Hints for high-end prop and costume collecting?

[Eddie Roth]

So, I've lately been upgrading my collection to include more replicas of movie props, costume pieces, etc. Basically anything life-size and as screen accurate as humanly (and financially) possible. Naturally, I want to include more Star Trek in this. And it got me thinking: while companies like Wand have been doing pretty spectacular replicas of props (phaser, communicator, the upcoming tricorder), I don't know of any manufacturer (company or individual) that produces reliably accurate ST costumes, specifically Starfleet uniforms.

So to the high-end cosplayers among you (or collectors like me): where do you get your stuff from? Any pointers to reliable sellers that produce uniforms that can pass muster?

 

[Ryan Thomas Riddle]

There currently aren't any licensed vendors selling Starfleet uniforms and other TREK costumes right now. Especially since ANOVOS shuttered and left dozens of us up shit's creek with unfulfilled, already paid orders (some paying anywhere from hundreds to thousands).

FanSets is a good source for combadges and other Starfleet insignias.

There are some decent vendors in China selling reasonably priced uniforms, see besxiojin on eBay.

The Singapore vendor moviememo on eBay sells pretty high-end TOS tunics that are far less than what ANOVOS charged for the same thing. IIRC, this vendor also helped construct the ones ANOVOS sold. (but not 100% sure).

If you'd rather make your own, you can get accurate fabric for the Monster Maroons and TNG spandex from Starbase375logistics on etsy. I bought their spandex it's pretty screen accurate. They also make a few TWOK-TUC uniforms, like the jacket and bomber.

For ENT, DS9/VOY, and TNG uniform patterns, check out Bad Wolf Costumers on etsy. Their patterns are made from studying screen used uniforms. The also have a site devoted to Starfleet uniforms.

 

[Eddie Roth]

Thanks Ryan, those are a lot of sources. So I take it you have purchased from those and been satisfied with them - me, I often hesitate with vendors whose credentials you can't easily check. But if they come recommended I might check them out. Sadly, the eBay vendors you mention don't seem to have any offers right now, but I'll keep an eye on them.

 

[Ryan Thomas Riddle]

Anytime, glad to help.

I just checked both eBay vendors, and they've got plenty of listings. I just ordered an SNW uniform from one of them.

See: https://www.ebay.com/sch/besxiojin/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=
and https://www.ebay.com/sch/moviememo/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=

I have bought from a few of them. I got a pattern from Bad Wolf. I got fabric from StarbaseLogistics. Both satisfying purchases. All have good reviews on etsy.

I also bought a uniform from the Chinese eBay vendor. Another great purchase. Reasonably accurate... but not as accurate as I would like, but that's just me. I know dozens of cosplayers who've bought from them and been satisfied.

 

[Eddie Roth]

Funny, nothing showed up on the links you posted. But if one goes through the name of the seller --> their store, then you get results, if only on the first one, for some reason. From the photos, these do look good, so I might try out one of these. I'm kind of between sizes, so from your experience, do the tops tend to feel bigger or smaller when worn? Perhaps better to go one size up rather than down, right?

 

[Ryan Thomas Riddle]

Funny, nothing showed up on the links you posted. But if one goes through the name of the seller --> their store, then you get results, if only on the first one, for some reason. From the photos, these do look good, so I might try out one of these. I'm kind of between sizes, so from your experience, do the tops tend to feel bigger or smaller when worn? Perhaps better to go one size up rather than down, right?

They run smaller. So I'd go up a size.

 

[BillJ]

FanSets is a good source for combadges and other Starfleet insignias.

They do excellent work.

 

[Eddie Roth]

Anytime, glad to help.

I just checked both eBay vendors, and they've got plenty of listings. I just ordered an SNW uniform from one of them.

See: https://www.ebay.com/sch/besxiojin/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=
and https://www.ebay.com/sch/moviememo/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=

Ryan, just wanted to let you know that I ordered a TNG uniform from the seller you recommended. It arrived yesterday, and you were absolutely right. Excellent quality for the price! So thanks for the recommendation!

In the meantime of course, I've had my eye on some auctions of screen-used costumes. Oh, what an inviting proposition to have something that was actually IN Star Trek. I may have to save up. Did you (or anyone else) ever get into that kind of costume or prop collecting?

 

[Ryan Thomas Riddle]

Ryan, just wanted to let you know that I ordered a TNG uniform from the seller you recommended. It arrived yesterday, and you were absolutely right. Excellent quality for the price! So thanks for the recommendation!

In the meantime of course, I've had my eye on some auctions of screen-used costumes. Oh, what an inviting proposition to have something that was actually IN Star Trek. I may have to save up. Did you (or anyone else) ever get into that kind of costume or prop collecting?

I'm glad it worked out. My pleasure at the recommendation.

I haven't quite gotten into the high-end, screen used game. Although I do own a piece of possibly screen used BABYLON 5 prop—An Earth Alliance badge. I got it from the Production Designer's eBay auction a few years back.

 

[Eddie Roth]

That's cool as well. Such basic props have great replicas out there, too, so I tend to go affordable in that area for my collection. Replica costumes on the other hand are so hard to get right - and the real things are super expensive, obviously. That's why I was pleasantly surprised with what I got.