Clothes for Hoboes

[azzy]

I remember something! That something said that clown clothes should be oversized. Two sizes to large, or somethingamajiggy.

Wow, I actually remembered it.

Now, when it comes to a hobo clown's clothes, is this 100% true?

I have a Jacket that I think I want to waste--ruin--err--burn, erm, use... and it's a bit too big, but it's not a tent. I'm a bit oversized myself, so anything bigger may be a tent.

I haven't committed on being a hobo either, so before I do anything I regret. Um, I don't know what I'm asking.

I should include photos.

[tim]

Yes, photos would help.

While I think it helps to have something which is somewhat oversized, the extent to which that is the case depends upon each individual. If you recall seeing some of my costuming at the Fling, for instance, you'll recall that it is much closer to "normal" size. That's intentional. It is what suits me and my character. Supersized would not be natural to me as a clown. It's a look which is right for some in certain contexts, but isn't for everyone. I think the main thing is that your costuming represents your own unique character well and reflects this intelligently. It also helps if you look a little "off" of what might be perceived "normal." Eccentric, so to speak.

[Scruffy]

A hobo is going to wear what ever he can find, and then wear it till there's nothing left.
One of the main things to me with the oversize clothes is the fact I can put on enough layers for a winter parade to equal a snow suit. Post pics if you can.

Also, and I'm not knocking a bought costume. But a real tramp would find clothes that he could wear and repair them as nesscesary as best that he could with what ever he could find at the moment. It's almost like a snipers gilly suit. You often just have to make your own.

[SuitcaseSam]

When it comes to Hobos, the good thing is thay you're not tied down to a certain style, anything goes. That could mean too big, oversized clothes or even too small.

If you recall, Chaplin's li'l Tramp character's outfit consisted of a mix-matched tight jacket, baggy pants and big shoes.

Here's a piece from Wikipedia.....

"I had no idea what makeup to put on. I did not like my get-up as the press reporter [in Making a Living]. However on the way to the wardrobe I thought I would dress in baggy pants, big shoes, a cane and a derby hat. I wanted everything to be a contradiction: the pants baggy, the coat tight, the hat small and the shoes large. I was undecided whether to look old or young, but remembering Sennett had expected me to be a much older man, I added a small moustache, which I reasoned, would add age without hiding my expression.
I had no idea of the character. But the moment I was dressed, the clothes and the makeup made me feel the person he was. I began to know him, and by the time I walked on stage he was fully born." (Chaplin, My Autobiography: 154).

I think best of all, wear whatever you are comfortable in. Clowning in an uncomfortable environment or attire does not make it fun and won't keep your interest for long.

Hope this helps,
~Sam

[azzy]

Okay, so with your comments I threw on some clothes and went to town. This isn't a 'costume', they're just clothes I actually happen to own.

Oh, and makeup. My first time ever, makeup. Not quite good, but it's a start.

[Fitzwilly]

For a second I thought I was look at another one of Tim's incarnations. You are going places Azzy. Dressed like that I think it might be the dump, but hey you're a thramp (with a lisp no less.)

Since you are still in the deciding stage I am going to throw out a thought I have been wrestling with. To make it short and sweet - Marketability.
This is my personal observation and opinion, please don't take anything personal (that is a general disclaimer pertaining to any and all suspicious hobo type characters out there.)
It is harder to sell yourself, and thus harder to penetrate the birthday, restaurant, company event market as a tramp/hobo character than it is as a whiteface or auguste. It is a matter of perception. People planning a party want a somewhat sterotypical clown. Emmet Kelly did a fantastic job as a hobo as did Otto Griebling however, you won't find many 4 year olds excited to have a person dressed in rags over for their birthday party when the other 364 days of the year they are told to avoid just nasty looking people. I see two ways around this delimmea. The first is to develop your hobo for group events and parades and use another character for your commercial work. The second ties in nicely with the first. Keep your hobo character (or as much as is fitting) but change the clothes and makeup for your commercial work instead of developing an entire new character.

[azzy]

I've thought much about that - and I agree, but right now I don't care. I'm not looking to sell anything right now, I am looking to learn and have fun. Hobo is easy for me, because it's most fitting of my personality -- but I've been really interested in a more traditional look also, and nearly bought an oversized purple pair of woman's parachute pants. Wait, that was for my other hobby...

When I first thought this up, whiteface was the only thing that came to mind, but right now I'm playing. Just for fun.

[Fitzwilly]

Very good Deborah, oh wait, the woman's purple parachute pants threw me for a moment. Then fun you shall have, just watch out for the bananas on the sidewalks and the pies in the air.

[tim]

Originally Posted by Fitzwilly

Very good Deborah, oh wait, the woman's purple parachute pants threw me for a moment. Then fun you shall have, just watch out for the bananas on the sidewalks and the pies in the air.

I would NEVER wear women's parachute pants. They would clash horribly with my bra.

[tim]

Why do people choose hobo? What is it about their personality which makes them want to go that direction? I''m not criticizing it (I like bums) but I just don't understand it at all.