Funny. I kinda get yer drift.
I have had to "age" my gear in the past and when having to replace it.
But...that is the cool part. I have worn my gear so much on a daily basis and yeah doing everything from sailing to loading and firing cannons, to mostly my shows where juggling fire does basically the same as firing cannons to it. :)
Yep, I do look somewhat like the Hollyweird Sparrow guy... but I do at least SMELL like a real pirate.
I am on my second pair of boots (yeah, yeah I know...no buckly shoes here) but I have had to replace the soles of my second pair already and am in need of a new pair again.
This comes from being a street performer mostly but you arrrr certainly correct. It does not take that much to age properly. The sun is a very harsh beast and fade things so wonderfully, I had had waistcoats fall apart from the salt water and sun combo after a year. I have been through about 9 shirts in 5 years.
But...I assume most do not want to smell as bad as I do and may not have the time to devote to livin' the ride...err life.
-Ace