Pirate Waistcoat
Squinty Jim tipped up the tankard, swallowed the last drops and set it back on the table. He surveyed the grog shop with a mournful eye—the one without the squint. “I dunno,” he said, with a sigh. “I draws me pistol, I shouts, Stand and deliver, I squints like the very devil—and do I get so much as a shilling? Hah! They laughs and waves their hankies in me face. Best I ever got was a silk hanky—and that was dropped accidental. I’m a flat failure; that’s plain.”
Bob Smallclothes replied, “No wonder, mate. Look at Ratline Rob, there, drinkin’ up his pirate’s loot like there ain’t no Final Account. What’s he got that you ain’t? A waistcoat.”
“A waistcoat?” said Jim.
“Aye. An’ there’s old Tom Trot, the highwayman, a-spendin’ the loot he took off that stagecoach, wearin’ a gent’s second-best waistcoat. Without a waistcoat, you won’t never be no more’n a rascal, let alone a rake or a rogue.”
Jim stood and shook Bob’s hand. “Mate, you’ve opened me eye. I’ll pinch a waistcoat off a washin’ line an’ make a respectable rogue o’ meself this very day!”
*Make your mark in the 18th-century world with this no-nonsense waistcoat: All-cotton canvas front with 7 buttons; lightweight cotton back laced up for easy fit. Pocket flaps; no pockets (so you can’t be weighed down by too much loot when fleeing the Watch).
Cleaning instructions: Find untended washing put out to dry; exchange dirty waistcoat for clean one.
Length, neck to hem at center back: Approx. 37".
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.