Imperial Officer's uniform F.A.Q.s

I currently have all the materials I'll need to put this costume together except the rank plate. Finding parts for this is proving to be difficult.


For the rank bar, switch covers from here are perfect. The round ones work for rebel ranks too.

http://www.newark.com/product-details/text/CD121/5093.html

For the metal plate, the best thing I found is at Home depot. They are burnished aluminum blanks (ie. no holes) for lighswitch covers.

Hacksaw the metal to the right size, then glue the switch covers on. Check a hobby store for the glue. You need a certian kind that doesn't "fog" clear parts like super/Krazy glue does. I'm sorry I don't remember the name of that glue though.

 

for the glue you might try E-6000/Shoe goo/Household goop... (all the same thing). It is a "stinky" glue though so you need to work in a very well ventilated location and let it dry in the same type of location.

 

Hey guys I was wondering if anyone has tried using a pattern different from the one in Nos's original post. That one seems to be out of print now.

Also I haven't really sewn all that much and I am wondering is this costume *THAT* difficult. I have seen that some people ahve said it is much harder than making a jedi costume. Any help would be great

 

I've heard from experienced sewers that it really is that difficult. I'm going to find out shortly.

And yes. There is an alternative pattern. McCalls now makes a Civil War pattern. I've heard that actually is better than the simplicity. I haven't looked at it myself. I liked the Simplicity (used it to make my fiancee's Han Solo jacket and shirts). It taught me a lot about sewing garments rather than just costumes.

I'll have to pick up one of the McCAll's when they are on sale again.

EDIT: If you have a Hancock Fabrics near you, they will have McCalls on sale for 99 cents next weekend.

 

I need to pick up that McCall's pattern too. I have some ideas that I would like to try with it.

-- most notably --

I'd like to make an EP III Imperial Officer's uniform.

So far, I know of only 2 pictures of it, one SMALL head & shoulders shot in the EP 3 Visual Dictionary and the other is a SMALL, yet full-length inte EP 3 movie book I picked up at the C3 Fan Club booth.

Has anyone seen anything else yet?

The few differences I can pick out are that there seem to be epaulet straps at the shoulders of the jacket, there is a curved "S" shape in the front panel of the jacket, the hat is slightly pointy and the flaps are smaller & different, the rank bar is a different variation on the known pieces from EP IV-VI, the boots are bulkier, the color of the uniform IS INDEED an olive green, the belt buckle is more rounded and the character pictured is wearing gloves.

Now whether or not this is standard for all officers in EPIII is yet to be seen, There are so many variances in the uniforms used in EP 4-6 that I would hope they used a little variety here too to aide in explaining away the variations in the subsequent parts of the story.

I am also excited to see what Tarkin will look like in EP 3. That will likely be the first new costume I will make from the movie.

 

I'm begining to think im an idiot, i've started to construct an imperial officers uniform and the biggest problem im having is these greeblies. I've been going into craft stores looking for them and i just get stares, they obviously dont exist in this world could somebody clear this up, is it a made up word for costuming these uniforms specifically, oh and metal chalk holders are a go, the place i found them said they get them in all the time, so if anyone one is in desparate need let me know.

thanks

 

So anyone else interested in getting the ROTS Imperial Officer Uniform done?

Seriously, after seeing the movie, I felt that it'll be better for me to do the ROTS Imperial Officer uniform this July than the OT one as the Sketch my group gonna put up is set in ROTS (tho' we twisted the whole story around tho' the basis of Anakin became Darth Vader is there ).

 

Ok I found the McCall's and bought that. Some of you guys said it was easier that the Simplicity. So does anyone have a tutorial on the McCalls modifications?

 

PM sent

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5201569702&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1

This is my baby for sale. It took 9 months to get.
I need the $$ for my 'not so cheap' Clone Trooper habit.

*tear*

~DG~

 

Nostradamus, if you were sending me the PM i didn't get it.

Anyways, has anyone seen the imperial officer uniforms in the Art of Star Wars Episode III? One is really cool and kinda looks like a trench coat. I'm thinking about making one of those. But has anyone else seen them? Oh and does anyone have a full body picture of the Episode III Uniform?

 

Hi Everyone!

I am new to this particular board, but it looks like fun! And some nice people here!

Anyway, I saw this thread and since this uniform is near and dear to my heart (my obsession) I just had to drop a posting!

The new McCall's pattern is FANTASTIC! (Much better than the Simplicity pattern). It has the correct princess seam lines in the back, mandarin collar and even the waistline seam! The sleeves look like they are two pieces (in the diagram) too!

The only real alteration needed is moving the shoulder seam - the pattern is drawn with a sloping back shoulder seam which ends off the shoulder. It needs to be altered to run along the natural shoulder line. But that's minor.

Of course, this refers to the Classic trilogy uniforms. I haven't studied the EP III ones at all...

 

I just picked up the McCalls pattern this weekend and would have to agree that it is superior to the Simplicity pattern for accuracy with fewer mods.

One interesting verions of how to assemble the jacket that I found in my trooping is to make a regular jacket with a zipper in the front, with an added panel to the front that goes from one shoulder to the other rather than the traditional way of making a true doublet.

 

I'm begining to think im an idiot, i've started to construct an imperial officers uniform and the biggest problem im having is these greeblies.

Fender Washers.
A 1" one for the base, and just go smaller for the other two.

You'll need a set of "pin backs" from a craft store for the hat disk, and some sort of silver piece to cover the hole between the top and second washer.

 

Hi Jade-Walker!

Nice to meet you!

The only thing that doesn't seem to work with the method you described is that the under flap at the hemline would end in the middle of the front "panel". And since it is suppposed to be double breasted, doesn't it look odd when you walk or sit?

Just trying to understand, that's all...

 

hmmm...I'd have to look at pics.
But not like we sit much when we are trooping
It looked just the same when standing.

 

I know this has prolly been posted, maybe even on this page. But just for the sake of time, Does anyone have a Tutorial for making the Episode 3 Imperial Officer's Uniform from the McCall's pattern?

~Fashion_Boy

 

Fashion_Boy, we haven't really got into discussion about the Ep3 Imperial Officer Uniform.

 

Ok. I came to this site and specific thread about a year ago when I was toying with the idea of making or hiring someone to creat an Imperial Officer Uniform. It is my all-time favorite, (despite Luke's jackets) Just as I had a feeling to hold out on buying an MP3 player and wait for sleeker models to come out, I knew I should hold out on this and wait to see what you geniuses have discovered.

First, I have NO SEWING EXPERIENCE AT ALL. Is this a project that I could undertake and learn as I go? I see many references to the McCalls pattern, etc. that make it easier for modifications. I am a resourcefull artist and think I could take up costuming, though there may be some quirks at first.

In all honesty though, I would much rather just pay someone to make one of amazing quality. Do any of you guys/gals make tailored costumes for customers? I would be willing to pay top dollar and shipping costs, as well as send measurements etc.

I would love to try and do this myself, but many of you seem to have so much experience I would rather pay for jaw-dropping attention to detail.

Id probably buy one and then, out of fan enthusiasm and a bit of ego, set out on the task of making my own but I would love to have a kick a*s one made by professionals. Thanks a bunch

 

Also, I noticed that people were looking for a close up of the new Imperial Officer uniform and I found one of Tarkin from the soon to be released toy.

Here is the link hope it helps!

http://www.rebelscum.com/photo.asp?image=ROTS/rots0545tarkininsert.jpg

 

That's the OT uniform.
The RotS uniform is diffrent, but nice picture.

 

Sorry to sound ignorant, but what does "OT" stand for?

Does it mean "Original Trilogy"?

If so, that isn't correct in regards to the picture that was posted. That IS the new Tarkin from RoTS.
It doesn't have the style of the lower ranking officers (shoulder tabs, etc), but it is different from Cushing's uniform.

 

Thanks for posting that picture of the toy insert TalkingHead80.

RotS Tarkin's uniform is different from the other officers shown in RotS.

Still the only pictures I have found are in the movie book and the portrait in the VD -- and those were very small. I have a few screen caps from the movie, but those hardly have any more detail than what little is already known about the 'new' RotS Imperial uniform.



Kezler wrote:

........That IS the new Tarkin from RoTS.
It doesn't have the style of the lower ranking officers (shoulder tabs, etc), but it is different from Cushing's uniform.

The only noteable difference in the uniform I can dissern between this ONE picture of RotS Tarkin and all that is known of ANH Tarkin is the rank bar configuration.

Personally, I'm not crazy about RotS Tarkin's hair. He looks as if he's bought stock in Grecian Formula for Men.

I am fairly confident that my husband will stick with ANH Tarkin's hair.



RE: shortcuts in making the 'costume' vs. making a tailored uniform piece.

I have seen many versions of this costume and am glad that so many people are interested in and desire to wear this.

As I advise all who ask for tips to making this character:

Anything you can do to add to the neatness and crispness of this costume
will aid the Imperial Officer "look"
After all---you never saw any sloppy officers on any Imperial ship or on the
Death Star.

I suppose everything depends upon how much time, effort and detail you would like to put into what you wear and how you present that.

One needs to consider HOW one plans to use this costume.

My husband and I have worn the Imperial Officer's uniforms I made for literally hundereds and hundreds of hours to nearly 100 events. I have not had to make any repairs to the uniforms and I have been able to wash and care for the uniforms with very little effort.
I normally wear my uniform for days at a time, all day long (12+ hours per day). I often need to eat breakfast, lunch & dinner in this uniform. I speak in front of audiences, sew, dress others, do hair & make-up, drive a car, march in parades, sit, stand, run, jump, work and socialize in this uniform. And I always need to look good in costume doing all that, because I never know who I will run into over the course of any given assignment.
This intensity of use would not be possible with something that was ill-fitting or poorly constructed.

I am certain that not everyone is planning to 'live' in their uniforms as much as we do.

A regular 'costume' that incorporates short-cuts is certainly sufficent for less-frequent intended use.

The needs of the wearer do need to be taken in consideration when one makes plans to construct this particular uniform.

 

Sorry, I was only saying that the above pic was not from ANH.
Yes, it is Tarkin, and there are differences, minor ones granted, between this uniform and the ANH one.
But to go into them would show how "anal" I am about these! LOL

I love the comment about the hair! Very funny!! Love it.

 

Well, it's even funnier when you consider it's all fake (last time I saw him, Wayne Pygram had a shaved head!).