Clothing in the Star Wars UniverseThe Star Wars Universe is one replete with many items of wonderment, from the fantastic technology available to every populated corner of the galaxy, to the mysteries and marvels presented by the Force, to the various different alien species and cultures. One such element of the Star Wars Universe which is often underplayed or overlooked is the clothing element. It is always important, for players and GM's alike, to know what the players and NPC's look like, and to get a feel for the character. Often times, this can simply be done through a description of the character's clothing. With the various races, cultures, and sections of the galaxy, it is easy to concieve of not only a multitude of clothing styles and types, but it is also easy to consider that certain standards and trends exist in this vast universe. For instance, the Core Worlds of the galaxy are considered to be the height and center of society, culture, and (reasonably so) fashion. Meanwhile, the Outer Rim Territories may be considered the "backwater" regions of society and fashion. Technology must also play a hand in this arena as well, as new methods of processing fabrics and manufacturing clothes must be considered, not to mention different fabrics as well. It is for this reason that these following clothing items have been included here.
Dim-bak Clothing The materiel known as Dim-bak is actually an organic compound, secreted by the Diron-bak trees of Haspara. In its original state, Dim-bak exists as a thin web of silky strands, extending down from pods in the tree's branches to the ground. The webs formed by Dim-bak are extremely resilient and strong, and are well suited to their purpose, which is to make access to the Diron-bak's fruit difficult for animals which would eat it. The pods grow with the Diron-bak fruits (known as Sahn fruit), which grow in small clusters, usually in the ratio of one to a cluster. As the fruit approaches ripeness, the pod grows, and eventually "pops" a few weeks before the fruit becomes fully ripe. When this occurs, the Dim-bak is literally shot out of the pod in all directions, covering the fruit cluster, and creating a protective web around the fruit and the tree. Sahn orchards, in order to harvest the fruit with as little hassle as possible, began a process of harvesting the Dim-bak pods weeks before their blooming. These Sahn harvesters then began to search for a use for the otherwise worthless pods, and discovered that the Dim-bak could be woven as a textile or fabric. The result was a material of very good strength and resiliency, yet lightweight and thin. Clothes made of Dim-bak are generally high-priced, and of superior quality, not only due to its rarity and workmanship, but also because of its protective qualities when properly woven and layered.
Synthetic Fabrics Most clothes which are manufactured and distributed on a large basis are made of synthetic fibers and fabrics. Instead of using true animal hides or other organic materials, the manufacturers use completely synthesized materials, whose roots come from the by-products of other manufactured items. While this is not always the case, it is certainly a true statement, as it becomes very cost-productive for a company to use its by-products from the manufacturing of other goods, which would ptherwise become unused waste, in the manufacturing of other income generating products. For this reason, synthetics are the most common types of clothes available to the public. Generally, these products range tremendously in quality, durability, and utility, with certain "brands" standing out for particular qualities.
Revised 07/01/98 By Thomas Hill Copyright ©
1997 - 1999 Chris
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