Creating Your Own Sailor Costume

For events like Halloween, a sailor outfit offers an easy yet fashionable choice. You can assemble the attire using items you already own or find inexpensive options at thrift stores. The essential elements include white or blue pants and shirt, along with a self-made sailor collar and cap.

Make a pattern using paper. Cut out a rectangular piece of paper measuring 12 inches in length and approximately half the width of your shirt or shoulder span. Ensure the edges are straight using a ruler.

• For instance, if your shoulder width is 18 inches, the paper dimensions should be 12 inches by 9 inches.
• Consider using tissue paper for this task as it's usually available in large sheets and easy to manipulate. Handle it gently to avoid tearing.

Fold the paper lengthwise in half. Ensure that one side remains 12 inches while the other becomes half as wide. Align the corners perfectly to achieve a symmetrical fold.

Sketch a curved line from one end to the folded edge. Mark a point ½ inch from the unfolded edge and another 4 inches from the top of the folded edge. Connect these points with a smooth curve.

Cut along the curved line. Use sharp scissors to carefully follow the drawn line, creating the section meant for the neck. Discard the small cut-out portion. Unfold the paper pattern for tracing onto the fabric.

Transfer the pattern onto fabric. Lay the fabric flat on a surface and position the pattern on top, ensuring both are smooth. Trace around the pattern using a pen or pencil.

• An old cotton t-shirt without graphics or stitching is perfect for collar fabrication.

Trim the fabric following the traced outline. Use sharp scissors to cut along the traced lines, aiming for straight cuts. Avoid uneven or jagged edges to maintain a neat appearance for the collar. Alternatively, place the fabric on cardboard and cut with a utility knife.

Secure the collar onto the shirt. Once you've chosen a shirt, carefully stitch the collar onto it. Let the flaps drape over the front of the shirt, with the square part of the collar hanging down at the back. For a temporary fix, you can use safety pins to attach the collar. Alternatively, add a ribbon along the outer edge for extra style.

Opt for a shirt. You have various options here, as sailors can sport different looks. The classic choice is a long-sleeved white v-neck shirt. Alternatively, you could go for a navy blue option. Another choice is a loose-fitting white shirt with a wide neckline that ties up. This style leans more towards a pirate aesthetic but still carries a sailor vibe.

• A short-sleeved shirt is also viable for a more casual or cooler costume.
• You might consider sewing two blue stripes around the shirt cuffs.
• For a different sailor style, a white shirt with horizontal blue or black stripes works well. If you don't have a striped shirt, you can draw the stripes with a marker. They should be approximately ½ inch (1.27 centimeters) thick and spaced 1 inch (2.54 cm) apart.

Select your trousers. Your sailor ensemble can feature solid white, solid blue, or a combination of both. Therefore, pick your pants based on the overall look you're aiming for. Slacks are a good choice, and you can iron them for a crisp front crease. Alternatively, opt for loose cotton pants without a crease.

Decide on your footwear. There's flexibility in choosing shoes. Opt for either white or black, depending on the colors of your shirt and pants. Loafers or boat shoes are suitable options, but shiny black lace-up shoes or military-style boots also work.

• If you have multiple shoe pairs or plan to buy some, experiment with different styles to find your preferred look.

Wrap a scarf around your neck. Select a thin scarf approximately 2 feet in length. Wrap it around the back of your neck, passing under the collar, and loosely tie it in front. The knot should hang around your sternum.

• An ordinary overhand knot like those used in ropes suffices, but you can embellish it for a fancier look.
• For an all-white outfit, opt for a royal blue or navy blue scarf as an accent. If your attire is darker, consider a white scarf.

Measure your head’s size. Use a flexible measuring tape, like the one found in sewing kits, to measure around your head. If you lack such a tape, a piece of string will suffice. Note down the measurement in inches. If using string, mark it with the measurement.

• This measurement determines the cap's band size. To ensure a comfortable fit, consider adding some extra length.

Prepare a strip of thin, bendable cardboard. Cut the strip to match your head's measured circumference, approximately 2 inches wide. Check the fit by wrapping it around your head. Trim or lengthen the strip as necessary. Join the ends of the strip with staples to form a circular band.

• A cereal box works well for this purpose.

Secure a coffee filter to the cardboard circle. Place the cardboard circle on a table or counter and insert a coffee filter inside with the open end facing upward. Use 4 to 5 staples around the edge to fasten the filter to the cardboard circle.

Cover the cardboard with white fabric or paper. Wrap the material around the cardboard, ensuring it extends approximately ½ inch past each side. Fold the excess fabric over the top and bottom edges of the cardboard and secure it with glue to conceal the cardboard.

• To maintain the all-white appearance of the hat, ensure the cardboard is not visible. You can achieve this by using thick paper or fabric, or consider using double layers. If you used a white shirt to make the collar, you can utilize additional fabric from the same shirt.

Flip the coffee filter over so the stapled end is at the top. Invert the coffee filter so that the portion attached to the cardboard with staples becomes the top of the hat, preventing the staples from contacting your head. Wait for all the glue to dry before wearing the hat.