Ruqayyah Snyder
There are many ways to make an Australian convict costume, and the final look will depend on the era you are trying to recreate. For example, if you are trying to dress as a First Fleet convict, you could wear everyday clothes, as these convicts did not look different from people in England. However, if you are trying to recreate the look of a convict from the colonial era, you could opt for a bold black-and-white striped top and pants with a matching cap. Alternatively, you could wear a cream-coloured top and pants with a black arrow print and jagged hemlines. To accessorise, you could add a ball and chain, or even a temporary face tattoo.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Clothing colour | Cream, Black, white, Orange |
| Clothing pattern | Stripes, Arrow print, jagged hemlines |
| Clothing type | Top, pants, Jumpsuit, Cap, Waistcoat, shirt, Bonnet, apron |
| Accessories | Ball and chain, Handcuffs, Belt, boots |
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What You'll Learn
Black and white striped top, pants and cap
The clothing worn by convicts on the First Fleet to Australia was not special in any way and was referred to as 'slops'. There are few images that give an accurate idea of what convicts wore, but we do know that some convicts brought their own clothes, while others were distributed clothes by the government.
To make an Australian convict costume featuring black and white striped tops, pants, and a cap, you can follow these steps:
For the top:
Look for a black and white striped shirt or sweater. A button-up shirt in this pattern will create a colourful and fun look. Alternatively, a black and white striped sweater can be paired with a simple white tank top or t-shirt underneath.
For the pants:
Find black and white striped pants or trousers. These can be matched with a variety of tops and shoes to create different looks, from casual to classy.
For the cap:
A simple baseball cap in black or white will complete the outfit. This can be paired with sunglasses to elevate the look.
Accessories:
To accessorise the outfit, consider adding a neck scarf or a small sweater draped over the shoulders.
Footwear:
Depending on the desired look, footwear can range from sneakers to sandals, Mary Janes, or even flip-flops for a beach outfit.
This costume will give you a versatile and chic look that can be adapted for different occasions, while also evoking the attire of Australian convicts, particularly the ''magpie' uniform worn by repeat offenders in Australia.
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Cream top and pants with black arrow print
The clothing worn by convicts on the First Fleet to NSW is not well-documented, but we do know that some convicts brought their own clothes, while others were provided with ready-made "slops", or everyday clothes, by the government. One source mentions that the "parti-coloured convict uniform", or "magpie", was worn in Australia as a form of secondary punishment by repeat offenders.
To create an Australian convict costume with a cream top and pants with black arrow print, you could start with a cream-coloured top and pants as a base. Cream-coloured clothing can be found in many wardrobe staples, offering a relaxed yet sophisticated look. You could then add black arrow prints to the cream top and pants. Consider using fabric paint or iron-on transfers to create the arrow design. The arrows could be pointing in different directions, creating a dynamic and eye-catching effect.
Alternatively, if you're feeling crafty, you could try sewing black arrow-shaped patches onto the cream fabric. This technique would add texture and dimension to your costume. Another option is to use a black fabric marker to draw arrows directly onto the cream fabric. This method would allow for more precise and intricate arrow designs.
To complete the look, consider adding accessories that enhance the convict theme. A hat, for example, was a common piece of clothing for convicts. You could make your own hat using the leaves of the cabbage-tree palm, as convicts did in the past, or simply wear a plain beanie-style cap.
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Ball and chain accessory
A ball and chain accessory is the perfect addition to an Australian convict costume. The ball and chain is a classic prison accessory, adding a touch of mischief to your ensemble. It is lightweight and easy to wear, usually made of plastic, so you can dance and mingle at your Halloween party without discomfort.
The ball and chain accessory is designed to be slipped onto your foot, with a simple slide foot design, so there are no complicated buckles or straps. It is one-size-fits-most, so it will fit comfortably on anyone. The lightweight plastic ball and chain won't weigh you down, but it is designed to look realistic, in antiqued black and silver tones.
You can find these ball and chain accessories online, at costume stores, or on sites like Etsy. They are versatile and can be paired with a classic convict costume or a unique outfit of your creation.
The ball and chain is a great way to complete your Australian convict costume and is sure to make a statement at any themed party or event. It is an exclusive item that adds an authentic touch to your costume without sacrificing comfort.
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Orange jumpsuit
The iconic orange jumpsuit is a popular choice for a convict costume. The costume typically includes a short-sleeved orange jumpsuit with a zipped front and sometimes comes with a pair of silver handcuffs.
To complete the look, you can add your own belt and boots. For a more authentic feel, wear bare feet and handcuffs. This costume is a fun choice for parties or themed events, allowing you to step back into the colonial era.
The orange jumpsuit is a versatile option, suitable for both adult and children's sizes. It is a simple yet effective costume choice, often featuring a bold colour and a classic style. The jumpsuit is usually made from lightweight material, making it comfortable to wear.
To enhance the costume, consider adding temporary tattoos or a ball and chain prop, which can be made from lightweight black plastic. These additional accessories will elevate your convict costume, ensuring you stand out at any event.
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Temporary tattoos
There are a variety of temporary tattoos available that can be purchased online. These tattoos are designed to look realistic and can be easily applied and removed. Some companies offer a range of prison and gangster-themed temporary tattoos that are based on real tattoos. These can add a touch of gruesomeness to your costume and give a glimpse into the history of tattooing among convicts.
When choosing temporary tattoos, consider selecting designs that are small and easy to apply to your face or body. For example, a simple skull face tattoo can be a great addition to your convict costume, giving it an edgy and authentic feel.
Additionally, you can explore Etsy, which offers a range of convict costume options, including temporary tattoos that can be applied to the bottom half of your face. These tattoos can enhance your overall look, especially if you are wearing a half mask as part of your costume.
Remember to review the application and removal instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure that your temporary tattoos look their best and can be removed without any issues.
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Frequently asked questions
The clothing worn by Australian convicts is not well-documented, but we know that some wore clothes they brought with them, while others were given "slops", or ready-made everyday clothes by the government. You can interpret this in a few ways for a convict costume:
- A plain, loose beanie and other second-hand clothes
- A colonial-era convict costume with a matching cream top and pants featuring a black arrow print and jagged hemlines
- A black and white striped top and pants with a convict cap
Accessories can really make your convict costume stand out! Here are some ideas:
- Handcuffs
- A ball and chain
- Face tattoos
There are a variety of Australian convict costumes available for purchase on websites like Etsy and CostumeBox. These costumes typically feature either black and white stripes or a cream colour with a black arrow print.
The clothing worn by convicts on the First Fleet to NSW is not well-recorded, so it is difficult to say how accurate any particular convict costume is. That being said, we do know that convicts wore everyday clothes, either brought with them or provided by the government, and likely looked similar to people in England at the time.
Convict costumes are a way to engage with Australian history, particularly the colonial era. They can be used for educational purposes, such as First Fleet reenactments, or for themed events and parties.
