When you hear the name Benedict Arnold, one word comes to mind: traitor. Benedict Arnold was America’s very first traitor, a man who turned his back on his nation during the Revolutionary War and helped the British fight the colonists. History despises his name, and he cannot be separated from the treacherous treason he committed during the 1700s.

Yet Benedict Arnold wasn’t always a traitor. He was born in Connecticut, a colonist himself, but no patriot—he didn’t concern himself with the American Revolution until the Revolutionary War broke out in 1775. It was the war that sparked his enthusiasm for his homeland. He enlisted in the Boston army and took part in crucial battles, earning a promotion to major general and proving a skilled military man. 

Arnold, however, had political ambitions that were never recognized. He hoped to participate in the Continental Congress but was passed over because other officers in the military took credit for his accomplishments during the Revolutionary War. Even worse, others accused Arnold of corruption, and though he was acquitted, he was investigated by Congress. Arnold was frustrated—and his bitterness towards the new American government led him to decide to switch his allegiance to the British in 1778. So, as commander of West Point, Benedict Arnold decided to surrender the fort to the British.

The Americans learned of Arnold’s plans, and he was forced to flee before George Washington himself captured the traitor. The British Army welcomed Benedict Arnold, paying him and commissioning him as a brigadier general. Arnold once again fought in the Revolutionary War, this time leading British forces on raids throughout the colonies. Once the war ended, he took his family to London—and though he was gone from America, he was certainly never forgotten. 

An exclusive piece in our Heritage Costumes collection of quality costume clothing, this adult Benedict Arnold Revolutionary War costume is authentic to the 1700s, and the attire is worn by the turncoat himself. You’ll look just like the famous traitor of the Continental Congress when you don this historically accurate costume set. To capture Arnold’s attire accurately, this costume includes a Revolutionary War frock coat (a colonial military jacket) with contrasting tan trim, a military vest, a lace jabot, a pair of colonial military breeches, and lace cuffs. You’ll look the part of a man aiding the British in the Revolutionary War with this costume set straight out of the 18th century.

Of course, every Benedict Arnold wartime costume needs a few accessories, too. No colonial man during the 18th century left home without his “possibles” bag, black powder horn, tricorner hat, tall black boot spats, colonial wig, and military sword. If you’d like to enhance your Benedict Arnold attire with our Heritage Costume accessories (which are not included with the purchase of this costume), you can pair this costume outfit with these options from our wide selection of added details to create your very own personalized costume.

This high-quality Benedict Arnold adult Revolutionary War costume can be used for a period ball, historical reenactment, masquerade, or simply experiencing a day in the life of a traitor during the 18th century Revolutionary War era. Made with pride and care right in the United States, this Benedict Arnold adult Revolutionary War costume is built to last.