Pirate Coat
The Coat's Tale
"'Twas a hard thing to be a coat, sir, in those years when pirates roamed the sea lanes, on the prowl for any sort of plunder. If your man took a notion for a voyage, all his wearables set sail in fear and tremblin', knowin' they would be forfeit--aye, down to the last stocking--if they were catch'd by pirates. Not so much as a button would escape.
"And so it was with me, on the day we were taken by Captain Vane and his crew--a vile, ragged lot they were! No hope I'd be overlooked, not with me wide cuffs and me two good pockets, and me fine, flared skirts in the latest fashion. Sure, I was seized--pressed, as it might be--me, who had always been a respectable coat!"
How did I outlast wind and rain, shot and shipwreck, with both me sleeves on, and nought but a patch or two the worse for it, though I am old and wrinkled? Be so good as to cast your eye upon me label: White Pavilion, it says. That's the secret to a ripe old age."
--From The Narrative of an Anonymous Coat, collected at the Hospital for Ancient Mariners, by Rev. Septimus Buckle (1725)*
Cleaning instructions: If you want to clean it, you're not a pirate!
Canvas. Select your chest size and we will choose the size that fits you best.
The coat will have an oversized fit to accommodate a waistcoat.
Broadcloth: Cotton/polyester blend, shirtweight. Does not wrinkle, shrink or fade. Permanent press (warm wash, tumble dry low heat, remove promptly). Black, red, burgundy, navy, hunter, brown.
Brocade: Cotton plus various synthetic fibers, with same-color woven patterns, which will vary. Sturdy weight. Dry clean. Blue, hunter, burgundy.
Canvas: Also called Duck Cloth. Stout cotton fabric with a coarse weave. Black, white, red, brown, or hunter green. Will fade like jeans. Cold wash, tumble dry low heat or line dry.
Fleece: Synthetic with velour-like drape; popular for outerwear. Good, practical substitute for wool. Black, burgundy, hunter green. Check for color availability before ordering; can vary with season. Washable, but dry cleaning is recommended to preserve the shape of capes.
Muslin: Garment-quality, 100% cotton (not coarse utility muslin). Cold wash, line dry recommended. White or natural.
Poplin: A cotton/polyester blend that does not wrinkle, shrink or fade. Heavier than shirtweight. Permanent press (warm wash, tumble dry low heat, remove promptly). Black, red, burgundy, navy, hunter.
Suede Cloth: A heavy, woven suede-like cloth of 100% polyester. Dry cleaning recommended.
Wool: A natural fiber from sheep; wool blends include man-made fibers of various kinds. Holds colors well. Dry cleaning is recommended, but may be hand washed in cold water and dried flat. Do not wring. Never use hot water or a dryer. For seasonal storage, clean first and use the moth repellent of your choice.
