Return to the Costume List
Costume & Props Helpful Links

Last updated: 5/30/09

Some of the most helpful costume links you find will be ones you find yourself, using the search engine of your choice. If you find something really good, email me, will you? Happy hunting!

Image Sources Suggestions on How to Make RHPS Costumes Forums To Talk About Making Rocky Costumes
People Who Will Make Rocky Costumes For You

I really think it's more fun to make your own. (Don't know how to sew? Well, neither did the rest of us when we started. For ideas on how to find/cobble together/modify costumes, and finding the supplies to do it , please visit the Q&A page.) But some people really don't want to, don't have time, or would rather hire someone more skilled, and I got tired of getting email from them asking for a list of costumers. So here it is; if that's how you feel, you can contact one of these people. I haven't had dealings with all of them myself, but I have met most of them and personally seen examples of their work.

What About Those Commercial Costumes?
Fox announced in 1998 that they would be producing commercial RHPS costumes; in 2001 they finally did. I wouldn't recommend any of them except maybe the Riff wig (hard to find commercially; requires some skill to make one), or the Frank wig (not bad for a wig in a bag--they got the shape right at least). If you want accuracy, or durability, look elsewhere.
WARNING: the photos on the packages are not the same as the actual costumes (they were probably of higher-quality prototypes).

If you want an approximate audience costume out of the bag, these may be just what you need. Just expect to do a lot of maintenance as they were made very much on the cheap. Buying these is a lot less fun than hitting the thrifts and demonstrates a lot less creativity.

Rundown:

Tailors and Costumers
Costumers are listed here as a service to our readers, and the listing does not constitute an endorsement.
If you have a problem with one of them, I probably can't help you.
Please remember that there may be options in your area, and that if you can find someone local, you'll be able to try the costume on and check on its progress in person. If you do order a costume and there are details that matter to you (number of pleats/eyelets; size of quilted spacesuit squares, etc.) please make sure you discuss it with the costumer. (One of the advantages to making your own is that you know exactly what you want without having to explain it.) Be sure to ask for references and CHECK them. Also make sure the size information you send the costumer is as exact and complete as possible. Even if it is, you may have to make some final alterations once the costume arrives.
What sometimes happens to costumers is that once they become known for their excellent work, they get lots of orders, get overwhelmed, and either go down in flames or go out of the business. So ask around before you order a costume; the livejournal group rhpscostumes is a good place to check references.
I DO NOT recommend buying a costume from someone if you need it by a specific date, particularly around Halloween, when most Rocky costumers are swamped. If there is a deadline you must meet, you are probably better off doing the costume yourself. Please remember that you are ordering a custom piece of clothing, some of the fabrics are hard or impossible to find (yes, even with the Internet), and that most Rocky costumers are fans doing this in their spare time.
A warning: if you live in a different country than the costumer, you may have to pay import duty on the costume, and shipping may be pricey! General Costume Sources and Lists of Sources
Remember, you can find a lot of stuff looking around in the real world. Specific Costume Piece Sources
Note: I have not purchased these items myself unless indicated, and am not associated with any of the merchants.

A word to the wise if you're purchasing lingerie on-line--shop around. You'll find that the majority of sites you visit are selling exactly the same thing from the distributor--after a while the photos will all look familiar. Prices vary wildly: why pay twice as much for the same thing?

  • 6-STRAP GARTER BELTS
  • ROCKY SHORTS
    An on-line search for "wrestling trunks" is your best bet.
    • Highspots http://www.highspots.com/www/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details_custom.asp?Shopper_id=96223262030369622&Store_id=125&page_id=23&Item_ID=2194
      Custom metallic trunks to your measurements for $55. Send them your waist, crotch length, desired length on the sides, even your butt measurement. Delivery is 4-6 weeks. They do non-metallics for $25 less. Waistband is perhaps just a bit wide, but I bet it's negotiable.
    • Flirty Lingerie http://www.flirtylingerie.com/lamwrestrun.html
      "Lamé wrestling trunks." Look considerably nicer than most of the gold swimming trunks I've seen over the years (and considerably better than what you see on most Rockys). Gene Engles (former Berkeley Rocky) writes: "The trunks are ok --I've used them twice for performance and already some threading is starting to come out but nothing too serious and since I'm only performing once a month or so it shouldn't be a problem!" He also notes that their service is "pretty fast." I saw them in person on a Rocky at the Wichita con, and they do look nice.
    • COMMANDO SPORTS Wrestling Andale Store http://www.andale.com/store?view=CAT_HOME&catId=1070460&sid=32120&mode=1
      "Satin wrestling/swim trunks." Available in gold for $25; hope your waist is a 32-34 because apparently that's the only size they make. Unlined. This appears to be a buy-it now store on an auction site. Care instructions on the site: "Wash trunks in cool water, air dry, and use a fabric finish with light iron to retore gloss." Hmm.

  • GLOVES
    • Theatre House, Inc.http://www.theatrehouse.com/ (wrist-length silver lamé gloves)
      Surprisingly difficult to find on-line; it's much easier to find elbow-length, which are harder to stuff into your space gauntlets. They are "one size fits all" but they are darn small on me. Site also carries spandex lamé fabric, wigs, and some "laser spot" gloves that might work for Frank.
    • Band Shoppe http://www.bandshoppe.com/cgi-bin/DDA5AAF9/mac/template.mac/loadHtmlPage?htmlPage=/guard/accessories/GU912.html (sequined floorshow gauntlets)
      They keep moving the page, so if you can't find it, go to "Guard Accessories" (a recent search for "sequin" turned up no results, but they're still there - don't panic!). You want the "finger loop gauntlet." The standard length is up-to-the-elbow. To be more movie-exact, tell them you want them 3" above the elbow order (minimum of 3 pairs for custom orders). The last time I ordered (August 2008) this added another $5 per pair. These are real sequins, not foil dots. I've been buying these since 1999, and they look pretty good. They do run a little small, and the shipping is pretty hefty (last order I got whacked $20 shipping on four pairs of gloves). You'll have to add your own pink feather trim.
    • Lingerie Mart http://www.lingeriemart.com/XTC_Leather/gloves_XTC818_xtc.htm (fishnet gauntlets)
      $6, minimum order 3 pairs and only available in multiples of 3 pairs (weird). Since other sites charge $15-$18 a pair, why not outfit a couple of your friends? Jenny Dagostaro notes that these do indeed have a seam, and are style number XTC818 (made by XTC Leather in NYC). Hers look great. Another site, not listed here because they charge too much, notes "elastic bands hold securely in place."
    • Sock Dreams http://www.sock-dreams.com/_shop/pages/accessories_cat_CategoryID_70.php
      Fishnet "arm warmers" which fasten with a loop around the middle figure (not, sadly, strictly screen-accurate). Also sells intriguing 15" fingerless gloves. Wrong fabric for Frank, but worth looking into as a base for those who don't really sew.
    • Playtex Gloves http://www.playtexproductsinc.com/gloves/index.asp
      Every September/October, Playtex makes pink dishwashing gloves, at least in the US, where they're hard to find during the rest of the year. They're sized, so if you have trouble finding them big enough, order the Large if you can't find it in stores. These are Playtex Living gloves.

  • DR. SCOTT LAP BLANKETS
    Scott Labrecque, who won Best Dr. Scott at the 25th Anniversary, discovered that Dr. Scott's blanket is an Anderson Modern tartan. Be careful and do not order from a site that doesn't have pictures. Tartans may vary slightly; some sites offer a plain Anderson that looks fine; in my searches I found one Modern that wouldn't do.
    Remember, Scottish tartan blankets are a luxury item; they aren't cheap.

  • LAB COATS

  • GREEN SURGICAL GOWNS
      Veterinary Apparel Company http://www.veterinaryapparel.com/
      The "Surgery Gown" (Model 106A) looks very good. This site used to show the gowns' front and back; it no longer does. At the time, anyway, the back also looked good. I saw one of these in person after someone ordered it; looked pretty good, though the ties were too wide and an odd color (yellow?). For some reason, every surgery gown I've ever seen is lighter than Tim's; you could try tea dyeing...
      As of 1/4/08, their shopping cart is working again. I ordered two; they were very helpful and the shipping was still the same as for one ($8). You get a coupon good for 10% off your next order, so pass it on to a friend.

  • MAID DRESSES AND UNIFORMS
      The Travel Trunk Company http://www.traveltrunk.com/store/waitress8.htm
      Black dress with white collar and cuffs, though since they zip up, if you want an authentic button-up dress you've got a lot of work ahead of you. $40.
      The classic diner-style uniforms in pink or green would also make a good classic Usherette uniform, and the site has nurse's caps and other interesting things (though no good aprons with straps). Thanks to Dawn for the link...

  • FABRICS AND TRIM
    Don't forget to use your Yellow Pages or the Yellow Pages of major cities near you as well as the Internet...many large specialty fabric stores are not on-line, and if they are, the entire stock is probably not listed. Please be careful buying fabric on-line...it's pretty easy to figure out what color you're getting, but texture is another matter entirely, particularly for non-specialty fabrics. If you can, request a swatch.
    • Theatre House, Inc.http://www.theatrehouse.com/ See also Gloves. Site carries spandex lamé fabric and sequin trim.
    • JKM Ribbon and Trims http://www.jkmribbon.com/pmet.html
      To find all the metallics, go to "Silver and Gold" and then look around. I used to recommend the Offray ribbons, but they look very odd here. You should be able to find Offray ribbon in the trim department in the fabric store. $2-$4 for 50 yards. You have to create an account to view the prices (boo, hiss). WARNING: minimum order is $25!
    • Magic Makers Costumes Inc http://www.magicmakers.com/retail/fabric/stretchseqfabric.html
      Stretch sequin fabric for $27 a yard. Only 18 inches wide; includes black, gold and pink.
    • M and J Trimming http://www.mjtrim.com/
      A truly amazing trim store from the NY garment district. Buttons, marabou, fringe, rhinestones and dome nailhead studs, ribbon, tassels, stretch sequin trim (hidden under "beaded trim")...pictures of everything, including all the colors, too. Huge selection; it may take you a while to find what you're looking for.
    • Rhinestones.org http://www.rhinestones.org/
      A fabulous site with rhinestones (duh) in crystal and plastic, rhinestone banding, nailheads, mountings, setters, as well as information on what all this stuff is and how to use it.
    • Allstar Plastics http://www.allstarco.com/index.htm
      Acrylic rhinestones, plain and shaped; nailheads; mountings. Probably not of interest unless you are going to buy a LOT; this is essentially a wholesale site. I'm including it as it has such an interesting selection. If you need a *lot* of rhinestones/mountings or are going in with a couple of friends (minimum order for most pieces is 200-1500 pieces), the per-piece price is dirt cheap. No minimum dollar order, but minimum shipping charges are $13.
    • ReproDepot.com http://reprodepot.stores.yahoo.net/lchdgpk.html
      Vudu Doll recommends this site for 1/2" pink gingham check. The site claims it's double gauze and the swatch shown looks almost like a seersucker; hopefully it would flatten on ironing. Vudu Doll purchased some and says is lays fine once it's interfaced, which you'd do with a collar, cuffs or belt anyway. Sold by the half-yard.
    • Hancock Fabrics http://store.yahoo.com/hancockfabricstore/index.html
      Their stock changes (as do off-line fabric stores), but people have found cheetah-print faux fur and lavender broadcloth here. Might be worth checking out. Please be careful buying fabric on-line...it's pretty easy to figure out what color you're getting, but texture is another matter entirely.
    • Fashion Fabrics Club http://www.fashionfabricsclub.com/home/index.cfm
      Had several lilac/lavender fabric swatches that looked promising; might be worth checking out. Watch out for the shipping charges.
    • Broadway Fabrics http://www.broadwayfabrics.com/index.html (NOTE: website is essentially useless - you will need to call)
      Larry Viezel sent us their address. They carry gold, red, black and multicolored sequined fabric. (No, it's not the exact correct fabric. Mina Smith bought some and writes: "it's $36/yd and stretches in one direction....There is red, pink, fuschia, green, lt. blue, dk. blue, silver, gold, yellow and black." If you meet a Columbia whose fabric is exact, she has either used 1" trim or she has bought some of the custom fabric listed on our main page. If you do find an off-the-rack source for the correct type by the yard, for heaven's sake, tell the rest of us where!) Larry mentions he thinks he's seen Janet gingham there too.
      Not very on-line savvy; they carry several grades of sequined fabric and were most unhelpful on the phone, so you may want to order swatches. Mention you saw them online and receive a 10% discount.
      Broadway Fabrics
      265 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601
      (201) 996-9393
    • Daytona Braids and Trimming (not on-line to my knowledge)
      Never been there, but I've heard it recommended and http://www.fashionstudentsource.com shows photos of a fairly impressive sequin trim section.
      DAYTONA BRAIDS & TRIMMING
      251 West 39 St.
      New York, NY 10018
      phone: (212) 354-1713-4-5-6

  • EMBROIDERED SATIN ASIAN ROBES
      Good Orient http://www.goodorient.com
      Sadly, GoodOrient has apparently gotten out of the "happy coat" business. More links coming after I do some research.

  • SEQUINED TAILCOATS
  • MOUSE EARS

  • NAME (NAMEPLATE) NECKLACES
    Who knows why, but the days of finding these at Target or JC Penney are over. At least in the US; apparently UK Janets can still buy the cheap costume jewelry version. US Janets will probably have to spring for real gold. These should be about $80 or $90 in 14K, though I saw them selling for as much as $140 (for 10K!), so be careful. Some Janets buy the wire version. OK, they're cheap (about $25) but they look totally wrong to me. If you can afford $40, you can get a sterling silver necklace plated with gold that looks right.

  • BRAD UNDERWEAR
    You're looking for Jockey's "full rise brief" (sometimes referred to as the "classic brief"). I'm not including any links here since a brief search turned up 60+ sites that sell the darn things, and you can find them at most major department stores. Run about $6.50; $5.50 if you buy the three-pack.

  • BRAD GLASSES

  • MOTORCYCLE PATCHES AND PINS
    • The 59 Club http://www.the59club.org.uk/
      Yep, they're still around, but their website isn't, last time I checked.. Membership good for one calendar year only; pay in British pounds, by international money order, or by credit card through Barry's Bike Badges (below). Membership includes one '59' patch; additional patches £2.50.
    • Hamburger Harry's BURGERWEB eBay Store http://stores.ebay.com/BURGERWEB
      You want the Lapel Pins/Hat Pins/Badges section. Hamburger Harry carries a lot of older badges, which is what you want; several of the badges on Frank's leather jacket are no longer available (the current logos are slightly different shapes/colors/etc.).
    • Barry's Bike Badges http://www.barrysbikebadges.com/
      You can join the 59 Club ($40 for a year; includes one '59' patch; additional patches $8) through Barry's; it is the only way to do so if you want to pay by credit card.
      Barry's also has a good selection of badges, but they are modern and less authentic (and don't always seem to match the description in their catalog).

  • WIGS
    I find shopping on-line for wigs very difficult. It's difficult to gauge length unless a human being is wearing them, and key word searches are nearly useless.

    On the bright side, sometimes you'll luck into something, and there are now several good FAQ's up on how to care for your wig (such as Alternative Look.co.uk's Wig FAQ at http://www.alternativelook.co.uk/information.htm#1).

    • My Favorite Obsession: Liz Stockton's Rocky Horror Wigs (liz@sins.la)
      http://www.rockywigs.com (includes price list, photos)
      The winner of the Magenta/Space division categories at the 25th anniversary was wearing wigs Liz made. I've liked the wigs I've seen of hers (the Frank wig is very nice and her Janet wig is also very popular), though I did meet one very unhappy purchaser of a "Rocky" wig. These are very reasonably priced, usually about what you'd pay for a street wig you'd then have to get styled. She's also added a guarantee that if you are not satisfied with one of her wigs, you can send it back and she'll exchange it and/or work on it until you are satisfied. I bought my last Magenta wig from her, which I modified only a little, further trimming the front. It gets compliments.
    • Outfitter Wigs of Hollywood (NOTE: Not on-line!)
      6626 Hollywood Boulevard
      Los Angeles, CA 90028
      (323) 462-3088
      (wide range of wigs; beautiful Bride of Frankenstein wigs)

      If you live in a big city, you probably can find pretty good wigs locally. However, good Space Magenta wigs are few and far between. This shop will make you a Bride wig in any color you want (send them a swatch or specify a standard wig color--you can get these at a wig shop) with separate white hair wavy stripes. A Space Magenta wig is differently shaped than a standard Bride: send them some photos and tell them you want it less tall and more spherical.
      Outfitters did my Bride wig (which is still too tall, but gosh, it's beautiful) and I will be eternally grateful. I found out about Outfitters from the Swiss cast's Magenta, who got hers there too. It was about $120 (shipping is extra) and was worth every cent. NOTE: if they tell you it will fit under an airplane seat in a wig box, they are lying. Mine fits only if I cradle it in a shopping bag. You can always wear it on the plane (been there, done that).

    • Make Believe Costume (http://www.makebelievecostume.com/browse.lasso?skip=0&searchtype=CN&search=wig%20mortician)
      A surprisingly good-looking, cheap Riff wig. They note it's special order.

  • LINGERIE FINDINGS/CORSETRY ACCESSORIES
      Farthingales Fabric by Mail Costume & Theatrical Supplies http://www.farthingales.on.ca/
      Sells black lingerie findings, eyelets, grommets, push-up pads, corset laces...a great site. I made a garter belt with supplies I bought from them and was delighted with the merchandise and the service. Thanks to Jenny Dagostaro for finding them.
  • FEATHERS
      Lamplight Feather http://www.tonyhill.net/productCat43986.ctlg
      We bought some coque feathers for a Frank floorshow headdress from them; very cheap; shipped quickly and the feathers look nice. Feathers are sold by type, size and color. They also sell marabou feather trim, which I'll consider next time I need it if the local stores no longer carry it, and chandelle feather trim (for floorshow gloves), in addition to the usual chandelle feather boas and other interesting items such as ostrich feather fans, etc.

  • MOSTLY EDDIE STUFF
    • GERMAN HELMETS
      • International Military Antiques Inc. http://www.ima-usa.com/p9.html (German steel helmet reproductions)
        These are the M35 style and olive green (you'll have to paint them and add your own skull and bones). $80. Thanks to Edward Marlowe for the steer; originally the site had real M42s for $30.
      • The HelmetSource.com http://www.motorcycle-helmets.ws/GermanHelmets.htm Available chromed!! Either street-legal ($80) or not legal for use as a motorcycle helmet, $40.
    • SKELETON KEYCHAINS
      • Stuff-O-Rama: Toys and Novelties http://www.stuff-o-rama.com/toys.html
        Articulated white skeleton keychain with jeweled eyes for a buck. Shawn Anthony notes: "The skeleton keychains are way too dark and not all have red eyes." He returned his for a refund. However, another Eddie, Edward Marlowe, ordered 10, special requested that they all have red eyes, and is quite happy with them. As a bonus, he notes their customer service is really helpful.

    • IRON CROSS RINGS
      • Marché Noir http://www.marchenoir.com/bic-hic.html
        You want the iron cross ring with black resin. The same site also offers a "small iron cross ring" (how small is small? I don't know) but it doesn't have the black resin option.
      • Biker Jewelry http://www.badbikerjewelry.com/
        You want the "Large Biker/Fashion Rings (Sizes 7-14)." The iron cross rings in the Small section (sizes 5-10) has extra details on the band.
    • COMEDY/TRAGEDY SILVER RINGS
    • SKULL & CROSSBONE PINS

    Return to the Costume List Index