This page details the ongoing progress of my Jedi Knight outfit. The outfit is a custom Jedi uniform set in the NJO (New Jedi Order) era, which is when the current post-original-trilogy novels are taking place -- roughly 30 years after the events of Return of the Jedi. In this timeframe, the Jedi are at war with the Yuuzhan Vong, a vicious warrior race who can match the Jedi for speed and power in combat. Because of this situation, Jedi uniforms have become somewhat more militaristic in nature - less like monks and more like soldiers. The standard Jedi equipment belt has expanded to include antidotes to Vong toxins, assorted first-aid gear, and increased communications equipment.
For my tunic and pants, I turned to something I already own - a standard black Ninjitsu uniform. This uniform, although black, resembles the "standard" Jedi robes seen in both the original and prequel trilogies. Having no inner robe, the outer robe is augmented by a dark grey turtleneck worn underneath it, giving the overall uniform a high neck. The tabi and arm sleeves will not be worn with the uniform.
Although I haven't purchased them yet, I plan on using Thor T-30 motocross boots with the uniform. These boots have an ideal sci-fi look to them, and will make the outfit look less like your standard ninja fare. I'm putting this off for a while, though, because a new pair of the boots cost $130, and I'm not willing to put that kind of money into this costume. So, I'm currently keeping an eye out for a used pair.
The belt is a standard black web belt that can be found at any number of military surplus or sporting good stores. A small piece of metal was cut and adhered to the buckle to give it more detail. The pouches were all found at the same sort of locations that sell the belts, and most of the accessories are hand-made by me -- the result of various kit-bashing projects.
For the outer cloak, I purchased several yards of a gray silk-like material and then had a local seamstress make the cloak from some designs I drew out on paper. The cloak has sleeve holes which are somewhat hidden by the shoulder flanges, somewhat like a duster. The actual design was inspired by a Klingon Captain's cloak on Star Trek.
