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How to Make a Romeo Costume

Romeo, the classic lover, was the creation of William Shakespeare for the tragedy "Romeo and Juliet." Depending on the director, the play can either take place in the modern era, Elizabethan era or in an unknown time. The era of the play will dictate the look of Romeo's costume.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Doublet pattern
  • Breeches pattern
  • Thin fabric knee socks
  • Fabric scissors
  • Dressmaker's carbon notebook papers cloth
  • Thread
  • Tracing wheels
  • Tailor chalk
  • Straight pins
  • Push pins
  • Sewing machine
  • Buttons
  • White button-down long sleeve shirt
  • Slacks
  • Dress socks
  • Dress shoes
  • Belt or suspenders
  • Bow- tie
  • White t-shirt
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure Romeo's body proportions. Find out his height and weight, and measure his head, the base of his neck, chest, sleeve length, outside leg, inseam, shoulder length, back width, shoe size and glove size.

    • 2

      Purchase the pattern for the breeches and doublets that fits the measurements of the actor. Cut out the patterns from the sheets. Choose your fabrics — there is a list of Elizabethan fabrics in the Resource section. Lay the patterns on top of the fabrics you plan to use with the carbon paper between the pattern and the fabric. Use a push-pin to attach the pattern onto the fabric. Run the tracing wheel over the lines of the tracing pattern. Trace over the marks with tailor chalk. Cut out the pieces of the breeches and doublet.

    • 3

      Pin the pieces of cloth together according to the instruction in the pattern pack. Thread the sewing and sew the pieces together. Press down on the foot pedal as you evenly push the fabrics through the machine. Continue sewing the pieces together according to the instructions in your pattern book.

    • 4

      Decorate the doublet and breeches with buttons where needed to seal the clothing. Add buttons or other decorations to embellish the other buttons. Dress the Romeo in the t-shirt, button down, doublet, knee socks, breeches and dress shoes.

    • 5

      Forgo making the costume if you are not doing Elizabethan attire. Buy the slacks, dress shoes, bow tie, belt/ suspenders, white shirt, button down and dress socks in the size of your Romeo. Dress him in everything except for the bow-tie — use it just for the ballroom scene.

Theater Costumes

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