Feb 02 2009
How to Buy Fabric For Your Costume: Discounts at Sales and Store Closings
It’s not like you need a reminder about the atrocious downturn of the economy, though there are occasional positives about the problem. Many stores–even chain stores–are closing. While that means less general options and price competition for consumers overall, it does mean short term liquidation of all inventory.
If you sew your own costumes or plan on hiring someone to make a costume for you, this is an opportune time to invest in fabric. Here’s what you need to know:
- Type of fabric required. If you’re going for historical accuracy, comfort, and overall quality in your costume, know what you’re looking for before you head to a store. Do your research–at a store closing or flea market, you can’t return the fabric.
- Consider the tailor/seamstress. If you are having someone else make your costume, check in with that person to ensure you have the same vision for the costume. Make sure you are planning on using fabric of the same thickness and quality.
- Know the amount. Always buy extra, especially if you aren’t sure you’ll be able to get fabric again. If you will need to match other items to your costume (for a theme wedding, for example), you will also need to send fabric swatches out for other items, such as shoes.
- Sometimes the evil uber-chain is cheaper. Its’ true–sometimes for the less expensive, base fabric, it’s always cheaper to buy full price from your neighborhood uber-chain, so be sure to compare prices.
- Flea markets and second hand stores are still great resources. Check them if you are looking for small but specific types of material. You can also pick up some fabric ideas based on things you see in such a store.
- Online resellers have sales, too. Gypsy Caravan Fabrics presently hosts a 30% off sale until February 3rd, 2009. They sell a variety of fabric, but of special interest to SCAdians, renaissance faire enthusiasts, theatrical costumers, and LARPers is their brocade fabric selection. An example is pictured above.
Best of luck–and don’t forget to compare prices and bargain shop whenever possible.
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Sometimes I actually prefer to leave the fabric shopping to the person making it (since I can’t sew worth a damn and have to have costumes commissioned). I figure they will know better than I will what will work, and what won’t.