Budget Browncoat?

[kalkamel]

I've been contemplating a Mal Reynolds Firefly costume and was just wondering if there's a budget version of the Browncoat available. By budget I don't mean getting a brown duster and making some mods to it, I mean is there a Browncoat that looks accurate but made with faux suede instead of deerskin and vinyl instead of leather for the cuffs?

I've come across Space City Costume's offering and while it does look nice, I think its still a bit high ($205 + shipping) for something I'll probably only wear once. The cheapest option I could find is Costumebase but the color's not quite right (among other things:lol):

Any other offerings?

 

[Risu]

For $200 you could pick up a deer skin hide and probably even pay a tailor to assemble it for you. It's one of the simplest coats ever made. No liner, no hems, nothing.

 

[kalkamel]

In the US, maybe... not where I live! :lol

 

[Risu]

Ah, yea, you have a point.

 

[Goodwolf]

When it comes to props, you have three choices. Accurate, quick and cheap.

You get to pick two.

 

[Risu]

That's a pretty wise statement. So far it applies to everything I have that I can think of.

 

[PadawanLearner]

If one were to want to make this coat themselves, what pattern would be used and where would you get it?
I know most pattern suppliers I'm familiar with don't carry coat patterns and if they do it's typically fashion coats for women.

 

[Risu]

Personally I would just look up photos of the coat and draw my own pattern, this coat is weirdly simple.

 

[E-Wan]

I made my own Browncoat from a pattern and I was really pleased with how it came out. I used a "Gambler" style pattern and extensively modified it using the pictures from the Firefly Companion.

More details in my post on Fireflyprops.net

 

[PadawanLearner]

Bah I knew I should've grabbed that 2895 pattern when Simplicity Patterns were on sale for $1 at Joann's
Oh well, next time. They go on sale rather often.
I tried my hand at just making a shirt for my Han ESB and failed...but since it's worn under the jacket you really have no idea how bad it is, hehe. So...needless to say, I need a bit more experience before I decide to just try to make something by sight again, especially out of an expensive material.

 

[Risu]

Yea, practice makes perfect. Han's ESB shirt is my first practice project leading up to my next Doctor Who coat, I'd love to see pics of yours. PM me if you want to show it off.

 

[kalkamel]

Wow, E-wan, that is a very nice Browncoat! Any plans on taking commissions?