Han Solo Cosplay Tutorial: Han’s Vest (Part 2 of 3)
Photo by Victor Gamez Copyright © 2012 Victor Gamez. All rights reserved. View full set here.
*NOTE* To skip to other tutorials for this cosplay, check out the links below!
Pants and Shirt
Holster and Belt
Belt Buckles, Accessories and Gun
I knew that the key to a convincing vest was finding the right type of material. I decided to hit up some thrift shops and just see what was out there. Specifically, I was looking for something in a stiff black fabric that would give it the rugged and outdoorsy look – maybe something like canvas or khaki. And I wanted to make sure the material wasn’t flimsy like a windbreaker or too thin of a cotton. Although I found a few pieces that might work, I decided on this black peacoat and was pretty confident that I could turn it into a vest.
Once removing all the buttons, cutting off the collar and the sleeves, I then proceeded to slim it down to look more like a vest. Since the peacoat was originally flared out at the waist and was double-breasted in front, I had to pin everything to look more straight. Here it is after all the cinching.
I actually found it challenging to find good clear pictures of all the front and back pockets of Han solo’s vest, but ended up being able to use these statue and bust images for reference.
I used all of the leftover fabric from the sleeves of the peacoat to strategically plan out the rest of the pockets. I started with the front pockets by roughly cutting some rectangles, tucking in the edges and sewing them down 3 sides at a time. I created the flaps by also just sewing the seams and then pinning them above the pockets and sewing the top edge down. Han’s vest has 3 cargo style pockets and one curved patch pocket on his top right.
Yes, that’s a lot of hair there. That’s what I get for having Corgis. :)
By the time I got around to the pockets in the back of the vest, I was pretty low on fabric so I had to make his back lower pocket slightly smaller than it probably should have been. And as you can see, I only have 3 slots in the upper back instead of 4. I was just crossing my fingers that some Star Wars nerd wouldn’t stop me to point out that inconsistency!
Overall though, I was really happy with the way everything fit in the end. Plus it was awesome being able actually put things in my cosplay for once! Stay tuned for my last tutorial on making the gun holster!
11 Comments
Andrea Lynne Pollick
I have a black peacoat I thought about using to make a han solo outfit. But there are shoulder pads and I am not sure taking it apart to remove them would be a good idea. Do you have any suggestions?
emilyo
Hi! Since it’s just going to be a vest, it might be pretty safe to remove the shoulder pads and cut the sleeves off. You should be able to sew in the hem of the armholes afterwards. Hope that helps and good luck!
Andrea Lynne Pollick
It does. thank you :)
Anonymous
Do you know what the name of the company that made that specific peacoat? It looked like it said it on the tag.
emilyo
Sorry, I don’t know since I made this so long ago.
Shawn
Thank you for the inspiration with the old peacoat! I completed this costume for wife to attend the premier and the vest turned out so cool that my daughter wants one. Once you start taking apart the coat, things fall into place quickly. Great blog and thank you.
Will
Do you remember what type or brand of coat you used? I’m trying to find a good one at a thrift store around here.
emilyo
No, I don’t. Sorry. Any brand will do as long as the material is right!
Anonymous
super, i love han solo…
Jonelle
This is so awesome. You are so talented. I bought my 13 month old son Chewbacca fleece pjs and I was going to attempt to put together a type of Han Solo outfit for Halloween. I don’t think I’ll have much luck putting something together in the next 5 days.
This is brilliant!
emilyo
Thanks! I appreciate it!