First costumes

[saphireSue]

I thought I do the first post.

For new and established clowns, always check out the thrift stores and think clown, some times you can find the best outfits or assessories to complete your outfit, from that great bag, wild tie, or floppy hat. Ebay is also a great source.

[Chance Marmalade]

Just about everything I use comes from the Thrift Store and I find great stuff all the time! We have a specialty place out here called Costume Display and Supply but I find way better stuff digging around the used shops.

[Timmy]

I havent had too much luck with my local thrift stores..... but i am very fortunate that my Mother is a pretty good seamstress and she has made a couple of fabulous costumes for me!!
I do want to find something funky for my NON clown gigs though. Weird colors would be great....

[stitches]

I was surprised to see what could be found at second hand stores. We had to outfit our youth group for Clown Sunday. Our Rector found a skirt and jacket in large red gingham!!!!! Look often - inventory changes daily. Thrift stores are not just for hobo costumes!

[Compass Rose]

My friends would tell you that my thrift-store finds for everyday wear qualify as clown costumes. I think that's part of what attracts me to clowning... the fact that in clown, no one knows I can't dress myself.

I wish they'd make Garanimals for adults.

[Jitterbug]

I started out with all of my stuff from Goodwill. But as I've advanced, I now make my own outfits. (recently my daughter and myself) It's cheaper if you know how to sew, and you can customize the thrift store stuff. (see my daughter, Cheery's dress.) I just added a ruffle to the top and skirt. It's fun to see what I can come up with!
jitterbug

[Scruffy]

It all depends on the look you want. Emmett Kelly said that no one made his costume. (as in a seamstress) It just happened. The Coat came from the tall man on one show he worked, the pants came from the boss Hostler (horse handler) on another show. The hat came from a junk shop for a buck. And the shoes were made for him while he was over seas. From these things, It just sort of started, ripped here, there, everywhere, burned with a blowtorch,and held together with five pounds of Safety pins.
It just depends of your character and what you think is best. That said, you still want to look coordinated. I guess I would put it this way. Clowns should look like clowns. Not an archetypal used car salesmen... Stripes and plaids mixed with polka dots and paisleys.

My two cents, and your mileage my vary.
Regards,
Scruffy

BTW, the info on Kelly's Costume comes from a book called Clown Alley, By Bill Ballentine. It's a great read lots of stories of the old times, illustrated by the author and former dean of the RBBB Clown college.

[Doc & Jasper]

My first character was Doc, I had my blue medical scrubbs and a white coat from another job that I used and my hair was a cheap wig. (I now have a better wig) and my Doctor bag is a black gym bag with a Red Cross of red duct tape, on one end. And I have a real stephescope that I use for medical stand-bys.

Jasper came from Good Will. I lucked out and found a large coat. I had a blue shirt and a nice vest. I found a long chain that I safety pinned to the vest and have a Green "T" attached to it. (Member of the Chain Gain, And "T" Time with green "T")
The pants are very loud plad and came from good will. I found some lose fabric and cut out and hand stiched some patches on the coat and pants with very contrasting thread. I also have some safety pins holding the lower pants legs together. And the pants are held up with a rope.

My had was a cheap K-mart top hat that I cut a hold in and glued a bird from a floral shop in sticking his head out. I glued patches to the hat with Tacky glue and I carry a bamboo cane that I had from a haunted house that I did.

I found a old Vacationeer suitcase that my uncle had and use that as a traveling bag.

My boots are simple steel toes hiking or work boots.

And Jasper has a half hair wig. Gray and white.

[KidzJam]

I have one to throw in for the ladies...

I put together a Hello Kitty costume a couple years ago for Halloween, and in doing this, I bought a square dancing dress off of ebay. Since I saved it, I figured I could use it in a costume, and it works great! If you put a petticoat under there, the skirt fans out really huge, but of course as a square dancing dress, it's quite modest.

I bought a pink striped apron off of ebay that is heart shaped at the top and they look good together. I also have a peair of platform pink Volatile sneakers that have huge bows on them and look absolutely rediculous. This and some rainbow leg & arm warmers completes the outfit. Come to think of it, it all came off of ebay.

I agree that some of the best costumes are whatever you can find. The kids don't seem to care what kind of threads you're wearing, anyway, as long as they make you look downright silly!!

[Willace-the-Clown]

they are grate for clown clothes as willace i got my paints at a good will & for Hobo Bob I got my coat & Hat at good will