pirate hats

The Tricorn Pirate Hat: An Icon of the Era of Corsairs and Pirates

The tricorn pirate hat is an iconic garment that evokes the era of privateers, pirates, filibusters and buccaneers. This distinctive three-cornered hat originated in the first half of the 17th century, although it became popular as a military garment starting in the 18th century. Join us on a journey back in time to discover the fascinating history of pirate hats and their connection to the brave adventurers of the sea.

The First Pirate Hats

In the first half of the 17th century, three-cornered pirate hats, known as tricorns, began to make their appearance in the clothing of sailors and sea adventurers. These hats were characterized by their three peaks folded upwards, which gave a distinctive and elegant appearance. However, as a military garment, they became even more popular in the 18th century, when they became a symbol of authority and bravery in the navy.

The Scarf and the Hat

An iconic image of pirates is that of a scarf under their tricorn hat. Although this depiction has endured in popular culture, we cannot confirm if it was common practice among real pirates. History does not provide definitive evidence for this custom, so it remains a mystery whether pirates wore bandannas under their hats as depicted in movies and art.

The Legacy of Captain Hook

One of the most influential characters in the popularization of the tricorn pirate hat was Captain Hook, Peter Pan's archenemy in the famous work by JM Barrie. This fictional character greatly contributed to the association of the tricorn hat with pirates in popular culture. The design of Captain Hook's hat was inspired by the Swedish army during the Thirty Years' War, which ended in 1648, and which symbolized bravery and tenacity.

Privateers, Pirates, Filibusters and Buccaneers: Exploring the Differences

The era of pirate hats witnessed a variety of maritime figures, each with its own characteristics and objectives:

Corsairs

Privateers were individuals authorized by a government to direct a ship against enemies in search of plunder and loot. They operated with official authorization and were considered an extension of state power.

Pirates

Pirates, on the other hand, operated individually or as part of a crew. Their main objective was to capture other vessels to loot them and steal their cargo. They often acted outside the law and were feared on the seas.

Filibusters

The filibusters were pirates who stood out in the sea of the Antilles in the 18th century. They were known for their daring lifestyle and involvement in illegal activities, including looting and smuggling.

Buccaneers

The buccaneers were originally from the western part of the island of Hispaniola and were initially dedicated to hunting wild animals. However, over time, many of them became pirates who stalked the trade routes.