Captain America (First Avenger) costume questions and hopefully build

[WedgeWannaBe]

Being a WWII history buff, I've decided I want to merge two passions into one and attempt to do this costume. Right now though, I have more questions than answers so any help would be appreciated!

1. Is there someone that makes the jacket and pants or is there a sewing pattern available?
2. Is there someone who specalizes in the leather gauntlets, boots, and pouches or is there a tutorial/template available?
3. Is there a costume reference library (like with the 501st) or do you just depend on various screen shots, Hot Toys, etc.?
4. Does anyone have a preferred source for the helmet?
5. Does anyone have a preferred source for the various buckles, etc.?
6. M1 Thompson tommy gun or no tommy gun when costuming? I feel like no, but it does add an interesting twist not usually seen with this costume.

Thank you very much!

 

[PrimoOptimoso]

There have been several nice ones here on the RPF - search for threads and absorb all the info you can before making specific decisions. If you're like me, you'll likely go buy something and THEN find a better version of that something soon after! Doh! And as for the tommy-gun opinion, I think a gun is sort of at odds with Cap in most people's minds. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Kevin Gossett]

For the buckle it doesn't get any better than this:
http://darkenergycreations.com/capamericabeltbucklekit.aspx

Like Primo said above, there are fantastic builds here on the site. I used to take on commissions for the belt/holster/pouches, but I just don't have the time anymore.

 

[Fly4v]

There isn't an off the shelf pattern but the best reference is the Hot Toys figure (Not the Marvel Diamond Select) and the Profiles in History Catalog PDF. https://www.profilesinhistory.com/auctions/captain-america-the-first-avenger-auction/

Just zoom into the TFA suit to get measurements for the panels, stitching pattern and see the bias for the HBT weave.

The Thompson is a great choice but need the M1928 upper and barrel to use with for the TFA suit.

Edit: Added the firearms data base for screen caps.
http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Captain_America:_The_First_Avenger

 

[Looch]

Yeah, the Hot Toys figure is great for refs. Just do not get it mixed up with the version in Winter Soldier, there are more than a few changes. There are a few sites that sell a premade version that you can improve on, but if you want to do it from scratch, I would suggest an overalls pattern-one of the major pattern companies has one that comes with two jacket patterns as well (it's their high school "Grease"production psttern). Roblenzz does a great helmet. All the leather work you will probably have to do yourself, but there is a great tutorial here. The tommy gun would've only been used in his movies. All the very best of luck to you!

 

[jeffreygullett]

I have the UD Replicas Cap suit. While it's not screen accurate because it's all leather, I still think it looks great and gives a great impression. But it's long out of production. Depending on your size, you might be able to find some pieces of it still.

 

[WedgeWannaBe]

Great info! Thanks everyone!

I've sent out a few inquiries on items to start figuring the budget.

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There are a few sites that sell a premade version that you can improve on, but if you want to do it from scratch, I would suggest an overalls pattern-one of the major pattern companies has one that comes with two jacket patterns as well (it's their high school "Grease"production psttern).!

Looch can you please expand upon this? I haven't found any sites with a premade version. Also, when I see "overalls" I think bib overalls.....same thing?

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Wow, thank you very much for the info! One question: what is HBT weave bias?

There isn't an off the shelf pattern but the best reference is the Hot Toys figure (Not the Marvel Diamond Select) and the Profiles in History Catalog PDF. https://www.profilesinhistory.com/auctions/captain-america-the-first-avenger-auction/

Just zoom into the TFA suit to get measurements for the panels, stitching pattern and see the bias for the HBT weave.

The Thompson is a great choice but need the M1928 upper and barrel to use with for the TFA suit.

Edit: Added the firearms data base for screen caps.
http://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Captain_America:_The_First_Avenger

 

[Looch]

Great info! Thanks everyone!

I've sent out a few inquiries on items to start figuring the budget.

- - - Updated - - -



Looch can you please expand upon this? I haven't found any sites with a premade version. Also, when I see "overalls" I think bib overalls.....same thing?

- - - Updated - - -

Wow, thank you very much for the info! One question: what is HBT weave bias?

Coveralls and overalls ae different. The pattern is Simplicity 8745. If you want to start with a premade version and adapt it, check out www.cosplayshopper.com.

 

[Fly4v]

Wow, thank you very much for the info! One question: what is HBT weave bias?

HBT is herringbone twill. It was an actual fabric weave used in WW2 with a unique V pattern but was OD green. The TFA movie suit and the UD Replica has a blue printed replica of that pattern.

I guess bias may have been the wrong word.... but the best way to describe it is the little V's point certain directions on specific panels of the suit.

Fisher stripe is like HBT in that it has a V pattern but is blue and white. My TFA uniform is made from Fisher Stripe that was partially color removed to get the blue tone.

 

[TheMRussian]

Helmet wise, My dad and I have a production line going with one on eBay every now and then. We have matched the colour of the helmet from a sample sent from the original prop maker and being restorers of WW2 US helmets, we have matched the correct hardware and webbing. We are making them out of Dutch and Chinese M1 helmet copies which are what were used in the film.

Just saying.

Michael

 

[Kevin Gossett]

That helmet was used for the "rescue" costume, but the costume being discussed is the one worn in the second half of the film, which used on original sculpt/cast.