Daniel Jackson Stargate SG1 costume

[greenmachines]

The following thread will document my attempt at the creation and collection of props and costume necessary for an impersonation level cosplay of Michael Garrett Shanks, in his role as Daniel Jackson in Stargate SG1, the series.

Here are the initial inspiration pictures for this intended build:

 

[greenmachines]

Elements of this build:

1) Hat or bandana

2) Glasses

3) Shirt

4) Coat

5) Patches

6) Vest

7) Walkie-Talkie/Radio

8) Pants

9) Leg Holster

10) Backpack (highest likelihood to be left out)

11) Sidearm

12) Rifle

13) Matching hair

14) Unique facial features and age matching

15) Boots

Update 7-14-25:

16) Weight loss, Current weight: 200, Goal weight: 170

 

[joberg]

You're killing me man

 

[greenmachines]

You're killing me man

I have been so bad at not documenting until I am 60 percent in, on purchases.

I go through this "what if" stage. Some elements seem so daunting that I feel the costume is just not possible.... BUT THEN .... I come across a piece, a chance opportunity, or a sudden inspiration for how it can be done. By that time, I have randomly and almost subconsciously been planning and purchasing on the slim chance it can be done.

I will usually have mentions pop up in other threads. My most recent being my trip to the military surplus store near me.

I am so far along on this one that I am doing dye baths on several pieces today.

Actually, the biggest costume element I have to overcome is my current weight. I need around a 20 pound loss (correction, 30). Not catastrophic by any reckoning but it is on the list....... (ok, I am updating the list right now)

 

[smithjohnj]

You may already know but the weapons used were the FN P90 and the Beretta M9 pistol. I always found it strange they did not use the FN FiveSeven handgun since it uses the same ammuntion and manufacturer as the FN P90.

 

[greenmachines]

You may already know but the weapons used were the FN P90 and the Beretta M9 pistol. I always found it strange they did not use the FN FiveSeven handgun since it uses the same ammuntion and manufacturer as the FN P90.

wow, ya, that would be a clear choice for an away mission team having matching ammo

 

[greenmachines]

smithjohnj I have the p90 but not the beretta. Likely will print the beretta.

 

[greenmachines]

There was an older thread here on therpf that had some incredible links:

Stargate Atlantis cosplay

Hi everyone, I'm doing some preliminary research on a possible Stargate Atlantis cosplay and would love to hear from anyone who has experience with this one. If I go for an off-world team outfit, I'm going to need to identify the different tactical vests that everyone wore. I understand they...

www.therpf.com

In that, the link to this was made available:

[Guide] : STARGATE Costumes, Uniforms / Cosplay, Airsoft - GateWorld Forum

Hello [Guide] : STARGATE Costumes, Uniforms / Cosplay, Airsoft English Version [UK] [US] http://www.geeksf.com/Stargate/DOC//mini/f89llqzsp34bsf50rv40.png â Indeed, this guide consists of 18 PDF files, that is to say no less than 200 pages at your disposal free of charge in this article...

forum.gateworld.net

At this fan forum page there is a long list of thematic costume groupings based on the type of military camo/uniforms being worn. Meticulous care was taken to list all parts of each variation with logical locations for purchase. i have not yet found anything that I greatly disagree with but would caution against purchasing anything 100 percent polyester as these screen used uniforms display as cotton or cotton blend and ARE NOT SHINY. But the names and model numbers look to be very accurate and allow for the simple process of collecting the parts...... until you find that they are no longer available or are exorbitantly expensive.

 

[greenmachines]

My intent is to put together the OD Green Jungle version (this color was the NEW Olive Drab that was really jungle green for Vietnam). Because the page specifically asks to not copy the pdfs provided for personal use, I am asking that you use the link above to open the OD Green pdf set that I will be following.

 

[greenmachines]

6) Vest-

The original manufacturer of the vest is listed as Blackhawk. The vest is model Blackhawk Omega Medic 30VT08BK but due to time and availability you will only get close to the original but not exact. Even the first gen needs to two brass snaps added to the radio pockets on the shoulders.

to match you will add these:

 

[greenmachines]

6) Vest continued -

Because I had won a free blackhawk, several years ago, I am modifying it to be the medic model (that no longer exists):

and have made it this far, as of today:

I went to our local Dollar Tree store and picked up a few polyester pouch items and will be making the medic pockets from these:

At 1.25 each, two pockets from each, totalling 3 needed, I am into this modification under 5 dollars.

As you can see, any net vest will work if the base material is still strong after removing cover items and pockets. I have years of experience doing seam removal but I caution that it is extremely dangerous and should never be rushed or injury WILL OCCUR. Do not rip apart nor razor cut in a sweeping motion. Just take your time and cut each stitch with enough space as to not harm the netting. Here is a good image of the pocket shapes and sizes needed:

 

[joberg]

I'm bad when removing stitching I always use a very sharp cutter (always cutting away from my fingers) and pull on the piece I want to remove and then do the same movements as Death when she uses her scythe

 

[greenmachines]

I'm bad when removing stitching I always use a very sharp cutter (always cutting away from my fingers) and pull on the piece I want to remove and then do the same movements as Death when she uses her scythe

I have so many scars on my hand that it looks like I was doing handjive with Edward Scissorhands. You totally had me rotfl with the image of Death but somehow had her using a seam ripper and destroying the costume in one easy stroke....

Death, making a costume:

"Ragged robes. Every time. Ragged, freaking, robes. I start out with a Cleopatra or a Galadriel and I get this, ragged....freaking.... robes "

 

[greenmachines]

Physical features of the target actor:

Waist 34

Chest 42

Height 6 1

Weight 169

Hair color Dark Brown

Eye Color Blue (not bright blue)

 

[greenmachines]

4) Coat -

Although the coat seems easily identified, it is not.

It has been pattern identified as a G8 WEP jacket. The most popular color being Sage Green (actually jungle green).

HOWEVER.....

The original g8 military jacket does NOT match the show. At no point in any of the series do ANY of the team members wear a shiny or satin coat. All coats in each episode are cotton. Ordering a true military G8 will get you a shiny satin polyester coat that DOES NOT MATCH.

A great example of this is this beautifully patterned (and low cost) black G8 that would, if not shiny, work for the black version of the SG1 Off World Away team uniform.

Pardon Our Interruption...

But it is shiny and therefore is NOT a match.

This was figured out by one brilliant fan who now sells screen accurate coats (high cost) on Ebay and Etsy....... IN COTTON AS THEY SHOULD BE

Stargate SG-1 Offworld WEP Jacket - Any Size - Any Color - Made to Order! - Etsy

This Gender-Neutral Adult Costumes item by WarpandWeftCouture has 71 favorites from Etsy shoppers. Ships from Litchfield, IL. Listed on Jul 14, 2025

www.etsy.com

Taking even a single glance at her coat eliminates any doubts about my knee jerk rejection of polyester originals. The shiny material simply does not match. Her cotton version is EXACT MATCH.

 

[joberg]

^^
Yep, that jacket on Etsy is the cat's meow

 

[greenmachines]

I purchased the Boonie from army surplus as it was the only one I could find that matched. The hat and cordage need to be the same color and the cord should form loops and not be flat.

Ebay:

I may need to hit it with a dip in green dye if it is too olive. Should be here in about a week.

 

[greenmachines]

1) Hat or bandana - continued

I ordered a one color olive drab green bandana in extra large. I am dying it a slightly darker green today with a few other items, including the coat.

However, my test of tying it on my head showed that it does not smooth out the way Daniel's does so my guess is Daniel has a synthetic and not cotton bandana. Once these are out of the dye cycle, I will post final trials on the bandana.

 

[greenmachines]

I used the rit dye... Truly Green and simmered the coat for about a day. Oh, sorry, first everything gets washed to remove coatings. After the pants, bandana and hats were added, I simmered the stain pot for another 8 hours and then added the Rit colorfast additive and stirred off and on over about 4 hours. Much of the color was pulled from the water, so the additive definitely helps draw it to the cloth.

The end result was a pile of items that were far closer to the same single color than before dying.

 

[moviebuff5]

The original g8 military jacket does NOT match the show. At no point in any of the series do ANY of the team members wear a shiny or satin coat. All coats in each episode are cotton. Ordering a true military G8 will get you a shiny satin polyester coat that DOES NOT MATCH.

I am pretty sure they do use the original G8 WEP in the Showtime movie which became the first two episodes Children of the Gods pt 1 and 2.
Maybe it was just for the promo photos, it has been too long for me to remember.
Cotton is still the way to go to to get the right look for the series.