A Costume Guide For the Gentlemen
A masculine steam punk costume can be nearly as varied as the ladies, with everything from a dashing Victorian gentleman, to a dirty, grungy, railroad engineer and all those in between. Here are some ideas to get you started
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The Gentleman:
This is a decadent and frivolous incarnation. The gentleman should be the very epitome of good taste and fashion. He does not do heavy manual labor, and will normally not pick up anything heavier than a pen, therefore his wardrobe can be as flighty as he pleases. He wears a suit and vest tailored to fit him perfectly, a top hat that matches his suit, and sensible but elegant shoes. Accessories would include monocles, pocket watches, and a fine walking stick. Locomotive Crew:
The steam mechanic or fireman will wear long sleeve 100% cotton to minimize the effect of steam and flash fire burns. If he/she does not have a long sleeve shirt, then they will often wear collier sleeves or they may wear collier sleeves on top of their shirt long sleeves in the name of cleanliness and also as an informal badge of office. They will also avoid any loose or flowing garments for fear of it becoming entangled in machinery gear trains and pulling parts of their person into peril. Most of the guys wear leather gloves for durability although 100% cotton is correct to minimize the effect of burns from steam. Steel toed boots are discouraged where machinery is capable of ground travel; a crushed foot protected by heavy leather has far higher chance of healing in some fashion rather than a foot whose toes have been cut off by a steel toe cup. The problem is the steel toe of the boot acts like a shear and cuts off the toes if driven over by a machine! |
The Inventor:
Ah the Inventor! Where would steam punk be without someone to come up with all the eccentricities? The inventor is well aware of the dangers of his profession, so his ensemble reflects his need for personal safety. Goggles are the number one most important accessory, as blind inventors usually have a bit more trouble than their sighted colleagues. Thick gloves, a long double breasted coat, and sturdy trousers and boots are also necessary to his continued good health. The inventor will usually carry tools with him as well as half finished contraptions and a notebook to write down inspirations. The Mechanic:
This is the one of the most important figures in a steam driven society. Machines are not perfect, and these brave souls stick appendages where most would cringe, and keep our inner workings, well, working! Like the inventor, safety is of great concern. Most of the machines are large, dirty, and weigh more than an elephant, by several times! The mechanic will stick to close fitting clothes, and lightweight, steam is HOT you know! You can usually find him in a ribbed sleeveless shirt, that was white or grey once upon a time, suspenders, and heavy duty trousers and sturdy boots (elephants do not feel nice on toes!). Like the inventor, he will carry tools with him, though on a much larger scale. Goggles are also part of the mechanic’s ensemble, though with less scopes, lights and magnifiers that might be found on the inventor’s version |
