What Kind of Clothes Did Christopher Columbus Wear?

During his expeditions, Christopher Columbus likely wore a cloak, soft hat, padded undercoat with puffy sleeves known as a doublet, undergarments, pleated overcoat, girdle, tights and soft shoes. These pieces were common attire for a merchant or nobleman during the time period that Columbus lived.

In his later years, Christopher Columbus wore clothing similar to that of a monk. Although Columbus was initially granted nobility for his travels, his fame dissipated before his death.

First-hand accounts of the time suggest that Columbus was a white man of average build with white hair, ruddy skin and light eyes. It was stylish for men’s hair to be cut so that it was short in the front and long in the back.