Pilgrim Costume
Step back into colonial history with a classic Thanksgiving Pilgrim look.
The Pilgrim costume is a timeless choice for Thanksgiving celebrations, historical reenactments, and school plays. Representing the early settlers of Plymouth Colony, this iconic look is defined by simple, dark-colored garments contrasted with crisp white collars, cuffs, and aprons. Whether you choose the traditional black-and-white aesthetic or historically accurate earth tones, this guide helps you assemble the perfect ensemble.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $20–60
Try it on
See yourself as Pilgrim
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.
Your photo is sent to Google's Gemini API to make the render and isn't used for training. Renders are AI-generated and labelled.
Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a Pilgrim costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Pilgrim costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Dark long-sleeved dress or tunic
A solid black, dark brown, or navy blue long-sleeved dress for women, or a dark button-up shirt and trousers for men.
DIY: Use an oversized black long-sleeve t-shirt cinched with a belt.
White pilgrim collar
A wide, flat white collar that drapes over the shoulders, typically made of cotton or felt.
DIY: Cut a large bib-style collar out of white poster board or white felt and safety pin it to your neckline.
White apron
A plain white tie-on waist apron, ideally made of cotton or linen.
DIY: Tie a white pillowcase or a rectangular piece of white fabric around your waist using a white ribbon.
Pilgrim bonnet or hat
A white fabric bonnet for women, or a tall black capotain hat with a gold buckle for men.
DIY: Fold a sheet of white cardstock to create a bonnet shape, or glue a cardboard buckle onto a black top hat.
Black shoes with buckles
Simple black loafers, dress shoes, or flats decorated with a square gold buckle.
DIY: Cut a square buckle out of yellow construction paper or gold foil, and tape or clip it onto your regular black shoes.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Pilgrim costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the base layer of dark clothing, ensuring a modest and comfortable fit.
- 2
Drape the wide white collar over your shoulders and secure it at the neck.
- 3
Tie the white apron securely around your waist, smoothing out any wrinkles.
- 4
For a female look, tie the white bonnet under your chin; for a male look, place the tall black buckled hat firmly on your head.
- 5
Attach the DIY gold buckles to the front of your black shoes using tape or clips.
- 6
Adjust all components to ensure the white accessories contrast sharply against the dark base garments.
Makeup & hair
Keep hair neat and simple. For women, pull hair back into a low bun or braids tucked under the bonnet. Keep makeup minimal and natural-looking to match the historical period.
Pilgrim for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair a traditional male Pilgrim in a tall buckled hat with a female Pilgrim in a white bonnet and apron.
- group
- Gather a group dressed as early Plymouth settlers, mixing dark brown, green, and black colonial attire.
- kids
- Use a simple black t-shirt and sweatpants, adding a paper collar and a paper plate bonnet or hat for an easy school project.
- Plus size
- Opt for a loose-fitting black maxi dress or an oversized dark tunic paired with an adjustable tie-on apron.
- pet
- A small black cape with an attached white collar and a mini elastic-strap Pilgrim hat.
Tips
- Iron the white collar and apron beforehand to ensure they look crisp and stand out in photos.
- Wear comfortable black flats or loafers, as colonial footwear was practical and made for walking.
- If wearing this outdoors in November, layer warm thermal underwear beneath the dark dress or trousers.
Pilgrim costume FAQ
- Did Pilgrims actually wear buckles on their hats and shoes?
- Historically, 17th-century Pilgrims rarely wore buckles, as they were expensive and trendy. However, the popular modern image of a Pilgrim almost always includes these iconic gold buckles.
- How do I make a quick DIY Pilgrim collar?
- Cut a large circle out of white poster board, felt, or paper, cut a slit down the middle to the center, and cut a smaller circle in the middle for your neck.
- What colors are best for a Pilgrim costume?
- While black and white is the most recognizable combination, historically accurate Pilgrims also wore earth tones like brown, beige, forest green, and brick red.
Did you know? The classic image of Pilgrims wearing only black and white with large buckles was actually popularized by 19th-century artists long after the first Thanksgiving took place.