Costume Requirements
COSTUME STANDARDS VERSION 230428
The below are the general guidelines and requirements for all kits (unless otherwise noted). For more specific CRLs for each type of armor, please read the subpages for each type of armor, separated into "periods", and for canon characters.
MPCC Club Logo(s) Usage
Use of the club logo on custom kits is permitted for official members only.
The MPCC club logo may be used in its entirety (with surrounding circle and/or text) or simply as a sigil (center part only).
Logo colours may be changed in order to fit the overall aesthetic/colour scheme of a custom kit, however use of colour schemes or patterns relating to sociopolitical flags or causes is expressly forbidden.
External Logo and Symbol Usage
The use of symbols used in Star Wars canon is allowed on custom kits. Use of the “Star Wars” logo, as well as logos/symbols from other costuming clubs or fandoms are expressly forbidden. Custom designed symbols are allowed. If your custom designed symbol is inspired by a symbol that would not be allowed, then it must be distinctly unique enough to not be mistakable for the symbol it is based off of.
We do not allow the usage of other costume club's proprietary symbols or logos.
Cross-overs
No cross-overs are permitted. Custom kits only. A crossover is defined as a Mandalorian merged with some other type of fandom where it is clear that the original character concept is not fully Mandalorian. i.e. “Batmando” Batman/Mando crossover, Disney Princess Mandos, Marvel character Mandos, earthbound animal mandos, etc. This can also include colour schemes/paint patterns.
Canon Characters
Because canon kits must match the screen used costumes exactly, canon costume applications will be far more heavily scrutinized than custom kits. This is to ensure that approved canon kits are the best quality and most accurate possible.
Canon characters will be judged a on case by case basis, and member will ideally have alternative custom kit as well. This will be more of an issue as the club grows, as we do not want multiple copies of the same canon character showing up to events.
If a kit is canon, it must be fully canon. If it is not canon, it can not significantly resemble a canon kit so much that it could be mistaken for said canon character. For instance, a full Sabine kit, painted like Sabine but with a standard Boba style helmet instead of a Sabine helmet would not be permitted.
Canon kit CRLs will be developed as we see applicants for various characters. Submitted kits for canon characters will be compared to movie, game, or series characters using screenshots and stills and CRLs will be created as members submit their kits. First submissions for each canon character will be heavily scrutinized and will be used to create the CRLs for that character, so be aware that some adaptation and extra work may be required until we are able to get full CRLs written.
Materials
Kits can be 3D printed, or can be made from Sintra (PVC board), PVC piping, Kydex, fiberglass, ABS, or various metals. Eva foam, Worbla and cardboard are not permitted for use as materials. Worbla may ONLY be used to add detail to armour, if desired. Vaccuformed armour will be judged on a case by case basis.
If kit parts are 3d printed, any and all print lines MUST BE SANDED AWAY OR OTHERWISE REMOVED. No print lines should be visible whatsoever. Printed parts will be heavily scrutinized for print lines.
No chainmail parts are permitted.
Quality
Using neon or blacklight paint colours is not recommended and kits using such colours will be heavily scrutinized.
Overall quality of kit and neatness of wear will be judged separately from actual requirements. A kit may technically meet requirements for specific parts and still not be approved if it is not worn neatly or if the overall kit itself looks sloppy or messy. This also applies to kits which do not fit the overall Star Wars aesthetic.
While canon characters of a particular gender may wear certain styles of helmets, helmets themselves are not particular to gender. As long as the kit as a whole is cohesive and of high quality, style of helmet is solely up to the wearer of the kit.
No sociopolitical flags, patterns, or symbolism will be permitted. This includes, but is not limited to, Earthbound country flags, political slogans (even if written in Mando'a or Aurebesh), sexuality or gender related flags, rainbow patterns, and/or pro-police symbolism. If it is related in any way to sociopolitical issues, it is an automatic no. Swapping out approved armour parts for parts decorated with sociopolitical imagery is not permitted at any time or for any reason.
We understand some members may want to celebrate various holidays and appear festive for different occasions. Thus carrying flags or banners or otherwise accessorizing a kit with items that do not replace existing approved kit parts is permitted.
Sizing
Armour must be sized and shaped appropriate to your body type and must sit flush against the body. Plates should not look like they are “floating”, sagging, or hanging, nor should any part of the plates protrude out from the body. Any and all elastic used to secure plates should not detract from the overall appearance of the kit. Leather strapping is not required to be covered and does not have to be the same colour as the undersuit. Helmets should be proportional and the character should not appear to be "bobble headed".
Visible elastic should be either black or or a colour that is complimentary to the rest of the kit.
Spacing should be uniform, but we do understand plates shift. It is pretty easy to tell when plate shifting is due to position you are standing and when it is due to plates that are in a non approvable state. Sagging plates, incorrectly sized or shaped plates, and plates that are not properly attached are not approvable.
Armor Attachment
Plates can be secured via industrial strength velcro, snaps, bolts, rivets, screws, strapping, or magnets. Nylon webbed straps are permitted if they are black or similar in colour to the flight suit and do not detract from the overall look. Visible leather straps are acceptable.
Chest plates may be secured with wide over-the-shoulder straps provided the straps look in universe and do not detract from the overall quality of the kit.
Glue or tape of any kind is not an appropriate method of attaching plates to soft parts and is not permitted.
Bolts, rivets, or screws can be visible but must be incorporated into the armour and be weathered to look like they serve an actual function. They must also "make sense" in terms of placement.
Visible elastic banding is permissible, granted that it does not detract from the overall quality of the kit. It should be either black or a colour complimentary to the rest of the kit.
Elastic banding can also be fed through holes in the soft parts so as not to be visible at all, or can be covered in a matching colour fabric.
Styling and Spacing
Asymmetrical armour parts are allowed, i.e., shin plates do not need to be identical/symmetrical.
Spacing should be uniform, but we do understand plates shift. It is pretty easy to tell when plate shifting is due to position you are standing and when it is due to plates that are in a non approvable state. Sagging plates, incorrectly sized or shaped plates, and plates that are not properly attached are not approvable.
While canon characters of a particular gender may wear certain styles of helmets, helmets themselves are not particular to gender. As long as the kit as a whole is cohesive and of high quality, style of helmet is solely up to the wearer of the kit.
Accomodations for medical devices are permitted. Please make leadership aware of any devices worn that may interfere with proper spacing or styling of plates. If you are unsure how to make your armour work alongside your medical device, please let us know! We may be able to come up with something together!
Non-Mando Armor- Added Nov 1, 2022
The following armor components may be "Scavenged/borrowed" from other canon sources:
Shoulders
Biceps/ upper arms
Backplates
Boot plates
Thighs
Knees
Shins
The above-mentioned pieces must be no more than a ratio of 4:1 (1 piece of alternate armor to every 4 pieces of Mandalorian armor).
Additional incidental "scavenged/collected" items such as TK belt fronts, Stormtrooper ammo packs, hand plates, etc. may be utilized without consideration of the 4:1 rule.
As always, all usage of non Mandalorian components may face additional scrutiny during the application process.
Current approved kits that do not follow this rule (as of Nov 1, 2022) will be grandfathered in and will not need to be updated to adhere to this amendment.
Exceptions can be made for outstanding kits at the discretion of the Armorers.
Kits consisting of parts that are not found within the Star Wars universe will be heavily scrutinized and likely denied.
Supercommando armour parts from Season 3 of The Mandalorian television show are considered an "other canon source" as they are Imperial and not Mandalorian. Thus, only the above listed parts of those costumes will be permitted for wear with approved kits and they must follow this rule.
Paint and Weathering
Weathering must be consistent, and not overly done. It wouldn't make sense for a Mando to be walking around with rusted, decrepit armour. Overly new looking or “shiny” armour will also be judged on a case by case basis. If you want your plates to look new, this is acceptable, but they should at minimum look lived in. You should not look like you just pulled your armour off a rack at BeskarMart.
"Boba dents" in helmets are not permissible for non-canon kits, nor are any other highly recognizable canon character parts or "battle damage".
Weathering should make sense. Giant blaster holes, pieces hacked off, and other clearly deadly damage will not be permissible. The "battle damage" on your armour must look survivable, and it needs to make sense that you're up and walking around. Also, as stated above, it wouldn't make a ton of sense for a Mando to be walking around with giant holes in his/her armour. Pride is taken in the wearing of the beskar, and fatal damage (if somehow survived) would be immediately repaired. Thus, obviously repaired fatal damage IS permissible.
Similarly, dirt and paint chipping must also make sense. Chipping and wear is most commonly seen along edges and on protruding corners. Dirt and grime settles into seams and indents. Weathering must look like it happened organically. It should not look like something is splattered all over the kit.
Paint schemes with connections to Earthbound sociopolitical ideologies of any kind, including text in any language, will not be permitted.
Only canon characters may have canon paint schemes. Near-exact replicas of canon kits will not be permitted. Either a kit is canon, or it is not. Borrowing small style elements from canon kits, is, however, permissible on a case by case basis. Check with the War Council for any concerns.
Sigils and other identifying markers from other clubs/clans are not permitted to be worn on approved MPCC kits. Original/personal sigils will be approved on a case by case basis, but are generally permitted.
Jaig eyes are permitted in varying styles. Placement will be judged on a case by case basis.
Flightsuits/Soft Parts
If using a two piece undersuit, tops and bottoms must match and must appear as though they are a one piece flight suit, i.e. the top must be tucked into the bottoms and the waistband must be hidden under belt and waist items.
Long sleeves are required for all custom characters. The "long sleeve" part of a double sleeved undersuit can be of a complimentary shade.
All "live action" kits must have a sturdy flak vest on which plates are securely attached.
Animated style kits do not require a flak vest, however this type of kit will be heavily scrutinized to ensure the kit as the whole fits the animated aesthetic.
No sports, tactical, or paintball gear of any kind will be permitted for use in an approved kit.
Kamas or loincloths or any combinations of the two may be worn, but are not required. Loincloths should be narrow and should not appear as an apron when worn.
Cloaks may be worn over the shoulder/to the side or across the entire back. If cloak is worn to the side, some other back item must be worn with it so the entire back is covered. It may have a painted or embroidered design, provided the design is in-universe and is matching or complimentary and the cloak is weathered to the rest of the kit.
Neck seals or dickies are required. Neck skin should not be visible in kit with or without the helmet. Balaclavas or neck gaiters are also permitted.
Gloves may be made of leather or fabric. Armoured hand plates are encouraged but are not required. No brand logos are permitted on gloves (or any other part of the kit) at any time. Armoured plates may also be incorporated into the actual gloves such as the built in knuckle armour included on rappelling gloves. No skin should show between glove and gauntlet. Fingerless gloves are permitted.
Every part of your costume must look in universe. No “earthy” items or patterns will be permitted. This includes, but is not limited to, some camouflage patterns including dazzle camo (will be judged on a case by case basis), plaids, glitter or sequins, Celtic knotwork, baroque scrollwork and patterns, floral patterns, patent leather/shiny pleather, stripes, etc. "Tattoo tribal" and vintage automobile style scrollwork paint designs or decals are not permitted.
No sociopolitical flags, patterns, or symbolism will be permitted. This includes, but is not limited to, country flags, political slogans (even if written in Mando'a or Aurebesh), sexuality or gender related flags, rainbow patterns, and/or pro-police symbolism. If it is related in any way to sociopolitical issues, it is an automatic no.
Gore is not allowed. Gore (for the purposes of club standards) is defined as any blood, intestine, bone, sinew, or other severed body parts from sentient creatures, either human or alien. Skulls, scales, leather, skin, and bones from non-sentient creatures are permissible, but check with leadership to ensure what you plan to use will be acceptable under this clause. Example: Severed Twi'lek lekku? No. Rancor tooth? Perfectly fine. If it comes from something you can talk to and who can talk back, it's an automatic no.
Phones, if visible, must be seamlessly incorporated into the kit. No phone cases are to be used as pouches, but phones can be placed inside approved pouches. Gauntlets may be designed to hold a phone, however phone home screens must have some kind of in-universe graphic or picture visible.
Biker/engineer boots or other distinctively earthy looking boots must be modified to fit the Star Wars aesthetic.
No brand logos are permitted to be visible on any part of the kit at any time.
Weapons
At least one projectile weapon is required. This can include but is not limited to rifles, energy bows, blasters, sidearms, slugthrowers, and bowcasters.
Melee weapons such as knives, daggers, staves, polearms, and vibro and shock weaponry are permitted as a primary weapon. Melee weapons may not have a sharp/functional blade and may not be made of metal. Spring loaded plastic blades are permissable on gauntlets provided they do not extend more than 1cm past the closed fist and are secured in such a way as to ensure they do not launch themselves out of the gauntlet.
It is highly recommended (but not required) that kits include a way to secure weaponry when not in use. This can mean straps or holsters and is based on personal preference.
Nerf mods must be modded beyond recognition. All screw holes must be filled, all logos must be sanded off/removed, and weapon must be modified so it is not identifiable as a Nerf gun. Any Nerf mod must look as in-universe as possible. Consult with leadership before embarking on Nerf mods, at they will be heavily scrutinized.
Projectile weapons can be 3D printed or can be made from wood, metal, or plastics. Keep in mind, however, that some cons may have issue with some materials and may not permit wood or metal weapons. Contact the convention authorities and check specific rules before bringing a weapon to a con.
Real firearms and paintball guns are NEVER PERMITTED at ANY TIME, even if modified. All weapon props should be 100% NON FUNCTIONAL and should not be capable of firing any type of projectile whatsoever. This includes both ranged weapon projectiles as well as any sort of spring-loaded handplate blade or any type of gauntlet blade or projectile.
Lightsabers are not permitted except when used as trophies, and must be visibly damaged to a point that they are clearly unusable. Lightsabers/Darksabers are not permitted for custom/original characters. This includes all lightsaber and darksaber type weapons as well, i.e. polesabers, dual bladed sabers, etc.
No Force-sensitive/Jedi/Sith Mandos are permitted.
Alien Mandos
Aliens are permitted provided all armour pieces are properly sized and proportioned, and the member is able to stay in character for the entire duration of a troop. Thus, we require all buckets to be removable while still allowing the member to remain "in character". This can include a bucket that remains on with a removeable faceplate. If you are a Nautolan, you are a Nautolan with your bucket off and with it on. Alien Mando concepts will be judged on a case by case basis and will be held to the same standards as all other kits. If you cannot make your alien a convincing and recognizable Mandalorian, your kit will be denied. Please see the War Council BEFORE starting work on an alien Mando, as we have experience and can help guide you in the approval process.
Character Backstories
While we appreciate the time, energy, and creativity that goes in to the writing of original character backstories, at no time will a character's "lore" be used as an excuse to circumvent CRLs. This means that regardless of any backstories you have put time into writing, your plates must still properly fit your body, you still may not carry a lightsaber or other functioning force weapon, and your entire kit must still look in-universe.
PLEASE NOTE
Preliminary evaluation may require a prospective member to make some adjustments to their kit before the kit is put up for member vote. This does not mean your kit is not approvable, nor should it be considered a personal affront to your skills as a costume creator. It simply means that there are some changes that need to be made. We want to keep a very high level of quality in our members kits without rejecting folks for small arbitrary things. We do understand that our members come from all tiers of experience, from the beginner to the professional, and our feedback during the WIP and preliminary application phase is designed to help you create and submit a kit that you can be proud to wear alongside your fellow brothers and sisters, and also that they can be proud to troop alongside. All kits submitted should most importantly be instantly recognizable as a Mandalorian and should not include parts or items that do not fit within the Star Wars universe. Highly customized kits are approvable only on a case by case basis. When in doubt, ask leadership!
This is a living document and costume regulations may be amended if situations warrant.