At the beginning of the year, Mandalorian Mercs officers meet via conference call to discuss and change our costuming standards for the group. This year we had a pretty large debate and discussion about what we would like to see happen with the Mandalorian armor community for 2009.
While we are not a club of canon costumes like the 501st, we are a club BASED off canon costumes. To that end we all decided that we need to do our best to promote and help ensure that every new member joins our ranks with the best suit of armor they can make.
These are our revised costuming standards for new members in 2009. Current members are grandfathered but are expected to be able to meet standards with the rest of the club.
Required Components
Individuals must have ALL required components before official membership will be granted.
ARMOR
1. Helmet:
* Full T-shaped visor dark enough to obscure the wearer's face. (Leaving the stock Rubie's helmet visor in is not acceptable.)
* Must LOOK like a mandalorian helmet from an identifiable Star Wars time period (Taung, KOTOR, Old Republic, Empire, New Republic) .
* Clone helmets must be heavily modified to look more Mandalorian than clone. Clone mod helmets will be judged on a case by case basis.
2. Chest armor
* MUST be fitted and spaced correctly depending on armor/body type. Good rule of thumb, maximum spacing should equal no more than 1 inch between collar/chest/gut plates. No more than 1/2 inch between diamond and chest plates.
* Must be of adequate size in proportion to your chest area. Chest plates should not exceed 1 inch beyond edge of collar maximum.
* Sports armor used must be modified to the point where it is no longer recognizable as sports armor. (we will scrutinize anything that resembles sports armor)
3. At least TWO armor components below the waist (codpiece, thigh, knee, shin, and/or foot armor)
* Sports armor used must be highly modified to no longer look like sports armor. (we will scrutinize anything that resembles sports armor)
* Plates should be sized correctly so that they are proportionate to your bode size.
4. Some form of armor or covering on the lower arms (gauntlets, bracers, gloves, handwraps, etc.).
* Sports armor used must be highly modified to no longer look like sports armor. (we will scrutinize anything that resembles sports armor)
5. Some form of back covering (jet pack, backpack, back armor, cape, cloak, etc.)
6. Shoulder armor
7. At least one weapon of Star Wars-universe style (not modern-looking)
SOFT PARTS
1. Armor/flak vest must be worn under armor plates..
* T-shirt vests are not acceptable as armor vests.
* Vests may be traditional Boba/Jango style or custom style. If you have a question about your vest, ask a council member.
* Ensure vest is properly fitted/tailored for you. Baggy and over-sized vests are not acceptable
2. You must have a properly fitted/tailored flight suit or comparable under-armor clothing.
* One or two piece flight suit designs are acceptable.
* Non-flight suit style under-armor clothing must be comparable to a flight suit (We should not be able to tell the difference.).
3. Soft back coverings can be substituted for back armor pieces as long as they add to the overall look of the applicant's armor.
* Full/half capes are acceptable as long as they cover the entire back area (No armor vest should be showing).
* Soft/hard backpacks/packs are acceptable alternatives.
4. You must have either an ammo/girth/holster belt or waist sash, or any combination of these four items.
5. Combat/Utility boots are considered the primary accepted boot for armor.
* Labels and brand names should be removed or covered.
* Shoe-laces should be covered with armor or some sort of boot/ankle spat.
* High heels/stiletto female boots are not acceptable mandalorian armor attire. Platform boots are acceptable.
**As always, any costume must meet socially accepted standards of good taste and modesty.**
Suggested Components
These items are not required, but are included as commonly acceptable accessory items.
1. Neck Seal (TK neck seals are acceptable also)
2. Kama
3. Pauldron (TK or Clone)
4. Use of mythosaur skull (Jaing or Mercs) in armor design
5. Leg/Hip pouches
6. Military ditty bag
7. Poncho
8. Holster rigs.
9. Over coat/trench coat
10. Armor weathering
The DON’T List
These items/concepts should not be used in your custom Mandalorian costume character and can result in initial denial of membership.
1. No soft armor/Halloween costumes/Mando pajamas
2. No tennis shoes/sneakers
3. No visible zippers or closures on flight suit/under-armor unless considered part of the costume’s look
4. No jeans, t-shirts, sweat suits, etc. used as under-armor
5. No Jedi-Mandos or Sith-Mandos. “Force-adept” or “Force-sensitive” Mandos are acceptable.
Acceptable armor material:
Sintra, Kydex, PVC, ABS, Styrene, Fiberglass, Metal
Questions and pre-screenings can be done by PMing or emailing Council Members or your local Clan Alor'ad. If you have an item you are questioning, then ask before you submit your application.