Jedi / Light Side Jedi for the Fat Guy

Disclaimer: I don't usually support puns. I just started a new allergy medicine, and I think that it's making me loopy.

First post... I'll try to keep this short and sweet. I couldn't get the search function to work... the board just returns errors to me.

Background: I'm a short fat dude looking for a Halloween costume. I haven't worn a Halloween costume in almost a decade (I'm a grad student now). If I'm going to attempt a costume, I want to attempt a jedi of some sort. Simple enough, no?

The Question: Which would look better on a fat dude... the traditional jedi garb ala Obi-Wan Kenobi Episode III, or the longer (ankle-length?) tunic worn by Obi-Wan in Episode IV? I know nothing about costuming, or even dressing well, so I'm drawing a blank. Also, 'you're going to look like a friggin idiot regardless' is a perfectly valid answer. I really am looking for some straight up advice.

Thanks forum community!

 

Well, the original Ep4 costume wasn't quite what most people think. The movie used a lot of barely-modified off-the-rack items. Obi-Wan is wearing a martial arts Gi with the pleated Hakuma that most people think is a skirt, but is actually very baggy pants.
Luke and Uncle Owen are also wearing barely-modified Gi.
So my suggestion would be to find a Gi in your size, maybe darken it by washing it in some light dye (or tea), find some books (or make some covering that makes your shoes look like boots), and build a utility belt. Gi will run $30-60 for a regular plain one.
If you want the cloak, you should be able to find a pattern easily enough as soon as the stores start stocking Halloween stuff (any day now). Get material the color and weight you want. Of course, that only works if you have a sewing machine and know how to use it. (Or how to use someone that does).
Belt: Army Surpluss can help you out a lot. A couple of Ammo Pouches, an ammo belt filled with Pen caps from ballpoints painted silver, and any other weird gizmo will do nicely.
Alternatively, look for the adult-size jedi costumes.
As for the lightsaber: depends what you want. If you just want something than hangs from your belt, you can spend as little or much as you want. The new Hasbro kiddie sabers are much closer to size, though you are limited to Anakin, Vader, ObiWan, and Yoda for design. Or you can buy some plumbing pieces, electical tape, and plumber's tape and build a basic prop. Or you can buy one of the expensive FX props. Just don't go with the el-cheapo Rubies POS.
Maybe you don't want to be a human jedi: then you need someone good with stage make-up to help you out. Where you are in the country can help or hinder. Just remember to consider the local heat (or lack of it) and plan accordingly.
As for how you end up looking: Hey, that's on you. It's halloween, which is "come as you Aren't!"

 

I think the Ep 4 style would probably be better, honestly. As an overweight chick myself, I don't like wearing my Jedi because it really accentuates your waist and hips, to be honest. Plus tabbards aren't super-friendly if you have a decent-sized chest.

 

Tabbards are a pain in the rump for 'tall' folk too.
OK, for me anyway. They keep sliding around.

 

Wow... you have my thanks for the quick replies. I honestly didn't expect to find replies so soon after making the post.

Anyways, I should clarify a bit: I'm not actually worried about making the costume in terms of patterns and materials and the like... I've got that part covered. I'm more looking for advice, from those wiser and more experienced in the ways of Star Wars costuming than I, about what I ought to look into costume-wise.

Of course, you can't see me, but I can't believe that my situation is all that unique, right?

How can a fat dude look good as a jedi at a Halloween party? I'll be wearing the cloak, of course, but the style of jedi-like garb is still up for debate.

Again, thanks for the advice... keep it coming!

 

When it comes to the obi, wouldn't go too terribly wide on it. The wider the obi, the more attention it draws to belly region, that most would desire.

Just keep it simple, that is all you can really do. But if I were you, I would do the "Old Ben" look. I think it is a good look for hiding those who have bigger frames.

Just an idea.

- Bill

 

Classic Obi-wan. Hard to go wrong (but I have seen it once--wince)

 

I put my Jedi costume away when my belly had got large enough. I just don't think that a Jedi out of shape is believable.

 

Rubbish! Round is a shape!

"Judge me by my size, do you? And when you should not. For the Force is my Ally, and a powerful ally it is."

 

Just don't be "Dirty Bathrobe Jedi Guy" LOL.

 

I'm also fairly new to making costumes for Role-Playing/Events/Halloween. At least, for myself in Real Life. I've made some in the online world of Second Life - mainly, Padme and Leia's fashions; but I also made a Devaronian avatar for a friend of mine.

Anyways, what colors are you planing to go with? Or, what colors would you like to use?

 

I have this thing about Jedi always wearing Jedi robes. They don't seem too practical and people recognize Jedi too frequently. And look at Luke, a'new' Jedi with different outfits. The cut of the tabbard/obi/gi top doesn't look great on people without the 'typical' frame. My husband just bought black jack boots that look great with cargo pants (I was using them for a study of his nearly done Hoth costume). You really can't go wrong with boots and cargo pants. They already have pockets ready for you to stash things. Instead of the gi, find a nice shirt with a Nehru collar. Look for these things in dark, yet natural colors in natural fibers. Finally, top the outfit off with a cloak that has a decent 'swish' factor- think Qui-Gon v. Darth Maul on Tattooine. That kind of a cut won't stick close to your body, plus it looks less 'costumey.' If you can, find some fun accessories, like belts or a scarf.

Have fun!

 

[image=http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c291/LAN-ED-TUL/08-03-08_1603.jpg]
heres mine the uppers are bought, the pants are khakis i dyed myself, and the robe is made by myself as well, a full 2 foot hood just like movies.

 

and dark colors like dark browns and black helpmask it too. it does help.

 

You can try something less traditional.
For example, a long time ago I had an "armored" Jedi to help cover my blubber. The concept was that I had been shot down in a battle and I used my lightsaber to cut steel off my fighter to fashion into armor. I put some scorch marks on my robes with washable grease paint, stitched in some frayed edges, added some makeup to grime up my face and a few splotches of blood. I cut out sheets of aluminum and painted burn marks around each side. I painted things you might see on the outside of a fighter like a portion of the Alliance symbol or a letter in aurebesh. The armor was placed in strategic tubby areas.
You may want to look into bigger alien species like wookiees, gammoreans or others.
And since Lucas likes to mine actual human civilizations for ideas, you can look into "bigger" figures through history. Vikings or barbarians. Maybe add some furry elements here it there, especially around the chest and shoulders to even out your size.