As the project was sci-fi pirates, we’ve taken the approach of the world being pirates with the futuristic element being steampunk. We plan to make use of the steampunk style primarily with the (pirate)ships, but this could also be shown or hinted at by the clothing of the characters as well (at least for the characters of the first island).

For the clothing style of the game, I feel as though it would be a unique idea if we could show off both of these themes, meaning that the pirate and steampunk styles are combined to create a more unique and fitting style, especially for the main character, and inhabitants of the first island.
However, this is only one possibility, as we could make use of the steampunk aspect being shown by the ships, enemies and the prosthetics of characters, and then the clothing being more suited to stereotypical pirates

The different islands of the game make use of a different theme, which therefore means if the island is inhabited, the clothing styles would likely differ (e.g. the clothing on the snow/ice island would be warmer, whereas the volcanic island would make use of less clothing/warmth due to the islands natural heat). These clothing styles could still make use of the pirate and steampunk themes, although a lot of the characters on these islands won’t be pirates, and due to the conditions on the island, will likely have a very different style to the protagonist.

Before passing my character mood/wordboard to my artists, I thought it could be somewhat helpful for me to give them an idea, or starting point, for some research into clothing styles. For this, I briefly looking into the clothing style of steampunk and pirates.

What is Pirate style clothing / Features?
“In 1628 the British Admiralty established sailor's clothing (which were called 'slops') to be worn by men who had been press-ganged.” (Elizabethan Era, 2017)

“This type of clothing consisted of a  canvas doublet and breeches, knitted caps called Monmouth caps, cotton waistcoats and drawers, stockings, linen shirts and shoes. So much of this clothing was adopted by the seamen who turned to the life of a pirate.” (Elizabethan Era, 2017)

“The colors of pirate clothing included the colors which had previously banned by the Elizabethan Sumptuary Laws. Crimson, violet, purple and  deep blue were typical of the colors which had previously banned for anyone other than the Upper Classes.” (Elizabethan Era, 2017)

“The typical clothes worn by a Pirate Captain are illustrated in a description of the clothing worn by Black Bart (Bartholomew Roberts). He was described as flamboyant dresser. His waistcoat and breeches were made of velvet in a rich crimson color. His hat was decorated with an exotic red feather. An expensive satin and leather sash diagonally decorated the front of his coat and a sash was tied around his waist. The clothes of this pirate captain were adorned with gold jewellery and ornaments.” (Elizabethan Era, 2017)

Examples of pieces of pirate clothing:
“•Motley clothing - bright mis-matched colors
•Bandana - A pirate clothing item which kept the sweat out of the pirate's eyes
•Tri-cornered hat - made of various materials including leather
•Doublet or coat - Expensive item of pirate clothing. Long clothes, including the doublet were a style of pirate clothing best suited to land. •Decorated with ornate braids and fabrics
•Breeches - trousers were generally only worn by English pirates
•Knitted caps called Monmouth caps
•Waistcoats - flamboyant addition to pirate clothing
•Drawers - tight fitting to allow for the difficult tasks of a pirate
•Stockings - Woollen stockings for practical apparel and silk for land use
•Shirts - The puffed sleeves were suited to pirate clothing on land” (Elizabethan Era, 2017)

What is Steampunk style clothing?
“An imaginative and fantasy-driven combination of Victorian era fashion and elements and materials inspired by the Industrial Revolution, Steampunk fashion is in a league all its own.” (Atomic Jane, 2017)

“Steampunk is often described as a fusion of the old and the new: the tradition of the Victorian age mixed with bold, retro technology.” (Atomic Jane, 2017)

“Taking inspiration from a retrofuturistic mashup between a Victorian aesthetic and cyberpunk, it entered mainstream pop culture in the late 2000s.” (The Daily Dot, 2016)

“The most basic definition of a steampunk outfit is something that is inspired by Victoriana but isn’t a direct replica. Popular themes include goggles, top hats, lace, corsets, and modified armor.” (The Daily Dot, 2016)

“Steampunk fashion was born from a mashup of goth, DIY cosplay, renfair-style historical reenactment, and burlesque styles.” (The Daily Dot, 2016)

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I then listed these quotes I had picked out from the various different sources and listed them in the presentation with my character mood/wordboards, which were then sent to the artists in charge of character design/concept art. I knew that one of the artists already had an understanding of the steampunk clothing style, but I still thought that this quick and brief research task could be of some help to them if they become stuck for ideas.