Before you set sail in your choice of Columbus costumes, it is helpful to get a refresher about the man himself. Christopher Columbus was an explorer who set out to find the “New World” in the 15th century. The undertaking of his ocean voyage was to find a westward route to Asia and did not start off easily. Although he had a long maritime career, he was unable to find money for backing in his then-residence of Portugal. It wasn’t until he headed to Spain that opportunity met with luck and he was able to get financial support from the Catholic monarchs, Isabel and Fernando. Upon his return in 1492 and publication of his journals, Columbus became renowned throughout Europe for his adventures (alas, not for his Columbus costumes) and was bequeathed with the title “Admiral of the Ocean Sea”. Columbus always believed that he had reached Asia, but in reality he never even set foot in North America. Due to his underestimation of the Earth’s circumference, the closest he got was the island now called the Bahamas.
Students today know much about Columbus and Columbus costumes. They know that Columbus could not have “discovered” the New World, because, if fact, it was already settled by indigenous people who had been on the land for centuries upon centuries. However, this great explorer, in his dashing choice of Columbus costumes, is still revered for his expeditions and “encounters” with a New World and will forever live on in history as will interpretations Columbus costumes. That is why dressing up in one of the several styles of Columbus costumes is a popular choice for historical reenactments, Columbus Day celebrations, school plays and other important events.
There is plenty of “fictional” artwork of Christopher Columbus, no authenticated portrait have ever been found to corroborate the physical appearance and what Columbus costumes might have looked like. However, written documentation describes him with fair skin, red hair and over six foot tall and we can glean what Columbus costumes might have looked like based other historical items. Columbus costumes would resemble the clothing of a man of his stature would wear in the 1400s. A man of some nobility or a mercantile class might wear a doublet jacket fashioned that featured tight, buttoned forearms fashioned from wool or a more sumptuous fabric for his Columbus costumes. This jacket, the style of Columbus costumes, had puffy sleeves and tied down the front worn over a longer white shirt. Instead of pants as we wear them today, Columbus costumes would probably feature close-fitting cotton or woolen knit hose paired along with leather turn shoes or short boots that are standard fare for Columbus costumes.
Additionally, Columbus costume would benefit from a long cloak to keep warm in inclement weather, a significant possibility on ocean voyage as well as a hood or a puffy hat that is associated with many Columbus costumes. Under the cloak, but on top of the doublet, Columbus costumes might feature a leather belt and buckled kidney pouch for carrying essentials such as doubloons, a pair of spectacles or other small travel necessities.
Fun accessories for Columbus costumes include a portable globe and a telescope. There is a disguise kit for Christopher Columbus costumes that features several accessories, but not the entire costume. There is also a beautiful Queen Isabella costume, the financier of the Columbus trip, which would make an excellent pairing with Columbus costumes. Columbus costumes are ideal for Columbus Day which, in the U.S., is celebrated on the second Monday of each October. Suit up in one of the many history-making Columbus costumes today!
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