Darth Vader: Pre-Armor

Model SL-11709, Photo by Chris Andretsos
Description: Darth Vader, Pre-Armor
Prefix: SL
Detachment: Sith Lord Detachment
Context: Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

Blinded by passion and seduced by power, this once nobel Jedi Knight tumbles ever downward into Dark Side of the Force. However far, however long, even this fall can blaze a path to redemption.

This Visual Guide has been reviewed by the detachment staff and the LMO team and is certified for use as a minimum approval guideline for GMLs. GMLs are free to approve this costume type.

This is a visual guide used for 501st costume approval, not a how-to for construction. Construction details are found at the costume's Detachment website. Measurements provided here are generalized, and not criteria for approval. All 501st costumes are proportionate to the wearer in terms of size, fit, and scale. During evaluation, both text and images (CRL and Reference) must be considered. When in doubt about a feature of a submitted costume, GMLs should post questions in the Legion forum's DL/GML peer review section.

Required Costume Components

The following costume components are present and appear as described below. For 501st membership only the requirements in black need to be met. This Detachment defines additional, optional costuming details listed in blue and red. Please visit the Detachment website for more details on these options.

Hair style

The hair is medium blonde to light brown in color.
It is of a shag style (tangled).
It is comprised of varying lengths: shorter in the front and progressively longer towards the back.
May be achieved with the individual's own hair or high-quality wig appliance.

OPTIONAL Level two certification (if applicable):

The hair has three varying lengths:
Just above the eyes in front.
Below the ears on the sides (taper and have varying lengths).
Down to the shoulders in back, without going past the shoulders.
These varying lengths are not abrupt; they blend and transition well into one another.
The hair has some minor curling and looks unkempt/dirty.

OPTIONAL Level three certification (if applicable):

The hair is a level 7 medium blonde in color.

Scar and complexion

A lightsaber scar runs vertically across the outer corner of the right eye, which can be achieved through prosthetics/make-up or gelatin applied in coats.
It starts in the middle of the right temple and skips over the inset of the eye before terminating just below the eye.
The areas under both eyes are lightly darkened by blending brown and red facial paints (or similar product).

OPTIONAL Level two certification (if applicable):

The scar is slightly wider as it approaches the eye (from both directions).
Two additional scars on the left cheek: one vertical and one horizontal forming almost a “right angle” shape.

Inner Tunic

CrinkleSilk/bubble crepe type textured fabric (or similar), Karate Gi or Kimono style cut for the upper portion, dark brown in color (must be slightly lighter than the color of the Outer Tunic), hip length, but is only visible at the neckline and left wrist. There is no visible zipper.
There is a collar formed by a hem along the opening of the tunic.
The sleeves extend to the wrist bone (at least the left sleeve) but are not visible below the hemline of the Outer Tunic.
The cuff/wrist area of the left sleeve is snug to the arm and bunches at the wrist.

OPTIONAL Level two certification (if applicable):

The tunic (as a result of the style of cut) folds left over right for closure.
The collar is approximately one and a half inches (3.81cm) in width.
For ease of wearing the glove, the right sleeve can be short and not long like the left sleeve. A full-length sleeve is also acceptable.

OPTIONAL Level three certification (if applicable):

The original material is a dark brown textured silk crepe with an irregular weave to give it a wave-like texture.

Outer Tunic

Open waffle/crinkle weave (gauze-like texture) heavy cotton (or equivalent material), Karate Gi or Kimono style cut for the upper portion, dark brown in color (must be darker than the color of the Inner Tunic, but NOT black), and is mid-thigh length. There is no visible zipper. It is of very similar construction to that of the Inner Tunic.
There is a collar formed by a hem along the opening of the tunic that runs to the waistline and ends underneath the obi.
The sleeves are inset and gathered at the shoulders (shoulder tucked) and do not excessively hang off the shoulders.
The sleeves are straight cut. The resulting taper (bell shape) is achieved due to the shoulder tucks.
The right sleeve is tucked into (but does not appear excessively baggy at) the top of the glove.

OPTIONAL Level two certification (if applicable):

The tunic folds left over right for closure; it closes around mid-chest level to allow the Inner Tunic closure to be noticeable under the neck.
The collar is approximately two inches (5.08cm) in width.
The crinkled texture is in linear folds that run as follows:
On the collar, the folds run parallel with the edge of the opening.
On the sleeves, the folds run vertically from shoulder to wrist.
On the front and back of the tunic, the folds run vertically (head to toe).
The shoulder tuck of the sleeves are approximately one and a half to two inches (5.08cm) in depth.
To make it easier to tuck into the glove, the right sleeve can be shortened to remove most of the unneeded material that would be tucked into the glove.
The ● The tunic is made from two different pieces; and includes a waist seam (underneath the obi) that joins the upper portion and the skirt (section of the tunic below the obi).

OPTIONAL Level three certification (if applicable):

Matching color silk lining for the sleeves and skirt are added.
The right sleeve may be constructed with a stretch material starting where it tucks into the glove and extending towards the wrist.

Cloth Tabards

The Cloth Tabards are of the same material and color as the Outer Tunic.
Same length as the Outer Tunic in front, but end underneath the obi in the back.
Form a "Y" shape in the front in which the lower portion of the "Y" hangs below the obi (where they run parallel to one another), and the top portions do not overlap one another.
Form a "V" shape in the back since they end underneath the obi, and do not overlap one another.
In terms of width, the tabards extend from the folded edging/hem on the Outer Tunic to approximately two inches (5.08cm) off the shoulders; each tabard in its entirety is of that same width.

OPTIONAL Level two certification (if applicable):

The crinkled texture is in linear folds that run parallel to the length of the tabard.
The cloth tabards may extend out slightly farther than the leather tabards at the shoulder.
There is a waist seam on the tabards that is hidden by the obi in full costume which allows it to have this "Y" and "V" shape in the front and back, respectively.

Leather Tabards

Fine grain leather (or leather-like material), dark brown, and is a simple cut, with a shoulder and waist seam.
The tabards are lined/backed with the same material.
Form a "Y" shape in the front and in the back. The lower portions of both "Y"s hang below the obi (where they run parallel to one another), and the top portions do not overlap one another.
The tabards extend below the Outer Tunic by approximately three to five inches (7.62 to 12.7cm).
In terms of width, the tabards extend from the folded edging/hem on the Outer Tunic to approximately two inches (5.08cm) off the shoulders; each tabard in its entirety is of that same width.

OPTIONAL Level two certification (if applicable):

The tabards are fine grained sheepskin leather.
There is a waist seam on the tabards that is hidden by the obi in full costume which allows it to have this "Y" shape.

Glove

Is made of the same material and color as the Leather Tabards, and is approximately three quarters forearm length.
Three silver buckles (as shown) are located on the top of the arm each with a corresponding ribbed rubber strap on the underside of the arm; they are nonfunctional buckles.
Raised ribbing runs across the back of the hand perpendicularly to the arm while smaller ribbing runs between the straps and buckles in the same direction.

OPTIONAL Level two certification (if applicable):

The glove is made from dark brown fine grained sheep skin leather.

OPTIONAL Level three certification (if applicable):

The buckles are based on Sidi ZZZ Force boot buckles.
The stitching on the fingers is external.
There are 9 ribbed sections on the back of the hand.
There are 3 sections with smaller ribbing that contain three ribbed sections each; there is one directly adjacent to the last large ribbed section on the back of the hand in front of the first buckle in addition to the two between the buckles.
The opening of the glove has a single closing stitch.

Obi

Is made of the same material and color as the Outer Tunic and Cloth Tabards.
In terms of width, it extends approximately one and a half to two inches (3.81 to 5.08cm) above and below the belt.
Is closed in the back via Velcro or snap buttons.

OPTIONAL Level two certification (if applicable):

The crinkled texture is linear folds that run diagonally.

Belt

Leather (or leather-like material), deep brown (lighter than the tabards, glove, and boots in color), and is made up of two layers.
The large belt is approximately two and a quarter inch (5.715cm) wide.
The narrower top belt is approximately three quarters of an inch (1.905cm) wide and positioned in the horizontal center of the large belt.
The buckle is silver and of the rectangular snap closure type.
The top belt is held in place with a series of raised silver studs/posts that have spherical endings. There are four sets in total (two at each location with one above and one below the top belt) and each set is positioned an equal distance from the other.
There is a belt keeper on top belt on both sides of the buckle; both keepers are the same material as the belts.
It fastens in the back with Velcro hidden under a square belt keeper of the same material.
See the end of the CRL for a summarized list for the placement of components on the belt.

OPTIONAL Level two certification (if applicable):

Both belts are leather with a smooth grain.
There is a belt keeper on the top belt on both sides of the buckle; both keepers are of the same material as the belts.
There are incised lines at the top and bottom of the top belt.
There are four incised lines on the large belt: two above the top belt, and two below as shown.
The silver studs/posts are screw type Sam Browne buttons.

OPTIONAL Level three certification (if applicable):

When wearing the belt, the silver studs/posts are placed as follows: the two sets in the front are positioned forty-five degrees along the belt to the left and right of the buckle; similarly, the two sets in the back are positioned forty-five degrees to the left and right of the keeper. Therefore, from the center of your body, they are ninety degrees away from each other along the belt.
The square leather enclosure is wet molded to the belt.

Pouch and Boxes

There is one pouch and two boxes on the belt.
The pouch is leather (or leather-like material) and is a snap closure style.
It is approximately twice as tall as the large belt and half as thick as the boxes.
It is placed just forward of the right hip (with two food capsules in front of and behind it), and the top almost lines up with the top of the large belt.
The two boxes are both resin and one is red brown in color, and the other is larger and a medium brown in color.
The red/brown box resembles a "treasure chest" type shape, and contains a single elliptical brass/gold colored button in its center. The box is positioned on the wearer's back right side of the belt and is smaller than the height of the large belt.
The larger resin box has a design similar to that of the one pictured and has two small single brass/gold-colored buttons. The box is positioned on the wearer's back left side of the belt, and is approximately the height of the large belt.
Both boxes are attached to the large belt.

OPTIONAL Level two certification (if applicable):

The pouch is leather and has a pattern of scored vertical lines on the flap.
The red/brown box is non-ribbed and has a smooth texture.
The larger box is ribbed.
The resin boxes may be functional

Food Capsules

Eight in total: two gold, two silver, two copper, and two gunmetal. They are cylindrical in shape.
Each is approximately as tall as the large belt and approximately one half of an inch (3.81cm) in width.
One of each color is placed on the belt at the left hip (4 total). Two are placed in front of the leather pouch on the right side of the belt, while the remaining two are placed behind the pouch. All capsules placed at each of the three locations are touching each other (no spacing between them).
The clips of the food capsules attach to the large belt.

OPTIONAL Level two certification (if applicable):

On both sides, the capsules are placed in the following order from front to back: silver, copper, gold, and gunmetal.
Food capsules may be secured to the large belt on the inside with gaffer tape or similar method.

OPTIONAL Level three certification (if applicable):

The original capsules were Staedtler Liquid Roller Point Pens with a 7/16" diameter hemisphere glued to the opening.

Lightsaber

The lightsaber is a Skinnyflex-styled lightsaber based on the model used in Revenge of the Sith.
The metal has a chrome appearance.
The grips extend all the way to the middle section.
Other details resemble that shown in the picture (gold section on emitter box, gold lever on emitter box, center band detail, 2 knobs towards emitter, emitter detail, etc.)
The lightsaber is only required as long as it's in compliance with the applicant’s local laws.

OPTIONAL Level two certification (if applicable):

The lightsaber is capable of being belt worn with the emitter facing downwards (detachable blade or no blade). The lightsaber is a 1:1 scale of the lightsaber used in the film.

Lightsaber Clip

A rectangular Covertec clip as seen in the picture is present to secure the lightsaber.
It is attached to the belt on the wearer's left hip.
The Hasbro, Galaxy’s Edge, or circular/oval Covertec clips will not be approved.

OPTIONAL Level two certification (if applicable):

Matches the on-screen model Covertec (Model: QS-U3JP-NJQW).

Trousers

Lightweight cotton twill (or equivalent material), medium brown (lighter in color than the Outer Tunic), appear somewhat baggy, and tucked into the boots.
● While not required, suspenders (braces) are recommended for support.

OPTIONAL Level two certification (if applicable):

The color of brown is close to that of the tunic or lighter.

OPTIONAL Level three certification (if applicable):

The original material is a dark brown cotton/Lycra blend with a slight stretch.

Boots

Leather (or leather-like material), dark brown (very similar in color to the leather tabards and glove), have a medium gloss shine with no visible laces or zipper.
They have a rounded toe, smooth textured appearance, and the spat has vertical ribbing from above the instep to the knee (the ribbing does extend past the top of the boot).
The closure method is located on the front of the boot underneath the vertical ribbing.
Two horizontal one inch (2.54cm) bands (of the same material as the boot) are below the top of the boot and spaced approximately one inch (2.54cm) apart from each other; there is a third band at ankle height as well.

OPTIONAL Level two certification (if applicable):

The boots, vertical ribbing, and horizontal bands are leather.
There are six vertical ribs of equal width.

Summary of belt component positioning and material colors

Belt component placement (buckle to keeper along wearer's right):
- Buckle — silver stud/post set — two food capsules — large leather pouch — two food capsules — silver stud/post set — red brown resin box — keeper.
Belt component placement (buckle to keeper along wearer's left):
Buckle — silver stud/post set — lightsaber clip —four food capsules — silver stud/post set — medium brown larger resin box — keeper.
View Placement Photo
All of the colors of the materials in the various components of this costume are in the medium to dark brown range. There is NO black in the fabrics of this costume.
The outer tunic, cloth tabards, and obi are the same material and color; the inner tunic is lighter in color, while the pants are even lighter than the inner tunic — comparatively.
The leather tabards, glove, leather pouch, and boots are similar colors, but vary slightly due to the types of leathers used for each piece.

Optional Accessories

Items below are optional costume accessories. These items are not required for approval, but if present appear as described below. If adding in an accessory after initial approval, the item still needs to be submitted to local GML for approval before use.

Sith Eyes

The contact lenses are described as a fiery yellow transitioning into a brilliant red.
While considered an essential part of this character, the contact lens requirement will be waived for 501st acceptance if the applicant cannot wear contact lenses for health-related reasons. All persons utilizing contact lenses are encouraged to first see their optometrist for a fitting.

Robe

Lightweight fabric, brown, and sleeved.
Floor-length, has large, long (mid-finger length), bell-like sleeves with deep hems, and a large hood.
The hood is pleated with small pleats evenly all the way across the collar, which itself is rolled.
There is no front facing — the front edge of the robe and hood are short hemmed at approximately one inch (2.54cm).
The body of the robe is not lined.
The sleeves are inset and gathered at the shoulders; they are shoulder tucked just like the Outer Tunic.

OPTIONAL Level two certification (if applicable):

The fabric is made from wool crepe (either lightweight or heavyweight).
The hood of the robe is self-lined: two layers with a seam visible from the front edge.