Question for the Life Sizers

[kaiserthegreat]

For those of you who have a life sized Darth Vader (or the like) guarding your spare bedroom, how do you figure out fabric dimensions? Seems like hardware stuff like armor, helmets and weapons have their scales figured out, but how does one figure out boot or pant size? Specifically, I am currently working on an ESB Vader (with plans for a Stormtrooper and/or Boba Fett someday) but I'm just curious how one goes about figuring out any character's shirt size? :confused

 

[ob1al]

Usually based on the actor who played them's measurements.

 

[jcoffman99]

Since I also wear my Vader he's made to my measurements.

 

[DL 44 Blaster]

I just have all of my costumes made to fit me, then get mannequin's to fit the clothing. Boba Fett was the hardest to get the right proportions of all of the little nuances with the suit and assemble it to look "right".

 

[kaiserthegreat]

Thanks for your responses. I guess for me, going by my own measurements is hard, because I'm 6'6", and therefore don't really plan to actually dress as Boba Fett or a Stormtrooper (or most characters I think are cool). My height works for Vader, but then I am also only 200 lbs, so again my dimensions would probably not do him justice. I guess I could just email Davis Prowse and ask him, eh? :lol

 

[ob1al]

From an old thread here...

Dave Prowse's ESB Measurements:

Height: (dressed) 82" / (undressed) 79"
Neck To Floor: 69"
Back Neck To Hip: (seated) 30.5"
Torso Length: (neck front to neck back through crotch) 72"
Shoulders (across back) 19.5"
Chest: 45.5"
Upper Chest: 47"
Under Chest: 41.5"
Waist: 40"
Hips: 46.5"
Armseye: 27"
Bicep: 17"
Elbow" 14.5"
Forearm: 14.5"
Wrist: 10.5"
Sleeve (shoulder to wrist) 27.75"
Shoulder To Elbow: 14.75"
Shoulder To Finger Tip: 35.5"
Underarm To Wrist: 18.5"
Underarm To Elbow: 6.5"
Inseam To Ankle: 31"
Inseam To Floor: 36"
Outseam To Ankle: 45.5"
Outseam To Floor: 49.25"
Knee To Ankle: 18.5"
Knee To Floor: 22.5"
Rise: (waist front to waist back through crotch) 35"
Thigh: 27.5"
Knee: 19"
Calf: 16"

 

[HouseAtreides]

LOL!
Only here could you get that info, that fast!
I love this place!
For a stormtrooper, they were probably around 5'10" and medium build so you could find someone that fits that size and ask them what their dimensions are.
Dam, Dave Prowse was a big guy! (or is, is he still alive?)

 

[ob1al]

Still alive, very much so, but not as big now.

 

[kaiserthegreat]

WOW! Well that answered that, thanks! He sure was a big guy! :eek

 

[godaiking]

Yeah, for my Vader, I just use Prowse's dimensions (more or less) to get the look down since I'll never wear the suit (I'm a shrimp at 5' 9"). Here's a comparison pic between me and my Vader to demonstrate my shrimpiness:

My Boba Fett project, on the other hand, will be made to my height which I think is close to Bulloch's height...I think. I took a pic with him recently...need to check the height difference soon.

-Joe

 

[CTF]

Still alive, very much so, but not as big now.

Yeah, not as big. But for a guy who is on crutches a lot of the time, he is pretty big.

 

[giric thren]

What is he on crutches for, I usually see him once or twice a year and I havent ever seen him on crutches.

 

[godaiking]

What is he on crutches for, I usually see him once or twice a year and I havent ever seen him on crutches.

I think he's referring to Peter Mayhew, the guy who played Chewbacca. I don't remember seeing Prowse with crutches before.

-Joe

 

[kaiserthegreat]

Yeah, for my Vader, I just use Prowse's dimensions (more or less) to get the look down since I'll never wear the suit (I'm a shrimp at 5' 9"). Here's a comparison pic between me and my Vader to demonstrate my shrimpiness:

Great Vader! Excellent size. Did you do the fabric?

I like how his hand is on Yoda, like they're good buddies taking a picture, but Yoda has this "why are you touching me, dude?" look on his mug. :lol

 

[R2B9]

I think he's referring to Peter Mayhew, the guy who played Chewbacca. I don't remember seeing Prowse with crutches before.

-Joe

He does a good job of not showing himself using them, but he uses arm-brace crutches quite often. He's undergone both hips being replaced, and it still gives the man difficulty. I tell you what, though... he's still a big guy. He may stand 3-4 inches shorter than he used to due to age and back problems, but he's still impressive. Most impressive.

In his heyday in full costume, he was absolutely huge. Boots with heels, plus the helmet--2 meters tall was no exaggeration, in fact was an underestimate. He told me himself that he'd scraped the top of his helmet on a 7' doorway before. Now that's my idea of a tall guy!

SO, if you're building a "lifesized" Vader, he's going to dominate the room. As he should.

 

[godaiking]

He does a good job of not showing himself using them, but he uses arm-brace crutches quite often. He's undergone both hips being replaced, and it still gives the man difficulty. I tell you what, though... he's still a big guy. He may stand 3-4 inches shorter than he used to due to age and back problems, but he's still impressive. Most impressive.

Oh yeah...you're right. I just remembered watching that bring back Star Wars special and I think I remember seeing him with a crutch.

-Joe

 

[godaiking]

Great Vader! Excellent size. Did you do the fabric?

I like how his hand is on Yoda, like they're good buddies taking a picture, but Yoda has this "why are you touching me, dude?" look on his mug. :lol

Thanks! It's been alot of work but still a WIP. I'm upgrading the suit soon. The cape and the inner robe are wool just like the originals.

Next up is Boba Fett. Yoda will definately be outnumbered by the dark side. :lol

-Joe

 

[vaderdarth]

just don't forget to fully dress the figure before you ever hem the bottom of the robe and cape. The armor and costume plus boots totally change the length on these two pieces. If you make them based solely on Prowse's measurements, they will be too short on the finished figure. Hope that helps steer you away from trouble.

Dave

 

[DB73]

I spoke to dave on the phone just before xmas, despite the hip operations he is still in good health. Concidering he is not as mobile as he would like to be i think it is admirable that he continues to travel the globe for the fans and support good causes.

You couldn`t meet a nicer guy. I met him first in 2004 and in the dealings I have had since, my opinion of the bloke has only went up. I`ll be working with him soon recording audio for a movie down in London and i can`t wait.

Btw he is big but yike`s i have never seen hand`s so big lol. My ANH gloves wouldn`t go near him and i certainly wouldn`t like to be at the other end of his punch.