James Fraser, of the STARZ hit television drama, Outlander, is the main male protagonist played by Sam Heughan. Throughout the five seasons, Heughan's character has seen his fair share of wardrobe shifts, from Scotland to France, the 1740s to the 1770s, and the evolution of colonial consuming, James Fraser has worn some vastly different costumes. Here's a look at the top nine costumes worn by the series' favorite redheaded Scot.
Clan Fraser's Tartan Wrap
This tartan wrap is one of the first costumes Jamie is shown in. In the premiere episode of the series, James Fraser wraps this fabric around claire to keep her warm after finding her lost and disoriented in the Scottish highlands. This tartan is also the Fraser pattern, which subtly shows his family clan as well as his outsiderness even with the MacKenzie clan because the costumed patterns are slightly different.
Jamie also wears this wrap during the wedding ceremony where he married that very Sassenach.
James Fraser's Hat
While living the colonial life in seasons four and five, James starts to wear a three-pointed hat. This could mean several things for the character. First, it could insinuate that he is rising in the ranks of his peers, like the parallel of a ship's captain wearing a hat over the rest of the crew. It could also allude to his maturing as a character. Overall, the younger men in the show like Young Ian and Fergus rarely, if ever, wear a similar hat. At the very least, he wears it because it is a part of colonial culture.
Jamie Colonial Puffy Sleeves
The puffy sleeves are a great costuming choice because it is reminiscent of historical romance book covers, and they make us instantly think of Fabio. Outlander is adapted from Diana Gabaldon's historical romance series, and the incorporation of this costuming choice seems to be self-aware and yet not overly cheesy.
Season Four Promotional Costume
James Fraser's outfit in the season four promotional posture is exceedingly important, as it shows that the Frasers' first experiences in colonial America will not be easy. The rifle insinuates danger afoot, perhaps in the form of wild animals, and the furs show that he will need to hunt for survival. Like many colonial Scots, he will need to adjust to life in the colonies, which were also oppressed by English laws. Most importantly, this costume shows that James Fraser is ready for the challenges that face him in this incoming season.
Jamie's French Overcoat
While most of Jamie's outfits in season tow are flashy and colorful, this overcoat contrasts that notion. The Silhouette of the coat is reminiscent of French culture, and the oversized buttons serve as a form of embellishment. Overall, this costume choice is refreshingly subtle.
This overcoat is the perfect middle ground between the rugged Scot audiences are used to seeing and the cutting edge chic fashion of Parisian France.
French Dinner Outfit
In the fashion capital of the world, Jamie did his best to assimilate to the Parisian culture, clothing included. This silk material gives off an impression of wealth and aristocratic dignity. He even went so far as to keep himself clean-shaven.
Also incorporating French culture, the perfect time to exhibit such a clothing choice was a group dinner, where the Frasers mingled with many other prominent figures in French society.
Season Five Promotional Costume
Jamie's outfit in this season five promotional image is the perfect costume to show his adjustment to life in the colonies, from his riding boots to his understated earth-toned fabric.
Even though this is a promotional costume, James can be seen wearing that very overcoat in many episodes. It shows he is assimilating to Colonial culture relatively seamlessly.
Jamie's Wedding Costume
Possibly the most romantic moment of the show, the wedding between Jamie and Claire also boasts some extraordinary costume choices. Jamie not only wears his Fraser tartan wrap—the very one he wraps Claire in during the premiere episode of the show—he also attempts to spruce up with his brooch. Though this wedding lacked the pomp and circumstance of Bree's, Jamie showed that this moment was worth the world to him simply by wearing the outfit he did.
Jamie's Clan Fraser Kilt
James Fraser's best outfit is his kilt, perhaps this is because he is a true Scot. Born and raised in the Highlands, he is exceedingly proud of his homeland, so much so that he is willing to fight with the Jacobites in the desperate hope to end England's oppression over Scotland.
This specific kilt carries the tartan pattern of his clan. The reason this is such an important costume is that, for part of his life, he had to be under the protection of Clan MacKenzie, so finally wearing his Fraser kilt must feel rather empowering.