If you close your eyes and think about pilgrim costumes for adults, you probably see a very specific image. There’s a guy in a stiff black suit, a massive white collar that looks like a giant paper plate, and—the pièce de résistance—a shiny gold buckle on his hat. His wife is standing next to him in a matching black dress and a pristine white apron. It’s iconic. It’s classic.
It is also almost entirely historically inaccurate.
We’ve spent decades, maybe even a century, reinforcing this cartoonish version of the Plymouth settlers. Honestly, if a real 1620s Separatist saw what we wear to Thanksgiving parties today, they’d probably be confused, if not a little insulted. They didn't even wear buckles on their hats back then. Buckles were expensive and didn't really become a trendy fashion accessory for footwear or belts until much later in the 17th century. So, if you're looking for a costume this year, you have a choice: do you go with the "Pop Culture Pilgrim" or do you aim for something that actually reflects the grit and color of the real New England settlers?
The Color Myth: Why You Don't Need to Wear All Black
Most off-the-shelf pilgrim costumes for adults are black and white. This stems from a Victorian-era obsession with the idea that the Pilgrims were somber, joyless people who hated color. That's just not true. While they definitely weren't wearing neon, their wardrobes were surprisingly vibrant.
According to the 1627 cattle division records and various probate inventories from the Plymouth Colony, these folks loved Earth tones. We’re talking "Lincoln green," "russet" (a reddish-brown), "brick red," and even "dull orange." They used natural dyes like madder root for reds and woad for blues. Black was actually a very difficult and expensive dye to achieve. It required multiple dippings and was usually reserved for your "Sunday Best" or for the wealthiest members of the community.
If you want to stand out at a costume party, ditch the polyester black jumpsuit. Look for a doublet or a kirtle in a deep forest green or a warm russet. It looks more "authentic" because it actually is. You’ll look less like a caricature and more like a human being who just stepped off the Mayflower after a very long, very cramped boat ride.
Anatomy of a Real 17th-Century Outfit
Let's get into the weeds of what these people actually wore. For men, the core was the doublet. This was a close-fitting jacket that zipped—well, buttoned—up the front. They didn't have zippers, obviously. Underneath that, they wore a "shift" or a shirt made of linen. The pants were called "breeches," and they usually ended just below the knee. They were baggy, almost like knickers, which gave them a lot of mobility for building houses and farming.
For women, it was all about layers. You’d start with a shift (the 1600s version of a slip), then a petticoat or two, and finally the "waistcoat" or "kirtle."
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The "coif" is that white cap you see women wearing in every pilgrim costumes for adults set. That part is actually fairly accurate. In the 17th century, keeping your hair covered was a sign of modesty and social status. But it wasn't just for fashion; it kept your hair clean when you were cooking over an open fire or working in a dusty field.
Breaking Down the Accessory Game
- The Waistcloth (Apron): Women wore these constantly. They weren't just for baking cookies; they protected the expensive fabric of the dress underneath.
- The Falling Collar: Instead of those stiff, tall ruffs you see in movies about Elizabeth I, Pilgrims wore "falling collars." These laid flat against the shoulders.
- Stockings: Usually wool. Often held up by garters (strips of fabric tied in a bow).
- Shoes: Simple leather latchet shoes. Again, no buckles. They used leather ties or "points" to keep them on.
Why Quality Matters More Than You Think
Most cheap pilgrim costumes for adults use thin, shiny polyester. It breathes about as well as a plastic grocery bag. If you’re wearing this to a crowded indoor dinner or a parade, you’re going to be miserable within twenty minutes.
If you can’t afford a hand-stitched linen outfit from a historical reenactment supplier (and let’s be real, most of us can’t), look for cotton blends. Cotton has a matte finish that mimics the look of period-appropriate linen or wool much better than shiny synthetic fabrics. It also drapes better. A heavy cotton skirt will swing and move like a 17th-century garment, whereas cheap polyester just sort of clings and builds up static electricity.
The "Sober" Style vs. The Reality
There’s this idea that Pilgrims were the "fun police." This translates into costumes that look very restrictive. But research by historians at Plimoth Patuxet Museums (formerly Plimoth Plantation) shows that their clothing was designed for high-intensity manual labor.
The sleeves on a woman's waistcoat were often detachable. Why? Because if you're scrubbing a floor or butchering an animal, you don't want your sleeves in the way. You can find "adult pilgrim costumes" that incorporate this kind of modularity, or you can DIY it by simply rolling your sleeves up and pinning them. It adds a level of lived-in realism that a "bagged" costume just can't touch.
Practicality Over Aesthetics
They didn't have mirrors everywhere. They didn't have dry cleaning. Their clothes were stained with sweat, dirt, and sea salt. If you buy a pristine white apron, maybe don't be afraid to let it get a little wrinkled. Heck, spill a little tea on it to give it some "patina."
Common Pitfalls When Buying Online
When you’re searching for pilgrim costumes for adults, the search results are a minefield of "Sexy Pilgrim" or "Zombie Pilgrim" outfits. While those have their place at a specific type of Halloween party, they aren't what we’re talking about here.
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Watch out for the "One Size Fits All" trap. 17th-century clothing was very tailored. If a costume is too baggy in the waist but tight in the shoulders, it’ll look like a pajama set. Look for costumes that use drawstrings or ties rather than elastic. Elastic is a dead giveaway of a cheap modern garment. Ties allow you to cinch the waist or the cuffs in a way that looks much more period-accurate.
Also, check the collar. A lot of modern sets have collars that are way too small. A proper 17th-century collar should extend almost to the edge of the shoulder. If it looks like a modern dress shirt collar that just happens to be white, it’s going to look "off" in photos.
The Cultural Context of the Outfit
It is worth noting that "Pilgrim" is a term we applied to them much later. They called themselves "Saints" or "Separatists." Their clothing was a statement of their faith, but also their Englishness. They wanted to look like respectable English citizens, even in the middle of a "wilderness."
When you put on one of these pilgrim costumes for adults, you’re technically wearing the work clothes of an English middle-class person from the early 1600s. It wasn't a "costume" to them; it was their armor against the elements. Recognizing that helps you wear the outfit with a bit more dignity.
How to Style Your Costume for Maximum Impact
If you want to go the extra mile, don't just put on the dress or the breeches and call it a day.
For men: Don’t wear sneakers. If you can’t find period shoes, a pair of plain black or brown leather boots (without modern logos) works way better than Nikes. If you’re wearing a hat, make sure it’s a "capotain"—the tall, crown-shaped hat. And please, rip off the buckle if it comes with one.
For women: Keep the makeup minimal. No one in 1621 was rocking a winged eyeliner or a matte liquid lipstick. Stick to natural tones. If you want to be truly hardcore, don't wear a bra—or at least wear one that provides a flatter, "conical" shape, which was the silhouette of the time achieved by stays (early corsets).
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Actionable Tips for a Better Look
- Iron the linen: Even if the rest of the costume is cheap, a crisp, ironed collar and apron will elevate the entire look.
- Layer up: Wear a white long-sleeve t-shirt under your doublet if the fabric is too thin. It adds bulk and makes the outfit look more substantial.
- Carry a prop: A basket of "Indian corn" or a (fake) musket immediately tells the story of who you are without you having to explain it.
- Scuff your shoes: New, shiny shoes look fake. Walk around in the dirt for five minutes.
Where to Find High-Quality Pieces
If you're moving past the "Halloween store" phase, look at sites like Townsend and Son or Jas. Townsend. They specialize in 18th-century gear, but many of their basic linen shirts and accessories cross over well into the late 17th century. You can also find incredible creators on Etsy who hand-sew these garments using historical patterns.
Yes, it costs more. But a well-made linen shirt will last you a lifetime, whereas a $29.99 "Pilgrim Man" kit will be in a landfill by Christmas.
Making the Final Call
Choosing pilgrim costumes for adults doesn't have to be a choice between a boring black suit or a joke outfit. By understanding the history—the colors, the lack of buckles, the importance of the "falling collar"—you can put together a look that is both visually interesting and historically respectful.
Start by picking a primary color that isn't black. Find a deep navy or a warm burgundy. Focus on the fit of the doublet or the kirtle. Ensure your headwear is correct—a coif for women or a capotain for men. Avoid the shiny "costume" fabrics in favor of something with a matte, natural texture. Finally, remember that these were the clothes of survivors. They shouldn't look perfect; they should look like they've seen some work.
If you're building this for a play, a historical reenactment, or just a very themed Thanksgiving, focus on the layers. The more layers you have, the more "real" you’ll feel. It changes the way you sit, the way you walk, and the way people perceive the character you're portraying.
Next Steps for Your Costume Build:
- Inventory your closet: Look for brown or grey trousers that can be tucked into long socks to mimic breeches.
- Source the "Whites": Find a plain white, button-down shirt with no collar (or a collar you can fold down) to act as your base layer.
- Modify the "Store-Bought": If you already bought a cheap kit, cut off the plastic buckles and replace the velcro closures with simple buttons or fabric ties for an immediate upgrade.