Pirate Kilts?

**MacWage** · 25th July 06, 06:46 PM

I was rereading some books on Pirates and 17th/18th century privateers and seafarers and noticed a comment made in passing in 2 separate books. It is a reference to a practice wherein sailors used old sail canvas to make a kilt at sea, as well as a version that had the crotch connected (some REALLY baggy shorts).

Has anyone ever heard of that before?

I know there are a number of historians/history buffs as well as sailors and naval buffs. I though some of ya'll that know more than I on this subject may inform me and the rest of us on this practice. I find it curious! It would also be a good historical basis for a canvas kilt (as well as a good excuse when asked about one in public-> The garmant of the Pirates and the Privateers).

Is this reference even true???

:confused:

Confused and curious,

**Southern Breeze** · 25th July 06, 06:52 PM

Did they wear arrrrgyle socks with those?

**Woodsheal** · 25th July 06, 06:59 PM

The short, wide baggy trousers were called "petticoat breeches" or "slops." They were worn over knee-brecches to protect them from tar and other shipboard grime. Canvas aprons - not really kilts - were worn for the same purpose. Longer, less-wide, more typical looking trousers of sea-cloth were also worn instead of knee-breeches:

http://www.gentlemenoffortune.com/basic_kit.htm

**MacWage** · 25th July 06, 07:07 PM

Originally Posted by Woodsheal

The short, wide baggy trousers were called "petticoat breeches" or "slops." They were worn over knee-brecches to protect them from tar and other shipboard grime. Canvas aprons - not really kilts - were worn for the same purpose. Longer, less-wide, more typical looking trousers of sea-cloth were also worn instead of knee-breeches....

Canvas aprons, makes sense. Likely, the authors saw a picture of what looked like a skirt and said kilt to make it sound better. They did not realize that they were worn OVER other pants. I was curious about the refernce, it didn't ring right, but I just let it go. But, when I saw it again, I thought I would bring it here for the fount of (and bull) of the FORUM.

I couldn't remember the "correct" name for the "shorts," thanks. I also had not realized they were worn OVER knee-breeches.

I know they also wore hats, covered and dried in various "gunk" to make weather proof caps/hats.

Thanks again,

**pdcorlis** · 25th July 06, 08:01 PM

Originally Posted by Southern Breeze

Did they wear arrrrgyle socks with those?

Now THAT'S funny!

**Tattoo Bradley** · 25th July 06, 08:28 PM

Originally Posted by Southern Breeze

Did they wear arrrrgyle socks with those?

I've a canvas kilt AND a pirate ship on my left forearm. Does that make me cool? :rolleyes:

**Pour1Malt** · 26th July 06, 12:58 AM

Originally Posted by MacWage

I was rereading some books on Pirates and 17th/18th century privateers and seafarers and noticed a comment made in passing in 2 separate books. It is a reference to a practice wherein sailors used old sail canvas to make a kilt at sea, ...

Is this reference even true???

:confused:

Confused and curious,

aye- here's yin!

AAAARRRRGGGGGGGG!

**Scottish Chi** · 26th July 06, 04:51 AM

September 19 in 54 days.

Cheers! Bill

**Richland** · 26th July 06, 06:19 AM

P1M you do fit the kilted pirate quite well.

**TechBear** · 26th July 06, 06:20 AM

There is a tradition in Seattle, going all the way back to the mid 50's, of a summer festival called SeaFair. One of the customs for SeaFair is the SeaFair Pirates. And yes, I have seen several of the pirates in kilts (and usually wishing I hadn't.)

Therefore, it must be true that pirates wore kilts. Certainly the Seattle business and tourist industry wouldn't lie like that. :rolleyes: