Considerations when wearing a costume in public?

When you're deciding on a costume to be worn to a public event, or in a public place, what things do you take into consideration? Comfort, safety, etc?

We don't get much in the way of cons here where I live, and Halloween is only once a year. So for fun events like our annual buskerfest, and the large civic fireworks displays, my friends and I bring the costumes out.
When I'm deciding on a costume for such an event, I consider several things. A big one is comfort- looking cool won't mean much if I can barely move, or am passing out from heat. I need to be able to walk, sit, and maybe even climb a bit.

In some cases, full face covering might not be advisable- If I must pass through a shopping mall, for example. I've heard some places are so strict that they forbid the wearing of garments with hoods. Does that mean my Jedi cloak would be verboten, or is it fine as long as I don't wear the hood up?

Another thing for events like the buskerfest and fireworks displays is consideration for others- My skyscraper headdress may look cool, but keeping it on all the time would be downright rude to anyone sitting behind me trying to watch an act. So a crown like that would spend part of the day sitting in my lap. That's kind of a pain, so that costume might be right out. As much as I like my costume, it's not fair to interfere with the enjoyment of other people. And yes, that applies to other people too- take those rediculous cat in the hat headpieces off, people!

Yet another concern is griefing from others, to borrow an online gaming term. Lekku at a public event might not be advisable- somebody out of ignorance or thinking they're cool, might come up and yank them. Or might decide to test the integrity of a harder costume piece such as armour by punching it. Somebody punches me, it doesn't matter if I'm in armour or nearly nude. Either way it's still an unprovoked assault, and will be handled as such.

And sadly, even the possibility of physical attack comes into play. This past buskerfest, I had a screeching drunken female get in my face for no reason other than the fact that I walked past the stairwell she was loitering in with what I am guessing was a passed out male companion. Hard to tell, this other body never moved or spoke during the whole confrontation.
She was the most foul mouthed little hussy I think I've ever had the misfortune of encountering in public. Repeating her language her would get me banned from this forum. I found myself uncoupling the two halves of my TCSS luxeon lightstaff, in case she was stupid enough to try and lay a hand on me. Fortunately for her, she was not quite that stupid- I've since been told that one uppercut to the jaw with a machined hilt like that, or a good crack in the head with a polycarb blade would have been just as devestating as a strike from a solid hardwood staff, or worse.

Griefing and other such foolishness are not really issues at a con, or a Pagan community halloween party. At cons, most people know enough to respect the work and property of others, so perhaps you're more likely to have somebody ask before touching your costume, instead of just grabbing. And drunken violence is not likely to be an issue. But for dealing with the random public, I'm just glad that my Jedi kit happens to be some of the most comfortable, livable clothing I own, and that it includes a built-in means of defending myself if need be. A couple actually, if you count the solid boots I wear
I'm not going to give up costuming because of the aforementioned issues- I love having people asking for pictures with me. I love kids whose eyes light up when they see a real live Jedi.

 

1.) As a member of the Rebel Legion Sunrider Base (I'm still waiting on full National/International RL membership) there are specific guidelines on conduct when in the costume. Basically you really have to behave "in character" to the best of your abilities. You really do have to "watch the potty mouth" and so forth. I don't smoke, but if I did I wouldn't do it while in costume.

2.) I live in a semi-desert, "Mediterranean" climate. So you have to keep your climate in mind when you choose your fabrics for your costume. Everything I have is either 100% cotton or linen. Everything is "breatheable." I am making a warm version of my outer robe, and that will be in anti-pill fleece. Yeah, I know, purists say you have to go with wool but I liked the fabric's feel and lightness so I'm doing that. I also am making that one a little non-standard, using the Simplicity 5840 robe with a modified hood. The 5840 robe is more LOTR than SW, with a pointy hood. The 5840 robe also has side seams, which will allow me to put hidden pockets in the seams for practicality. We do get cold weather in January and February, hence the idea of a warm version. I could see also wearing this with civvies. The cotton outer robe that I currently use with this costume is strictly a part of the costume.

If you are curious what I'm talking about, here's a link.

3.) Other than that, there are matters of sheer practicality. An elaborate Padme gown or stormtrooper armor is going to be hell to get in and out of vehicles when you're wearing it, and don't even think of sitting down in it.

My $0.02...

 

I like you're color scheme, HardwareStoreJedi. Yeah, actually the only time other than Halloween that I've dressed up publically was the Dallas Sci Fi Expo back in July. I went as a dark Jedi, without a robe. July in Texas is no time for a robe, trust me. Plus, the current robe I have has a rather small hood. But other than that, the costume turned out great (especially next to Ray Park!).

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f325/FETT-MAN/group_1005.jpg Me with a great Mace Windu.

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f325/FETT-MAN/group_1001.jpg A good Qui-Gon.

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f325/FETT-MAN/group_1018.jpg Our favorite Wookie.

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f325/FETT-MAN/group_1016.jpg Ray himself, sorry the pic is so dark.

 

I'd definately say make sure you check the appropriateness of your costume for the event.

Our Star Wars group did an appearance at a concert, and were outside mingling with the public, answering their questions about our group and the concert, and stopping for photos etc. One of my friends was wearing her slave Leia costume, which you can imagine garnered quite a bit of male attention. A couple of young guys came up and were chatting with her, and things started turning a bit ugly. She remained totally in character, was polite and everything, but it got a bit worrisome when they started to talk about seeing what the stormroopers would do if they punched them. I assured them it would not be a wise course of action. After a few minutes of trying to get the guys to leave her alone, I had to get a couple of our troopers and our Maul to go 'rescue' her.

If wearing a costume that is particularly provocative, such as slave Leia, always ensure you have a chaperone, to fend off any unwanted attention you may receive.

Whilst not a Star Wars costume, our FF group had an interesting experience after dressing up as pirates for PotC 2 on the first Sat of it opening. Int he middle of the city, on a Sat night, with all the drunken party people, you're bound to run into some strange people. Most of the people we passed jsut called out pirate saying (Arrrrr! Aye matey etc), but we had a few strange encounters. One drunk man was certain that we dressed like pirate normally, and had just happened to go and see the movie

So I guess the message is, if you're dressing up in costume in a public place that is not full of like minded people (ie a con or fair etc) always make sure you're in a group! And try not to wander off alone, particularly at night!

Weather is certainly a big considerattion. Here in Queensland, we tend to get incredibly hot and humid summers, and we barely ever get winter. I think the coldest day this past winter I jsut wore a jumper and scarf with jeans, and still had to take the jumper off when I was inside. So for me, it's very important to use as much natural fabric as possible, and try to have layers for my costumes. If I need to make modifications, then I do.

I think alot of this is commone sense though ^_^

 

Amanita, you seem to be aware of most of the issues.

Some venues have not allowed covered faces (helmets) or weapons. When we (local Star Wars groups...501st and Rebel Legion) are doing an event, we always ask first. Usually, if THEY want US, they will allow both helmets and weapons. The Portland Science Museum is hosting the travelling Star Wars exhibit and do not allow visitors to enter with costumes that include face covering or with a weapon. But since we were volunteering with them to add "color" to the event, we were allowed both and they arranged for us to have special badges to wear so guards could tell that we were allowed.

The public, especially the intoxicated public, can get out of hand. I've witnessed incredibly rude behavior. I wonder whether they think someone wearing a mask/helmet isn't really a person so they can treat them badly.

It's always good to have "spotters", who are people not in costume (but wearing the group's tshirt) who can run interferance. The Stormtroopers need people to look out for them as they lack visibility in the helmet. Alternatively it's good to be in a group that includes a few people in costumes that do not impair visibility or function.

 

very good points, everyone...

our local FF is really active, and normally has some sort of charity in-costume event every couple of months. it's ridiculously fun for the members, and since we're in a medium sized town in the southeast, we rarely run into any problems.
if anything, most people know about our group already, and are excited to see us around.

i have run into some issues at conventions, albeit not in Star Wars costumes, but nothing too bad. in general, if someone annoys me, i walk the other direction. if they follow me, i alert the security.

agreed, though, on the Padme costumes...you have to time costumes to the situation, and you almost have to have a handler.
i avoid wearing my pre-senate gown around kids because they're tempted to touch the headdress and pull on the embroidered sleeves.
as for my Jabba, i have complete tunnel vision and little to no hearing, and with a 7 foot span, i'm constantly hitting people with the tail. i have to have two people just to make sure i don't kill myself.

regardless, though, it's always fun..
that's what costumes are for!

 

I'm thinking about wearing my costume to school on Halloween, but I don't know... some people may think I'm crazy and laugh. But my friend's also dressing up, so as long as we're together I think we'll be fine.

 

Just make sure it doesn't go against your school's dress code (if you have one).. although I think most costumes would be alright, if not a bit odd. Our school actually does a very popular 'Senior Dress-up' where the seniors wear costumes and go around the district on a parade

 

You all bring up excellent points. I do not dress up in SW costume, but I used to dress in historical costume at the museum where worked. I had little old men try to feel my bustle and follow me around, as well as some younger men try to test the metal of my corsets...but the important thing is to keep your cool, stay in character as well as possible and if someone gets out of control, alert the local person in charge of the event or law enforcement. Remember, costuming should be fun. And FETT-MAN I wouldn't worry about people thinking you're crazy and laughing - you'll learn soon enough, that most of those people you will never see again once you are out of school and in the grander scheme of things, they are but flies. Be true to yourself and have a good time dressing up! I was the only person in grad school to dress up when the professor asked us ALL to do so on Halloween, and you know what, I simply smiled and knew that they were all envious that my costume looked great and they were too much of crowd-followers not to join in the fun!

 

The only thing against dress code would be my lightsaber. I don't know about my hood, but the mask would definately not be permitted. Which is okay, I'm just a simple Jedi.

 

Well, I'm not part of the Rebel Legion, or even a member of a local fanforce. (Though if there is one in Dayton, OH, I'd really like to know.) But I will don my Sith robe randomly and go to class in it or just hang out in it. If anyone asks me why, or makes some snide remark, I can reply with the phrase "I'm a freshman?". College freshmen can get away with just about anything as long as they use the excuse "I'm a freshman?".

BTW, here's some ninja logic for other college freshmen:

"If the question "Why'd you do that?" can be answered with "I'm a freshman?" or "I'm a Ninja?" Then, by way of the transitive property, "I'm a freshman?" = "I'm a Ninja" and hence, college freshmen who willingly admit their freshmanity are Ninja."

 

Um, yes, there is. Just go up to the top of the page to the drop-down menu that says Fan Force Boards, click on the arrow and scroll a little more than half way down. Click on Dayton,OH, then click on the GO! button and it will take you right to their message board.

 

Everything's locked down over there. The last posted message was about 8 months ago. Hmm...

 

Especially at public events where there might be children, remember that they're liable to grab anything, so leave home any props that could be easily broken. I was wearing my resin Obi-Wan Episode IV saber at a big Halloween street party and a kid pulled on it and popped the emitter right off! He wasn't being malicious, he just didn't realize the saber was hooked to my belt. Some things can get broken innocently like that. Don't bring those.

Also, make sure everything on any props you're wearing that uses screws is screwed on nice and tight, like covertec clips on lightsabers and knobs on just about anything. I've had all kinds of stuff attached with screws come off when I was wearing them, stuff that didn't even occur to me might come off until after it happened. The worst was on my Luke ESB Graflex lightsaber replica, where somehow the bottom red button fell off at some point during a Halloween event, but I had no idea where or how it happened.

One other thing: if at all possible, avoid getting into fights. Even if you are just defending yourself, you never know who might get hurt and who might end up getting blamed if the law gets involved. It's much better to lose face and run away, or to leave behind something from your costume, than take that risk.

Personally, BTW, whenever I'm wearing my Jedi costume and get mistaken for Jesus/a priest/someone from the LOTR or the Matrix, I always say, "Jesus/a priest/Legolas/Neo doesn't have a lightsaber."

 

The last time I went to a Con I kept getting called Anakin, even though I was just some dark Jedi thing I'd come up with. In your opinion, does my costume look like Anakin, especially with a red lightsaber? I can see where someone would make that mistake, but I'm saying that some of the hardcore fans were stating this.

 

FETT-MAN: from a quick glance, or from afar, maybe. But after a few seconds, nah, different color scheme Anakin has. I have a dark Anakin-style version too, but its ALL black.

[image=http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i241/PHL7445/293538824_l.jpg]

The tropical Hawaiian weather is killer on my costumes I wear in public, since I favor dark color-schemes.

 

http://boards.theforce.net/Costuming_and_Props/b10019/15213305/?23

As a parade wrangler I wrote this with the help of many costumers here on the the boards.

Trust me without a wrangler alot can go wrong and more then likely a person who is in costume will be bogged down by costume malfunctions that another costumer will have to take care of the
job of a parade wrangler takes care of any and all malfunctions and safety and health issues including getting water for the parade goers. ITs not an easy job, it involves alot of running and stopping and constantly on alert. But it pays itself off when the costumers are happy and healthy and they can make the kids delighted. When a costumer has a good time with a kid and gets a great photo then I know my job was done. And when they make the news or the paper, I had done my job to the best of my ability.

I dont get on camera or any pictures but the parade goers know I am there and thats what matters.

I like being the force. I surround everyone but only a few know I exist and are there to help them.

I may not make a costume but I save up all my time for their one special day.

Being a wrangler is a privilege. A privilege to serve Star Wars fans of all ages.

 

Boy, that dark Jedi looks almost exactly like Anakin. But the pants are black, and that's about the only way I can tell the difference (oh yeah, the cloak is dark brown, but a lot of people don't know that).

 

Fett-Man: Not to mention I have Darth Maul's boots on instead of Anakins (the Frank Thomas boots).

 

How many every-day people can tell the difference? Maybe if you had two gloves/gauntlets some people would notice the difference. Course I had two gauntlets and nobody realized it. Plus, since when did Anakin have a red lightsaber?

 

If a firearm-look-alike is part of your costume, you'd better make sure it's got a blaze orange tip, or better yet just don't wave it around.

 

Yeah, that's deffinately been a problem in the past.

 

If there are kids around, always remember to be very careful not to say anything inappropriate and not to use what could be seen as foul language. Even if you trip or damage part of your expensive costume.

Nothing would destroy a kid's idol as effectively as that!

Huzz

 

School Costume Contest tomorrow, oh yeah! Gonna be in it for sure!

 

I wore my Jedi kit and TCSS lightsaber to a samhain ritual tonight, and got lots of compliments on the saber. I also had a cool conversation about the nature of the force, as well as Jedi and Sith beliefs before the rit started. Word of advice? Spiral dancing with a saber tucked under your arm is a royal pain. But the cool factor was worth it.