Cosplay help {double posted from COTI}

[kafka]

I have opted to do an Imperial Navy Uniform as part of a Cosplay event that I will be participating in.

I have settled that the uniform resembles that of the Battlestar Galactica uniform.

Save that it will be black with different markings - Yellow Starbursts on the shoulders and blank in the front.

Should one include a side arm? And, if so what type. I also opted for the Star Wars Imperial Officer cap.

And, do you think reflective raybands is too much...

 

[kristof65]

Dress uniform or working uniform?
Officer or enlisted?

If you're going officer in a dress uniform, I'd go with a cutlass/saber instead of a side arm.

If it's just a working uniform, or enlisted, I'd probably leave out the side arm, unless you're going for some sort of security detail look.

Unlike Army/Marines, Navy personnel only tend to carry sidearms when on duty that actually requires them.

Oh, and yes, I think the sunglasses are probably too much - in my experience.

 

[Anonymous]

I agree the sunglasses are a bit much, and I also agree that the use of the sidearm wouldn't fit either.

I do like the cap and uniform choice, especially in black!

 

[hdan]

The sidearm MUST be a replica of an iridium-plated SMG. There's really no other option.

 

[kristof65]

Further thoughts - obviously the Navy of the 3rd Imperium is up for a lot interpretation, but real world militaries like lots of decorations and symbols, especially on dress uniforms. The longer you're in, the more decorations and symbols your uniform is likely to have. And all of them have meaning. So you're probably going to want to decide things like rate/rank insignia, how many years/terms of service are shown, what some of the most common medals look like, where they're worn, etc.

I'd look to the US Navy Bluejacket's manual for inspiration:

http://www.bluejackets-manual.com/

http://www.amazon.com/Bluejackets-Manual-Centennial-Thomas-Cutler/dp/1557502218

Other nations may have similar manuals/documentation for further inspiration.