Long John Silver, Captain Hook, Black Sam, Black Bart and Jack Sparrow. The adventure and romance of pirates appeals to nearly everyone. The sad truth is that many pirates ate poorly, and often lived on bananas and limes. Very few actually became fabulously wealthy and many of them died at a young age.

For as long as people have used the oceans as trade routes there have been pirates. The earliest documented instances of piracy date back to the 13th century BC.

And for as long as people have had fancy dress costume parties there have been pirates! (Although it is uncertain as to when the first documented instance was…)

If you are thinking about going to a fancy dress costume party dressed up as a pirate then you might want to consider what items of clothing are most pirate-like.

For a man the obvious possibilities would include- a black and white stripey top, a waistcoat, dark trousers/jeans with boots over the top and an eye patch. You might even go as far as a bandana but a parrot on the shoulder would probably only appeal to the brave. Don’t forget about authentic looking pirate weaponry (obviously not real or you’ll end up walking the plank!). Perhaps you could equip yourself with a plastic sword or musket. Behaviour at the event should be as realistic as possible with regular exclamations of ‘Aaarr!’ and, if it is a chilly evening, the odd ‘Shiver me timbers!’

As a buccaneer a lady can become decidedly wicked and adventurous with her costume! There are a lot of pirate design costumes that are saucy and exciting. Some costumes may even include telescope, eye-patch and dagger! If you are feeling daring then you could opt for dressing as a sexy pirate wench complete with a lace up front halter dress, fishnet stockings and a sash round your middle.

For the meeker lady Renaissance Fairy peasant garb is just as acceptable. A chemise or peasant blouse with full sleeves, a bodice or corset, and under-skirt and accenting over-skirt. If she was a lady pirate, she may also be wearing a frock coat over this costume, but for sure she will also be carrying all traditional weaponry, including a (plastic) bodice dagger!

If you are organising a themed pirate fancy dress costume party then you could also make up some pirate-style games and activities for your guests. How about a treasure-hunting game?

Try drawing a map on a piece of plain paper, stain it with coffee and burn the edges for an authentic looking treasure map.

At the end of the treasure trail you could even have some appropriate booty! How about a treasure chest full of chocolates and goodies, instead of the usual boring old jewellery and sovereigns?

There are all sorts of possibilities for a really good party. Let your imagination go wild.

Whether you are dressing in pirate garb for a fancy dress costume party or you are planning a themed evening with friends you can be sure that it will great fun!