Costuming Jack Randall from Outlander: Shirt & Pants

It’s no secret I’m a huge fan of Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander novels (and Outlander series on Starz), as I have made, purchased, and worn many Claire costumes and accessories.  But special points to my husband for putting up with my sewing/costuming madness, and for getting talked into wearing Oulander’s main villain, Captain Black Jack Randall’s costume for me.  I’m sure every man wants to be Jamie, and I’m sure every woman wants her husband to be Jamie…but…well, someone has to be the villain.  My husband’s costume took me months and months and months to make, but I’m so proud of it.

This blog post is specifically for the shirt and pants build.  Next is the post specifically for the build of the waistcoat and coat, and another post specifically for the gathering and modification of accessories (tricorn hat, sword and belt/frog, boots, etc.).

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Since I hadn’t seen anyone costume Jack Randall (please let me know if you do or know someone who has, I’d love to see it!), my only resources were promotional pictures and screenshots from the show and pins on Pinterest from other fans (a special thank you to KnitzyBlonde from the Outlander/Highland Inspired Costume Facebook group that I’m in, who crochets Outlander inspired pieces, for uploading the center photo above, which was most helpful).  Not having sewn any 18th century pieces for men before, I did my very best within my skill level, and hope no one spits on my husband for wearing an imperfect representation (or for costuming a complete scoundrel for that matter).  I bought every single gentlemen’s patterns from JP Ryan and hoped they would work with minor modifications.

Shirt

Jack Randall’s complete costume overwhelmed me, to say the least.  So I decided to start with the basic garments, shirt and pants, and work my way out from there.  Besides, if I hadn’t finished the complete costume in time for DragonCon last year, I figured my husband could just wear whatever was finished and be in various states of undress.  Thankfully the shirt was blissfully easy!  I used JP Ryan’s gentlemen’s shirt pattern 1700’s Colonial Shirt Pattern (Medium- XL) with white(ish) linen and added ruffles from View B to an otherwise unmodified View A.

We (including my husband, who I enlist for hand sewing closures) did not sew buttons since the neck would be closed by an ascot, but we did discreetly add small hook and eyes at the wrists.

With leftover linen, I sewed a “long enough” ascot.  I then lightly tea stained the shirt and ascot (and accessories for other costumes).

Pants

The pants were not so easy, and that is an understatement.  I used JP Ryan’s gentlemen’s Breeches pattern 1700’s Men’s Fall Front Breeches Pattern (Medium- 34-36″ Waist) and never cussed so much in my life.  This pattern was very difficult and at some point I wanted to set them on fire (not while on said husband) and find the pants for purchase online.  As a result of that difficult day or two, I hardly took any pictures, as none would’ve been helpful here.  My advice: buy them already made, purchase twice the yardage of material that you need (for a re-do, which I refuse to do), do a muslin mock-up while drinking boat loads of scotch, or just sew better than I can (I’m still at a beginnerish level).  Thankfully only a small percentage of the pants are actually seen, because I used grommets, velcro, and duct tape.  Not kidding!  Ugh, I’m getting mad just thinking about it…

Next: Costuming Jack Randall from Outlander: Waistcoat & Coat, Accessories

Outlander inspired costumes also on the blog:

Costuming Claire from Outlander: Season 1

Outlander Inspired Druid Lanterns (DIY)

Costuming Claire from Outlander: Season 3

Costuming Outlander Inspired “Cross Creek” Claire

Costuming Claire from Outlander: Season 1 (c. 1945)

Costuming Claire from Outlander: Season 1 (Additions)

Costuming Claire from Outlander: Season 2 (& the Red Shoes)