To much glee, the new Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer debuted online a few weeks ago. After I recovered from turning into my 6-year-old-self drooling over X-wings, costume plans immediately started turning the wheels in my head. Rey’s costume has ‘me’ written all over it – from the resemblance to the actress (which, to me, makes it even funnier that I auditioned for her role (true story! I wrote a post about it here)), to the desert chic look of the outfit. Hellooooo weather-appropriate Dragoncon costume! Not to mention I can actually wear it with my injuries! A friend pointed out that I might be able to use her staff as a walking stick in between photo sessions, which will come in quite handy. Not to mention, this outfit looks like something I’d normally wear. In fact, I plan on ordering double the amount of fabric for this cosplay in order to make a second outfit designed for regular wear. What? So I’m predictable…
Since the trailer was released, I’ve been hard at work gathering every photo of Rey I could find and starting a thread on the Replica Prop Forum to document all of my findings (as well as bounce back and forth with other craftsmen and costumers). But I figure not everyone is on the RPF, so I’m going to document my cosplay progress here as well.
To start, since there are no references for the back of Rey’s costume (and until this morning, none of her side. But I drew this last night, so it looks like I was on target), I decided I’d do what I normally do and draw a costume turnaround. (I love doing these. So challenging, yet therapeutic.)
Next up…fabric!
At the Star Wars Celebration convention in April, Rey’s costume was actually on exhibit, complete with a handy placard that listed the materials used. As well as the costume being on a white mannequin, it was easier to see that the fabrics are all natural colours rather than dirty white. So I’m thinking I’ll be getting either natural-coloured fabrics or tea-dyeing white fabrics and then distressing the heck of it all. I cannot WAIT for that part! Distressing is uber fun (and a surprising venue of stress relief).
MATERIALS:
Wrap dress – viscose
Head wrap – cotton
Top – hemp and cotton jersey
Trousers – silk
Backpack – leather
Wrist cuff and belt – leather
Pouch – canvas
Arm wraps – cotton
Gloves – leather
Boots – wool and leather
Staff – 3D print
I ordered a few swatches from Dharma Trading. Some were right on the money, while others were a bit off. So for the sake of this post, I’ll just focus on the swatches that work.
This fabric is SPOT ON for Rey’s undershirt. The Hemp-Cotton Jersey is very soft and comfy.
This appears to be the right fabric for the wrap dress, though I’m still not 100% sure. However, when dyed, the fabric will become mostly opaque, so that’s a good thing. I’ll check around a few others places for viscose swatches and see what other blends might be out there.
Now it’s a matter of finding the rest of the fabric and patterns. I’ll probably order a few more swatches of the ones I already have to do some dye tests. So…tally ho!
This is amazing. I’m debating between Hoth Leia and this. I have never constructed an actual costume before and most of my sewing skills I learned in middle and high school. Yikes. Thank you for your inspiring and helpful post. The figure drawings are excellent!
You’re most welcome Stephanie! (and best of luck with your costume!) If I may, I would suggest Rey over Hoth Leia. Alas, that snowsuit of hers, I’m told, is rather difficult to construct. I haven’t started on my Rey costume yet, but I think it’ll be easier. Given that she’s a scavenger and most Star Wars costumes from the original trilogy are easy-ish to make (and the new films are trying to emulate the old ones), I would say it shouldn’t be too difficult to construct. She says, having not started on her own costume….*whistles nonchalantly*
Could you please tell me how much of the fabrics did you order for your Rey costume? Yardage wise, and what fabrics exactly did you decide on? I want to buy the best fabrics for a Rey costume too, but I know nothing about garmet construction or textiles. Would appreciate any help 🙂
Alas, I haven’t ordered anything yet except for 3 yards of the hemp jersey fabric for Rey’s undershirt. I haven’t found a fabric I like yet for her pants and wrap dress.
Any progress on finding the right silk for the pants and the viscose for wrap dress? Is it about finding the right color, or are the textiles not right?
Sadly, not yet. I’ve found things that are close, but not quite right. The pants appear to be a silk crepe, but somehow still sturdy enough to run around in. And the wrap dress? I have no idea…no viscose I’ve looked at looks right (as I have a few high-res pictures of Rey’s costume so I can zoom in on the fabric).
So I’m pretty sure that the boots are Po-Zu ones – A UK brand. http://po-zu.com
They are! I’m on the wait list. 😀
Here they are…
http://po-zu.com/collections/womens
The Piper ones 🙂
Thank you for this!! I’ve been obsessively trying to deconstruct this costume to make for my daughter. Looks like I was on the right track, but confirmation from a pro makes me feel better equipped to take it on!!
Aw, you’re most welcome! 🙂 I hope all goes well with the costume! (I haven’t progressed much past this point yet. I’ll throw up another blog post when I’m able to move forward.)
Any of you ladies know someone willing to make one for me or live in Atlanta and can give me lessons? . I not much of a sewer (I’ve tried) but I love these on point costumes.
And when I say “willing to make” I of course mean paying for it
There’s a few, depending on your budget. There’s God Save the Queen Fashions mainly. There’s a few other personal commissioners in town, but I don’t know who’s actually taking work at this time. Best of luck!
This is incredible. I’ve been following the forum on RPF too. I know this is a long shot but would you be willing to make one and sell it? I’d be very interested in buying one and paying for all the parts and labor. You seem to really know your stuff and I don’t know the first thing about clothing or sewing for that matter! Thank you!! 🙂
I see you found my FAQ, so I needn’t repeat it here. But I wish I could help! If I could sew, this would be a fun project (especially with all that distressing). But alas…I can do all the research and design, but I was given all thumbs when it comes to sewing. Best of luck with your costume!
I know it supposed to be a Lucasfilm quality costume, but where is the average person supposed to get raw silk? That’s just not an affordable option for people.
From this link actually! 🙂 http://www.dharmatrading.com/fabric/silk/raw-silk-silk-noil-45-inch-and-55-inch-wide.html (Best part? Dharma Trading is actually the company that supplied the fabric for Rey’s costume for the film. Or so the rumor goes.) So it definitely is doable.
Did you ever get reference pics of the back? I took many pics of the costume at D23 this year. It was beautiful
I did! From the Vanity Fair magazine article on The Force Awakens. Alas, I didn’t quite get the back right. But now we have reference, so whoo! (Here’s what the back is supposed to look like —-
I’m actually thrilled that they got the material from Dharma trading company. I’ve been making jedi robes for people for YEARS out of raw silk. It’s amazing stuff and so easy to work with.
Good to know! I’m about to order my costume fabric. 🙂
What’s the plan for dying these? The colors seem to be way off (though that could be a lighting thing) and I doubt a bottle of Rit will do the trick. It just seems like such a narrow window to hit and I’m afraid of messing up good fabric.
I’m still trying to figure that out (I don’t have the best track record for dyeing). I’ll post on the RPF thread and see what everyone else did. Though there is great debate over what the actual colour of her pants are as it changes depending on the camera lighting or if it’s a promo picture or set photo. I’m thinking of keeping the entire costume in the warmer hues (as opposed to grey) as Rey lives on a desert planet. So it would make sense for her colour scheme to blend in with the landscape.
Does anyone know where I can locate a more detailed picture or diagram of Rey’s pouch and staff. I’m working on getting my granddaughter set for the Salt Lake Comic Con X.
Hi there! Check out this thread on the Replica Prop Forum. There’s a TON of diagrams and notes being posted. (And if they don’t have anything, feel free to ask. They’re a very lovely bunch of folks. 🙂 )
http://www.therpf.com/f79/rey-star-wars-force-awakens-build-open-everyone-237501/
Just an FYI, raw silk, if finished with a sheen or smooth touch, will reflect different tones depending on the light. Be sure to match grain direction when laying out the pattern pieces or when constructed the garment will appear to be made with different colored fabrics. Looking at different photos, Rey’s trousers are the same color as the vicose and the cotton, but because of its fabric characteristics appears to be a different color.
I’d like to thank you for the breakdown of the materials. I’m amazing at dissecting how a costume can be built from pictures, but am terrible at the specific materials that go into it. Also, for the staff, have you thought about doing a hardware staff rather than 3D printing it? It might save you some money in the long run.
You’re most welcome! I’ll be doing a Part II of construction notes come the new year with updates. 🙂 Fear not, I’m usually the same way at trying to figure this mess out (thankfully, being on a website like the Replica Prop Forum helps a bunch!). For the staff, I’m actually getting a 3D printed (or resin, haven’t decided which) kit that one of the forum members has made. It’s spot on!
Hello,
I just wanted to ask if I can have your permission to use your spec drawing for getting the fabric and creating the costume of Rey?
Thank you for reading and good luck with your costume!
Suna
Absolutely! That’s why I drew it. 🙂 (Just give credit if you post it anywhere, but other than that, go for it! Oh, though note…the back of the drawing is wrong. I drew it before any of the references pictures were out. Rather than a criss-cross, the wrap dress simply goes straight down her back on either side (like thick straps). Good luck with your costume!
Did you order the Piper 1 Brown boots? Did they come in? If so, how do you like them. I’m about to order mine
I love mine! No exaggeration, they’re the comfiest shoes I’ve worn in my life! They have a very plush inner sole and are well made. I highly recommend them. 🙂
Hi,
I’m completely new to tailoring and so on. I’m gonna have a go with my dad (who is kind of a jack-of-all-trades).
I’m gonna need dye for colouring. Could you give me an indication on the colour? Maybe a colour number or something? Thanks a bunch!
Alas, I haven’t gotten that far in my cosplay yet. I’m still working on getting fabrics. @_@
Great job done, I and my girlfriend found this fantastic article while seeking for Star Wars Finn and Rey Guide for cosplay to attend Star Wars theme based party. Although it didn’t came out perfectly on him, but yes this is currently one of the valuable and helpful guide on the internet. We just want to thank you for your efforts especially for the drawings
You guys are so welcome! And thank you for taking the time to tell me. 🙂
Wow this is really so helpful, I love your article so much. Unfortunately, as a poor student, I’m unable to buy the Piper shoes 🙁 but I might try modifying a pair of combat boots? Not sure if this is the best way to go, but I was wondering if you had any tips? As a ballerina, I’ve done a fair share of sewing by hand, but not much with a sewing machine.
I completely understand. I was only able to get them because my boyfriend bought them as a gift. Rather than combat boots, I’d suggest looking at more Ugg-type boots (they’re fairly popular right now at places like Target, Kohls, etc.). If you check out this link, there’s some folks on there who’ve done boot modifications. 🙂 Best of luck!
http://www.therpf.com/f79/rey-star-wars-force-awakens-build-open-everyone-237501/
Thanks for the advice (and sorry for the late reply)! Also, do you mind if I use your article for reference?
Thank you so much for this tutorial! I would never have found out about Dharma if it were not for your blog, and making my Rey cosplay would not only have cost me more time but a fortune in fabric as well (not to mention I’m pretty sure JoAnn’s doesn’t have viscose…) Thank you thank you thank you!!!
You’re most welcome! Best of luck!
This is fantastic! My 6 year old has decided she wants to be Rey for Halloween this year (along with me as Leia, and her dad as Han), and I found this while researching the costume. Thank you for posting this!
I LOVE your fabric recommendations! They are SUPER helpful! I’m actually currently working on a Rey cosplay of her last scene costume. So, I’m looking to still make her undershirt. I was wondering if you had found a really awesome pattern for one or made your own or have any suggestions of patterns for that undershirt?
LOVE this page 🙂
I’m not personally doing the second costume, so I have done no research into it. But there’s a great RPF thread going on it if you want to check it out. 🙂 All the best!
http://www.therpf.com/showthread.php?t=252497
Hi there, just FWIW. I think the wrap dress fabric looks like a double gauze. Even the way it’s frayed at the ends looks like the double gauze I have. It’s really light, and usually pretty soft and gets softer as it’s washed. I hope this helps!
Thanks! I actually just bought fabric for my wrap dress a couple days ago. Another Rey costumer recommended a crepe viscose from the UK that we’re wondering if it’s the screen accurate fabric. But thank you for the suggestion!
Hey. I think the back may be incorrect. See, if you look at more recent photos, it doesn’t cross at the back, and this makes sense because those gauze hangy bits are actually all one piece. I’m crocheting a costume for my baby and I noticed that two of the gauzes on her left side are joined at the bottom, so it makes sense that it crosses over at the front and is just straight down at the back. I can’t post photos to explain what I mean, but if you google Rey you’ll see what I mean. Great notes though, if I were younger and slimmer I’d do this cosplay, but I’m just going to do it for my baby instead. 🙂
The back is incorrect (though I drew it before there were any photos or footage of her back). However, there’s an updated version of my artwork here —> http://theladynerd.com/star-wars-the-uction-notes-2/
Thank you for posting this! I want to have this cosplay done by the next con I go to. Where did you find the material? I went to Joanns and I couldn’t find anything good.
Thank you so much for this. You just saved me a lot of money and a lot of headache. Thanks.
Hey there!
I made my Rey costume a while ago, but I’m still not super happy with my wrap dress. Did you ever find fabric you liked?
Rachel
I’m attending a dance contest costume party and was thinking that Rey would be the easiest to move in. What has me so confused is the way her “shawl”, for lack of knowledge on fashion terminology, is wrapped around her in one piece. It crosses in the front and in the back and some pictures show that, when she is facing forward, the fabric of the shawl is looped by her right leg. How is that possible? I tried doing it myself on a model and can’t manage it. Also I haven’t seen a lot of pictures that have her legs wrapped like as if she were wearing ballet shoes.
I am extremely low on cash and I’m try to make it a DIY kinda thing and could really use you help.
I just saw the memo about the back, but I would like ur expertise on how to make this costume, not exactly from scratch, but cost efficiently. Thank you.
I just saw the memo about the back being wrong in this picture, but I would like ur expertise on how to make this costume, not exactly from scratch, but cost efficiently. Thank you.
Hi there! This has been so helpful, but I have a question about the leather. Is there a specific website you can recommend, or a shop in the bay area in CA? Also, what kind of leather is usually used in creating things like the belt and wrist wrap? thank you ever so much!
Alas, I don’t know (as I live in Atlanta). But I got my cuff and belt made by a couple of wonderful Etsy sellers. Hope that helps!
Cuff – https://www.etsy.com/listing/261335338/rey-inspired-leather-wrist-cuff?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=rey%20cuff&ref=sr_gallery_4
Belt – https://www.etsy.com/listing/268479707/custom-star-wars-rey-belt?ref=shop_home_active_3
thanks for the tips .i used that while designing suit for Halloween .i am planning to dress like Rey , have done almost shopping from amazon store including star wars theme charm bracelet . you may buy this for your friend or family.
Did you make the undershirt for this costume? I’m wondering how the whole thing turned out. I want to make this for myself by October.
Thank you very much for posting this. I am attempting to make this costume for Halloween to accompany my Storm Trooper husband and Scout Trooper son. My husband made a fabulous replica of Rey’s blaster with his 3-D printer for me to carry. I appreciate your time and effort.