Fabric question for uniforms

[ddgaff1132]

Hey everyone.
I wanted to ask. What fabric is best for the Superhero bodysuits and or other type scale apparel (ie. AJ jumpsuits, Apes wear and others.) I think someone posted that they made thier supersuits for projects out of Lycra. I looked at Walmart for the like but they must'nt carry it.
So far. I have begun sewing my own outfits. (And boy do I need some skill honing there.) Most frabric types used so far are Cotton Poly blends. (Could this choice be the cause of some of my difficultys?)
So please chime in you Masters of the needle and thread. A humble novice awaits your bounty of sage advice.

[SUP-Ronin]

I also have been doing my own suits for a little while now and each one seems to be better than the last, although I still often have to redo them or parts of them. So be patient and it will come with practice.

AFA material. I use a two way stretchy fabric from JoAnne fabric store. It comes in about 10 colors and doesn't fray. It is pretty forgiving and has a good look for superheros. I have not had good success with other types of fabrics, but many other folks do. Just wander around the store tugging on different fabrics in both directions.

Definately check out the patterns in the museum tutorials. I have successfully used and or modified them for a number of suits, and been very happy with the results.

Walmarts fabric selection, at least in my area, pretty much totally sucks, I have never found what I need there. Hope that helped some.

[thunderbolt]

I've been a lycra user for a long time and am now starting to branch out to other stuff like tshirt material, gaberdine, stretchy cotton stuff in an effort to make my stuff look more vintage like the 40's to 50's era I'm trying to depict.

[jessica]

I've tried it all (even dupioni silk) but I prefer cotton poly blends for the apes. I have even sewn sheers for blouses for the Zira, but sheers are tricky. Cotton poly blends are the easiest but they do not have a great drape. It depends on what you are trying to accomplish. For the leather parts of the ape outfits I like to use the real thing or use a fake leather. Haven't tried any superhero stuff yet.

[BlackKnight]

Welcome to Spandex House Inc. Spandex House, One of the Largest Spandex Collection of The World.

[ThatBatmanGuy]

Here's my 2 tips:

1. Check out the swim suit section. The women's swim suit section. You can find alot of special colors and patterns. Also check out the women will you're there.

2. Check out the Halloween costumes at Halloween. You can find a ton of great stuff then. Also hit them after Halloween to get the same suits for 75% off.

Bob

[jessica]

Don't forget to check out thrift stores--there are diamonds in the rough to be had there. I have found a 2 pair of pants and suit material (mens and womens) for my fabrics. Since I'm very bad at remembering specific colors, I always have a photo printout for reference.

[Dave Mc]

That spandexhouse link is the one to click on. Check out matte milliskin. It's like spandex without the shine. Works really well for Superhero suits.

[ctc]

>Don't forget to check out thrift stores

Yup! I have two steamer trunks filled with old clothes and scraps of cloth. Thrift stores, yard sales and sewing shops. Pick up any cheap, interesting odds and ends you can find; it may come in useful some day. (I have a swatch of shiney black fabric-sorta like the silver jumpsuits people in the 50's thought we'd be wearing today, but black. Haven't used any yet; but someday....)

Don C.

[PNGwynne]

Jet Set at Jo-Ann's is an interlock lightweight knit fabric that is very similar to the fabric in Emcee's/Doc's suits. The color selection at the store is poor, though. A heavier knit, Ponte at Jo-Ann's, can be used for figures' civilian clothes, as can broadcloth & poplin.

Late last summer, I found some great stretchy back-to-school bookcovers at W-Mart and Target: very cheap & tons of colors, kind of like lightweight lycra.

[ddgaff1132]

Thanks all
the responce of such great information and tips Is incredible. I am always impressed with the generousity here. Please never lose it yunz guys.
DDGaff

[ddgaff1132]

went to Jo ann fabrics to scout some farbic material. Lycra/spandex looked great so I bought a yard. Ha I mean who really needs 2 kidneys.