Darth Vader’s Cape Chain

[DarthPoppins]

Hello! I am new to this and trying to do a cosplay mash up. I am looking for suggestions on Vader’s cape and chain. Material suggestions and where to locate the chain? Also was it ever silver in one of the movies or is it always a black chain? Any help is appreciated!

 

[Sym-Cha]

Hello DarthPoppins and welcome aboard,

For the chain you need to look for the correct Aglok which is a black plastic product used to tie up anything agricultural related ... here's a picture (Courtesy decaturvader ) what to look for, since I noticed that the shape of the current Aglok available on Amazon is quite different :

Here some sample covered hooks to attach the Aglok cape chain onto your cape's collar :

For the cape in the Original Trilogy they used 3/4 circle made from 4 or 5 panels depending on available fabric ... here's an example :

And how to cut your fabric which should be a semi-heavy wool blend :

The cape is lined with satin and has a black leather collar.

Now if you want to make a screen-accurate Vader and want to know all about Vader's costume, I suggest you head over to the 501st Sith Lord Detachment Forums

Chaïm

 

[DarthPoppins]

Thank you so much!! I am attempting to do do a cosplay mashup. So not authentic Vader, but I will definitely check them out. I have been trying to find the aglok but no luck.

 

[Too Much Garlic]

ANH and ESB capes were only a half circle, not the 3/4 one. I believe that one was used in RotJ, but not sure.

 

[thd9791]

WOW this is fascinating stuff. The cap patterns, etc.

Also, Aglok tie? this is my favorite found part ever, it looks space age but is just agriculture zip ties.

 

[Synz314]

ANH and ESB capes were only a half circle, not the 3/4 one. I believe that one was used in RotJ, but not sure.

ROTS was half circle. I'm pretty sure they were 3/4 throughout the original trilogy.

 

[JGwinner]

Sounds interesting, can you tell us what the Mashup is?

I'm working on one also ...

== John ==

 

[Too Much Garlic]

ROTS was half circle. I'm pretty sure they were 3/4 throughout the original trilogy.

They were not.

 

[Synz314]

They were not.

When was that information discovered that they were only 1/2? Every cape replica maker that I'm aware of makes them 3/4 for all OT and that it is what the 501st requires.

This is definitely a 3/4 cape in ESB.

 

[DarthPoppins]

Sounds interesting, can you tell us what the Mashup is?

I'm working on one also ...

== John ==

The mash up is actually Darth Vader and Mary Poppins. I got a lightsaber umbrella and it made want to put the two together.

 

[JGwinner]

That is fantastic! Mine is nothing like this but I don't want to announce it until I get a little further.

Yes, it should have been obvious from the forum name ... guess I wasn't paying attention

It's looking really great!

== John ==

 

[DarthPoppins]

Thank you! Hopefully I can see yours when you get it further along

 

[decaturvader]

this was neat to see. I haven't been active here for a long time due to life/interest changes...heck, my avatar even reminds me of the terrible forum hack that took place all those years ago.
My cape would have came from Dale at Galaxy Trading waaay back somewhere around 2001. I seem to remember a chain coming with it originally...but I had a seamstress install those hooks as Sym-Cha illustrated above. I probably received the aglock from a member here...or perhaps it was an upgrade Dale offered at the time.
I haven't worn my suit in years...but I do miss trooping.
I often wonder what ever became of Dale.

I can get my chain out and measure it if anyone would deem that necessary.
Cheers
Chad

 

[DarthPoppins]

this was neat to see. I haven't been active here for a long time due to life/interest changes...heck, my avatar even reminds me of the terrible forum hack that took place all those years ago.
My cape would have came from Dale at Galaxy Trading waaay back somewhere around 2001. I seem to remember a chain coming with it originally...but I had a seamstress install those hooks as Sym-Cha illustrated above. I probably received the aglock from a member here...or perhaps it was an upgrade Dale offered at the time.
I haven't worn my suit in years...but I do miss trooping.
I often wonder what ever became of Dale.

I can get my chain out and measure it if anyone would deem that necessary.
Cheers
Chad

Thank you! I have had no luck finding the actual aglok anywhere. But I think I found something on Etsy that looks right. I’m going to prob give it a try.