Pilgrim Costume

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What Makes It Work

For boys and men, a doublet (a fitted jacket) over a plain shirt, knee-length breeches, wool stockings and simple shoes. A wide white collar at the neck is the most recognizable piece. A tall felt hat is optional.

For girls and women, a long skirt, a fitted bodice or vest, a white apron, a white collar or kerchief over the shoulders and a white linen cap called a coif.

Colors were more varied than you’d think. Browns, greens, deep reds and violet were all common, with black saved for Sunday best since it was expensive to dye. Mixing a couple of earthy colors looks more authentic than head-to-toe black.

What People Get Wrong

Buckles. Buckled hats and big shoe buckles became fashionable later in the 1600s and were mostly added by 19th-century artists. Plain hats and plain shoes are closer to the truth. Also, if your class is doing a Thanksgiving play, pick Pilgrim costumes and skip Native American “costumes,” which many people find disrespectful.

Buy It or Build It?

Kids’ Pilgrim kits run about $20 to $40. A white collar and coif or hat can turn a plain long skirt, vest or brown pants into a costume for very little.

Where to Buy

Next up: Turkey Costume

See Also

Mrs. ClausA red dress with white fur trim, an apron and little round glassesVikingTunic, fur, a round shield and absolutely no horned helmetReindeerBrown and cozy, with antlers and an optional red nose