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Topic:
The Complete Jedi Costume Guide
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Jyro-Kyrn
Title: Former So. Colorado CR
Registered:
Nov '02
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Date Posted:
3/8/03 6:39pm
Subject:
The Complete Jedi Costume Guide
- Date Edited:
9/17/07 5:08pm (3 edits total)
Edited By:
Sister_Sola
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Okay, someone REALLY should sticky a thread on "Jedi Costume."--There are so many individual threads that just touch one area.--So, I propose this one because I am going to try to ask all of the questions at once (and provide whatever answers {good or bad as they may be} that I MIGHT know). Sorry for any non-technical terms since I am not familiar with sewing terms (however I do know that a serger is quite dangerous!) As with all things Jedi, your costume may vary, but we are looking for the definitions that match the mainstream, saw it in the movies, costumes and fabrics. This is not law, just a guide.
As things get corrected I will try to post updates to keep this thorough, accurate, and complete.
- Pants
Definition: Pants.
Average Amount of Material Needed: Pants.
Go simple - buy Dockers at Goodwill or ARC!
- Inner Tunic
Definition: Layer closest to the skin. Crinkly fabric crossing at the neck. Close fitting with sleeves that reach all the way to the wrists where the fabric is particularly bunchy. Tucks into pants?
Average Amount of Material Needed: ??
Fabrics
--Raw Silk
----Textured, comes in variety of colors (can you die it?)
----Expensive!
--Cotton Gauze
----Textured (crinkly) and can be died
----Cheap
- Tunic
Definition: Layer on top of Inner Tunic. Crosses at the neck. Sleeves are tucked at the bodice. Sleeves are loose fitting and rather droopy (that's a non-technical term) at the cuffs. Bottom should reach to the mid-thigh.
Average Amount of Material Needed: ??
Fabrics
Observation: Vertically textured, but I don't know what materials.
- Tabbards
Definition: Layer on top of Tunic. Y shaped with the stem of the Y going up the back and the forks going over the shoulders and down to almost knee length, and longer than the Tunic. Should be thick enough to add squareness to the shoulders and tabbards at shoulder should be wide enough to go to the vertical line of the shoulder.
Average Amount of Material Needed: ??
Fabrics
Observation: Vertically textured, but I don't know what materials. Same as the Tunic, possibly a different shade of color.
- Obi
Definition: The Obi is the wrap that goes around the waist that is approximately six inches in height. I assume this works like a belt, so what do you use to clasp it? Hooks, velcro??? Anyone?
Average Amount of Material Needed: ??
Fabrics
Observation: This seems to be the same material as the Tabbards, and probably should be the same color as the tabbards.
- Robe
Definition: The flowing, hooded cloak. It should reach the floor in length, but not drag the floor. Has anyone weighted the hem to get it to hang better? (One of my pet peeves is not using a heavy enough material. The cloak should FLOW, not FLOAT! You're not Superman, you are a Jedi, and it is COLD in space. You want a heavy, warm material {at least it should LOOK that way.}) The hood should be full and large and the rim of the hood should be stiffened so as to help it reach out toward the shoulders when it is placed upon the head. The sleeves are full and droopy, and long enough to completely hide the hands.
Average Amount of Material Needed: ??
Fabrics
--Indian Homespun - also called Khadi
----I am currently researching sources and costs for this material. Will have to be imported.
--Heavy Wool
----Seems expensive ($16-18/yard) but looks great! Flows nicely and I believe it can be died, although you may be able to find it in a color that works off the shelf. Might be a bit warm on the set, but still beats most synthetics.
--Bed Sheets
----Shame on you! 
- Belt
Definition: Leather belt that goes over the Obi. Brown or black and quite open to freedom of expression. Approximately 2.5 inches high. Belts would vary from Jedi to Jedi, so we can have fun here. There is so much easy to find info on the belts that it is moot to discuss it here. Search the net, and May the Force be with You.
Clasps: Please make recommendations on the best clasp mechanisms and placement. Seems to me that you would want the clasp in the back and might even choose to lace it up?
- Boots
Definition: Boots. Okay, if you ask me, then they should be just below knee length. It seems that they should be brown (borderline red) but not black. Could be wrong on that one. Finding good boots is quite difficult on a budget. I've seen replicas at $300. I'm gonna check with a shoemaker in town and see if he is a SW fan. Maybe get a deal???
I'm not gonna cover accessories on the belt, including lightsabers.
Whew! That was a lot. Please help me fill in the gaps, and then PM the moderators to make this sticky. I'm not cocky, I just don't want to have to look through thirty posts to find the info I need and I hope others agree.
Sew on!
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Jyro Kyrn
"Boring conversation anyway..."
Not dead yet. Just really busy.
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Woofer
Title: FF CR Emeritus
Niagara Falls ON Canada
Registered:
Aug '01
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Date Posted:
3/8/03 7:00pm
Subject:
RE: The Complete Jedi Costume Guide
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Nice idea... lets hop we can make this a the be all Jedi thread.
Oh and obi is not made up. Thats the proper Japanese name for that article of clothing.
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John H. VanOphem
Übergeek
Buddhism: Birth. Work. Death. Repeat if necessary.
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Smiling-Otter
Registered:
Mar '01
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Date Posted:
3/8/03 7:01pm
Subject:
RE: The Complete Jedi Costume Guide
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Good info! Also a good basis for branching out (since each Jedi's costume seem to differ from the next, in either subtle or obvious ways.)
As for the obi, it's the wide belt of cloth that keeps a kimono closed. The same purpose it serves for the Jedi tunic. Note that Ben Kenobi gave up the tunic for a kimono-style inner robe, with the accompanying obi.
I am curious about your comment on the inner tunic. Having it reach to mid-calf seems a bit longer than standard. Mace's is the longest tunic I can think of, and it only reaches his knees. A longer one would make for a nice variation, though.
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Jyro-Kyrn
Title: Former So. Colorado CR
Registered:
Nov '02
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Date Posted:
3/8/03 7:33pm
Subject:
RE: The Complete Jedi Costume Guide
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Made edits. Should have read "mid-thigh" and I removed the Obi question.
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Jyro Kyrn
"Boring conversation anyway..."
Not dead yet. Just really busy.
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Jedi Girl of Corellia
Title: Manager Emeritus
Registered:
Jun '00
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Date Posted:
3/8/03 9:52pm
Subject:
RE: The Complete Jedi Costume Guide
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Raw silk is very dyable, and actually not that expensive. It runs about six dollars at dharmatrading.com.
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"We're not dead, we have cable!" Mac and Sarah Take on the Pacific Northwest Our Blog: http://community.livejournal.com/sarahzillamac
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Jyro-Kyrn
Title: Former So. Colorado CR
Registered:
Nov '02
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Date Posted:
3/15/03 5:25pm
Subject:
RE: The Complete Jedi Costume Guide
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Wow, this one slipped down the board fast! {bump}
After spending hours at every fabric store in town... I think I am going to use a double thickness of crinkle cotton (gauze) for the inner tunic and the tabbards. It has the closest texture that I can find. For a change of texture and visual interest I think I will be going with silk noil (raw silk) for the outer tunic. Garberdene heavy wool for the robe.
If anyone has any more information to round out the huge list of items, fabrics, etc. I would love to see this post stay around the top. It would make a nice place to get all of your answers quickly...
Thanks,
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Jyro Kyrn
"Boring conversation anyway..."
Not dead yet. Just really busy.
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Jedi_Riibu
Title: Former CR
Bakersfield CA, USA
Registered:
Nov '01
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Date Posted:
3/15/03 6:06pm
Subject:
RE: The Complete Jedi Costume Guide
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Raw silk is very easy to dye.. just like dyeing cottom.
And I've said this many times before, but if you're gonna go with raw silk, buy a bolt from Dharma Trading. It makes the price very reasonable (and you WILL use the whole bolt).
I'm crossing my fingers in hopes that this CAN be a definitive Jedi costume thread.
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Woofer
Title: FF CR Emeritus
Niagara Falls ON Canada
Registered:
Aug '01
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Date Posted:
3/20/03 10:08pm
Subject:
RE: The Complete Jedi Costume Guide
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The Jedi Belt
Two things, one advice the second a question.
In the initial post its ask for comments on how the belt is attached. What I did for mine was use industrial strength velcro fastener to close it at the back, then the wide loop covers up the excess and the seam giving the appearance of a smooth belt.
I have seen some belts using side release buckles at the back, but that doesn't seem to be very flexible to adjust to different waist sizes.
OK, now my question for the experts.
Speaking of side-release buckles, that is the type they used in AOTC for the buckle in front attached to the smaller, inner, belt.
Has anyone found the exact model they used? I've seen many but not with quite the right shaped release mechanism. Also the buckles are metallic (nickel plated?) in appearance. 99% of the time I only see black nylon variations. Did they paint them or are the buckles used actually made from metal?
I did a look around, and found no one ever discussing that particular element of the belt. So any suggestions?
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John H. VanOphem
Übergeek
Buddhism: Birth. Work. Death. Repeat if necessary.
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Darth_Eagle
Title: Fanforce CR Singapore
Registered:
Jul '01
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Date Posted:
3/20/03 10:36pm
Subject:
RE: The Complete Jedi Costume Guide
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Also the buckles are metallic (nickel plated?) in appearance. 99% of the time I only see black nylon variations. Did they paint them or are the buckles used actually made from metal?
Well, it's not impossible to get Metal Buckle. Around mid-last year, someone at RPF, who is staying in Hong Kong was helping others to obtained the buckle. It's not THE buckle IMHO (it's a bit more squarish) but it'll do the job well. And some people who had shopped in HK before had told me that they saw the buckle there before.
Someone at RPF also posted a link to an online site selling such buckle around the same time.
Ya, it's hard to get that buckle; I myself hasn't locate it here so my friend ended up using a Black Plastic one, painted Chrome. 
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Jedi_Riibu
Title: Former CR
Bakersfield CA, USA
Registered:
Nov '01
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Date Posted:
3/20/03 10:51pm
Subject:
RE: The Complete Jedi Costume Guide
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Shoe buckles!!! That's what I've got on my belt. If you're not trying to duplicate an actual buckle used in the movies (which you don't need to do unless you're doing a character specific costume), these are a great source! Browse your local thrift shop and you can find countless styles.
In the back my belt attached with a large, 2" plastic buckle. Yes, this does not allow for flexibility in sizing, but I haven't had any trouble due to that. You just need a loop of leather to slide over the buckle and hide it.
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Darth_Eagle
Title: Fanforce CR Singapore
Registered:
Jul '01
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Date Posted:
3/20/03 11:55pm
Subject:
RE: The Complete Jedi Costume Guide
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D'oh!  Now that you said that Jedi_Riibu, I was reminded that I saw a number of backpacks and small bags having either the top portion only, the metal buckle (the other half is made of plastic) or the whole buckle is made of metal. My dad has a bag like that.
Another good source for the metal buckle!
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KissSpooky
Registered:
Jun '02
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Date Posted:
3/22/03 10:23am
Subject:
RE: The Complete Jedi Costume Guide
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One thing that I to date haven't seen (it may have come up at some point, I only recently started posting around here) it the question of aging....
One of the things I notice more than anything it the fact that most peoples Jedi costumes look very....new. And it really takes away from their effect, in my opinion. The Jedi basically live day in and day out in their outfits, and so they're bound to have some wear, or a "lived in" quality.
I know a lot of people want to keep their costumes pristine, so they can use them for a long time, but it makes them look very bland, and in some cases, like they just came from the drycleaners, freshly pressed...
This isn't to say that they should be dirty or grimey or whatever. Just a bit more...realistic...
just a thought...
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Silent observer/lurker extrordinaire... damn real life getting in the way of my online time... -_^ "A true friend stabs you in the front." ~Oscar Wilde Check out my RPG, High Devil Sands: http://boards.theforce.net/non_star_wars_role_playing/b10755/249324
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Woofer
Title: FF CR Emeritus
Niagara Falls ON Canada
Registered:
Aug '01
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Date Posted:
3/22/03 10:45am
Subject:
RE: The Complete Jedi Costume Guide
- Date Edited:
3/22/03 10:48am (1 edits total)
Edited By:
Woofer
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Well part of it is that the majority of the costumes we've seen so far is the Jedi Council.
Mace has an impeccable linen-look, and the others are fairly clean as well.
The only "in use" costumes seems to be Qui Gon and Obi Wan mainly, and even then they appear fairly fresh.
Obi's costumes gets soaked in the Kamino rains and caked in Geonosian dust and still while facing Dooku his tunic is clean.
Anakin in his dark colours shows very little dirt from the arena as well.
Maybe we need to add a new Force skill. "Dry Cleaning"
OK, the main reason is, I feel, is that Star Wars harkens back to the day of the movie serial. The good guys in the white hat, et al. In those film they always appeared at their best no matter what happened. Realistic? No way, but its part of the look of the genre.
So should our Jedi costumes have that fresh from the cleaners appearance, or have the lived-in look? Its a personal opinion, but based on Star Wars movies so far, none of the characters were ever seen to be very grimy or dirty no matter what just happened (trash compactor??). I'd say the clean look is the proper look.
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John H. VanOphem
Übergeek
Buddhism: Birth. Work. Death. Repeat if necessary.
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KissSpooky
Registered:
Jun '02
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Date Posted:
3/22/03 11:01am
Subject:
RE: The Complete Jedi Costume Guide
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I'm actually not saying a clean versus dirty, but look at the majority of peoples Jedi outfits seen throughout the pages and homepages, and say the pictures of Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon together, or arena pictures from EP II...they're not dirty, they just look more lived in is all I'm saying...
I know it's a silly minor point...like I said originally, just a thought...
-----signature-----
Silent observer/lurker extrordinaire... damn real life getting in the way of my online time... -_^ "A true friend stabs you in the front." ~Oscar Wilde Check out my RPG, High Devil Sands: http://boards.theforce.net/non_star_wars_role_playing/b10755/249324
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Jyro-Kyrn
Title: Former So. Colorado CR
Registered:
Nov '02
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Date Posted:
3/22/03 3:22pm
Subject:
RE: The Complete Jedi Costume Guide
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Look at Obi-Wan's belt. It is very weathered. I plan on wearing my costume at all possible opportunites to get it "lived in". Not dirty, not torn, just getting the stiff, new look out of it.
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Jyro Kyrn
"Boring conversation anyway..."
Not dead yet. Just really busy.
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RebelCommando
Registered:
May '02
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Date Posted:
3/22/03 4:27pm
Subject:
RE: The Complete Jedi Costume Guide
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In regards to the postings by KissSpooky and Woofer....
I found your discussion interesting in regards to "the clean look" of the Jedi. The very first Jedi we see in the films was Obi Wan Kenobi in SW:ANH and he was as described by Uncle Owen, a strange old hermit. And his appearance was basic and even ratty.
When Yoda appears, he has a similiar look to Obi Wan. Basic, utilitarian, messy, dirty or however one would describe it.
But then later in ROTJ, Luke wears his cool "black outfit" and he fights in it, but I don't recall that it ever looked dirty despite the amount of fighting he does throughout the film.
And in Episode 1, when Qui Gon and young Obi Wan fight Darth Maul.... they did look pretty slick or clean as I recall throughtout that scene.
But I would attribute such situations to the old Hollywood tradition of people never finishing a meal, going to the bathroom and their hair mysteriously drying and brushing itself after getting wet. And did Luke shower after getting out of the trash compactor or did he just dry off?
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