Date: 11/2/09 9:54 AM

After an actor and I had a "little chat" about how a dime size hole was burned into the front of his $160 police man's uniform I've decided that I need to make a few smoking jackets for my actors.
I have one actor I have put the fear of God into that no matter what happens when he needs to smoke, and he is in costume, he always wears his over shirt I made him. He does NOT want to face my wrath.
Another (and the one I had the CHAT with) will wear an over shirt if I'm around, but soon as I leave he will stop wearing it, hence why there is a cigaret burn in his costume, and why he is paying to have a new one made.

To prevent this the theater owners and I are wanting to make 4 or 5 smoking jackets for the guys that can't go 4 hours with out smoking. This way if you are caught smoking in costume and NOT wearing one of our jackets you can be fined for damaging the costumes.

Do you have any suggestions on what I should make them out of? I was thinking just a simple cheap cotton. I have a VERY simple bathrobe pattern, do you think that would work? Thoughts?

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"Costume Tech's are overworked, underpaid, and underappreciated except to those designers, actors, directors, playwrights, and other theater artists who depend on them." - The Costume Technicians Handbook

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Reply to shanntarra
Date: 11/2/09 12:21 PM

My first thought dear was to be sure and get the non flammable fabric that is manufactured for childrens pajamas and other childrens garments. And think of how cute the actors would look in scooby do smoking jackets.

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Date: 11/2/09 12:42 PM

I do want them to actually wear them. I also do not want it to feel like a punishment. Some of these guys really try to follow the rules, but they have a serious nicotine habit.

Other than the small selection at Hancocks I have not seen any of the flame retardent fabric any where.

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"Costume Tech's are overworked, underpaid, and underappreciated except to those designers, actors, directors, playwrights, and other theater artists who depend on them." - The Costume Technicians Handbook

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Reply to shanntarra
Date: 11/2/09 12:50 PM

But, I would love a scooby do jacket myself. Well, I took a chance on getting flamed with that answer.. Maybe a solid then, and you can embroidery their names on them.. maybe that would be uptown enough to make the poor fellows feel special.

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Reply to shanntarra
Date: 11/2/09 1:57 PM

100% Wool is pretty flame retardant. I wouldn't make kids PJ's (although teddy bears were traditionally 100% mohair for that very reason), but for grown men to wear when awake, it should work pretty well. You should be able to get fabric for $6/yd or so, if you're not too picky.

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Date: 11/2/09 2:09 PM

I'm trying to think of something that would be "slippery" to slide easily over costumes, but that would also wash easily (phew! the cigarette smell could easily get overpowering after a few wearings, and who wants the entire wardrobe room reeking?)

How about a sturdy cotton twill or duck fabric? It wouldn't burn as quickly as a flimsy cotton, or melt like a polyester, or hold odors like wool. I'm thinking of something along the lines of a professional chef's jacket.

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Date: 11/2/09 2:31 PM

Yes we generally don't let them smoke in their costumes for the very reason that costume hold smells. There are times when you have to pick your battles. If I can get them to take off their suit coats and put on a smoking jacket I have won half the battle.

I'm looking at maybe a budget of $3 a yard.

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"Costume Tech's are overworked, underpaid, and underappreciated except to those designers, actors, directors, playwrights, and other theater artists who depend on them." - The Costume Technicians Handbook

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Date: 11/2/09 3:21 PM

I second wool fabric. Wool doesn't hold a flame long and will, in most cases, self extinguish. I don't know how much time you have, but Fabric.com often puts their wools on sale. You may want to watch the site for a while.

L

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Date: 11/2/09 6:25 PM

This is a really radical thought--how about banishing ALL smoking? Or hiring only actors who don't smoke? I, myself, abhor the habit--and I used to smoke 3 packs a day! Now it just prevents me from breathing, so I can't be around it at all!

Gail

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Date: 11/3/09 8:39 AM

How about fronts and top sleeves of ironing board silver fabric? and something slippery for the rest? Quick velcro closure tabs... kimono styled...

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... cleverly disguised as a responsible adult!

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