How to Dress Like Christopher Columbus

As one of the most known explorers of all time, Christopher Columbus is a popular character to imitate when dressing in costume. Many people dress as Christopher Columbus in plays and other performances and at costume parties. Although he lived long ago, it is not difficult to recreate his look. With some simple clothing and accessories, it is easy and affordable to recreate the look of Christopher Columbus for an upcoming costume event.

Basic Clothing and Accessories
Few portraits of Christopher Columbus survive today, and experts believe that most existing portraits of Columbus are not authentic. However, most experts agree that he likely dressed in a wardrobe commonly worn by wealthy merchants and noblemen in the northern Mediterranean during his time. Those dressing as Columbus can combine a number of basic apparel and accessories to make up the basic wardrobe of Columbus.

With all of these items, people can complete their Christopher Columbus ensemble. People can find their own unique items to make the look completely unique.

Choosing Clothing
To dress like Columbus, people should start with a padded undercoat, or doublet, with puffy sleeves. Costume wearers should also wear pantyhose in a color that does not match the other pieces in the ensemble, and can be the most vibrant color in the ensemble like blue, red, or green. Next, layer a plain shirt and shorts over top of the undercoat and hose. The shirt and shorts should be a neutral color such as black or brown. Place an overcoat over top of the shirt. The overcoat should be neutral in color, too, and have either long sleeves or short sleeves with open sides.

As finishes touches to the ensemble, those dressing as Columbus can add a long cape in a neutral color. The costume should also consist of soft shoes and a soft, brimless hat. Other accessories such as necklaces and belts can add unique style to the costume and personalize it.

In his later life, Christopher Columbus dressed as a monk in a long, flowing robe, with few accessories. Although costume wearers could also create this style easily, it may be more difficult for other people to recognize the style as Columbus', since he is most widely known for his explorations.

Other Props and Accessories
In addition to the basic wardrobe of Columbus, those dressing as the explorer can add some other props and accessories to complete the look and make Columbus more recognizable. Explorers in Columbus's time carried items such as rolled up maps, compasses, and drawstring coin purses to hold money and other small items. Those dressing as Columbus can also add a small, handheld telescope and even a globe as props to the costume.

Hair and Face
Christopher Columbus's features differ in various portraits throughout his lifetime. Many artists painted portraits of Columbus after he died. It is difficult to determine whether these paintings are accurate portrayals of his appearance. Columbus's second son, Fernando Colon, left a written account of what he looked like that corresponds to other accounts.

Columbus' Appearance
Colon wrote that Columbus was a man of normal build with a long face, high cheekbones, and an aquiline nose. He had light eyes and skin with reddish undertones and hair that was red when he was young and white later in his life. Generally, portraits of Columbus depict him with long or medium length hair and a clean-shaven face.

To create the look of Columbus, those dressing as the explorer should focus mainly on his hairstyle and facial hair. With either a wig or their real hair, those dressing to resemble him can wear their hair in a medium or long, flowing style and should shave their face of any facial hair.