash/belt. Use a classier fabric, plus make the included coat to look like the captain! This coat is NOT a frock coat like the one worn by Jack Sparrow, but has the advantage of being simpler to make than a real frock coat. A nice-looking purchased pirate's hat will look nice with this ensemble. 4.) McCall's family of pirates pattern #M4952 comes in kid's sizes 3-8 and adults s-xl. Like the Butterick "pirate family" pattern, you can co-ordinate your family Halloween costumes. What are the differences between these 2 patterns? The McCall's pirate family members can wear vests; the Butterick pattern is vest-less. On the other hand, ladies can choose a more feminie neckline with Butterick's pirate woman costume. Also, the Butterick lady pirate wears a skirt, while the McCall's pattern calls for pants. Nevertheless, both are good pirate costumes, and if your family has never "dressed alike" for Halloween, it might be fun to give it a try! 6.) McCalls boys pirate pattern #M4163, which can fit approximately ages 3-8, is still another option. Slightly different styling is one difference which sets this pattern apart from others. Another is the eye patch and headscarf instructions which are included. A money-saving pattern if you have several boys to get costumed-up, this pattern also includes variations for a Davy Crockett-style frontier woodsman (tons of fringe, and complete with faux coonskin cap!) and a Peter Pan/Robin Hood outfit. Buying a kid's Halloween pirate costume
The Disney theme parks are a good place to buy high-quality pirate costumes. As long as the popularity of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies remains high, you're likely to find pirate costumes on sale at the Disneyland Resort year-round. Of course, the costume displays are beefed up around Halloween time. In the photo to your left, you can see a pirate costume display at the Disney California Adventure theme park. Boy's pirate costumes are also available at the Disneyland theme park and in the World of Disney store at Downtown Disney, as well.
Another option for pirate costumes at the Disney resorts would be the Captain Hook pirate costume, the red-coated one with which you're familiar from the Peter Pan movie. The Disney Stores, like you'll find in the mall, also sell pirate costumes...at least, during the Halloween season. If you'd like to find a Disney Store location in Southern California, you may check out the Disney Store Locations page of this website.
Temporary Halloween costume shops and seasonal displays within party-goods stores are another option you can use for finding kids pirate costumes during September and October each year. If you need a pirate costume for other masquerade parties, children's plays or pageants, or simply for "playing dress-ups" when Halloween is just a memory, you'll have to head to one of the year-round costume shops; yes, they DO carry pirate costumes 12 months of the year! Another option would be internet-based costume stores, which also operate no matter what month or season it might be.A list of costume stores on this website includes the following pages--- 1.) Party America: Seasonal costume section Some cheap costumes don't look very nice. Others look great. Others look in between; you may have seen better, but Halloween is just one night...so why spend a fortune? The Walmart pirate costume you see in the image to your left was a good compromise between price and quality. Much of the costume was made of inexpensive, lightweight polyester knit. Yet, the vest front was made of textured faux-suede, and raised the overall "look" of the outfit. Combined with a pirate's hat and the skull candy-carrier (purchased separately) it made a nice-looking outfit for a kid going trick-or-treating and to a neighborhood Halloween party. COSTUME SEARCH BOX: If you want to get an idea about the types of pirate costumes that are available to purchase this year, you may use the costume search box below. You'll see costumes from the BuyCostumes.com website, one of the internet's largest costume shops. You will likely see some of the very same costumes for sale at your local shops; if not, you can always return to get them from BuyCostumes.com. Kids Pirate Costumes year-round on EBayYou can buy children's pirate costumes (and adult costumes, too) year-round on the EBay auction website. Some will be new; others used. Some in great condition; others may have seen better days. But that's how it is with auctions! You never know what's coming up next for bid.In the EBay widget below, you can see what children's pirate costumes are on the auction block RIGHT NOW! As each auction expires, the widget updates itself with a new one...so if you return to this page some other time, you'll see an all-different selection of pirate merchandise! Pictures of Children's Pirate CostumesWould you like to see how other families are dressing up their kids in pirate costumes? Here's a slide show of children in their pirate outfits taken by members of the Flickr Photo Sharing community. Some outfits are simple, others elaborate. Some kids wear pirate makeup with their costume, others don't. Some choose cute hats, others bandannas, and some use no headgear whatsoever. But, it's all in fun! As new kiddie pirate costume photos get added to the Flickr database, the snapshots rotate in and out of this widget...so that you may see a different set of pictures if you return to this page some other time. How fast the slide show changes depends on how busy the Flickr members have been at taking photographs!
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Discount stores: Another choice for pirate costumes and accessories is simply Walmart discount store, which sells Halloween costumes seasonally (and some costumes for playing "dress-ups" year-round.) The pirate boy and pirate girl outfits that you see on this page came from Walmart, and so did the skull-shaped candy bucket (which would make an interesting accessory for a pirate outfit.) The costumes you see in the Disney California Adventure Park's pirate display photo are higher quality and look great in-person. Nevertheless, for inexpensive costumes, Walmart often carries the same products as a costume shop, but at a discount price.
