REFERENCE


> CATWOMAN REFERENCE IMAGES (click link to view)

all images sourced from Google image search


WHERE TO BUY / HOW TO MAKE

This costume was overall, pretty simple and mainly requires a lot of handstitching!

THE CATSUIT: search on EBay for 'PVC Catsuit' narrow the search for your size (I searched for 'PVC Catsuit 8'). They are usually around £30 including postage. You specificially want a tight-fitting catsuit with high neck to reach all the way to your mask.

I purchased the one illustrated with this image, but be careful to ask if it is polyester-based as some are made from a much thicker type of PVC fabric which won't be stretchy enough:
It also has a two-way zip, which makes toilet trips easier as you don't have to take the whole thing off! The PVC isn't too thick and heavy, so quite comfortable and breathes well.

Then comes the time-consuming part!
Using a very thick sewing needle, and plain white wool I added all the stitching in the front and back of the catsuit. Sewing through thinner types of PVC does not damage it greatly, as it is usually a fabric with PVC coating (rather than thick, heavy genuine PVC). I made sure to keep reference images on hand to get the majority of the stitching in the correct places - some of it really accentuates the curves of the body.

The final result (this is my first catsuit, which has had quite a lot of wear now - I'll soon be replacing it!):




THE GLOVES: Search EBay for 'PVC Gloves' they don't need too much length as they are worn over the sleeves of the catsuit. I found a pair similar to the following for around £6 including postage:


I simply cut them shorter (they were elbow length), and added some white wool stitching to match the catsuit. The final result looks like this:


THE MASK: an official 'Batman Returns' latex mask, bought from a US seller on EBay (and costs roughly £15 including shipping). Search for Catwoman Mask on EBay and scroll until you find one with this picture:
This is made from latex (rubber), allergy sufferers beware!

I also invested in a small bottle of latex shine spray, which is handy for keeping the mask in good condition. The mask slips straight on the head quite easily. There was a slit in the mask just above the neck to make putting it on easier - but I found this showed too much of my hair through. Easily remedied by stitching it up with white wool using a thick needle!

THE WHIP: Many to be found on EBay. I chose a 9 foot leather whip with solid handle. Can easily be wrapped around my waist and the handle tucked in to hold it in place if I want my arms free.


THE BELT: found this on EBay described as a Ninja Utility Belt. Nylon clip belt with leather pockets and pouches of varying sizes (I just simply removed any I didn't want to use). £10 including postage.


BOOTS: search for 'PVC Boots' in your foot size on EBay. I have two pairs to choose from...

PVC with large heel. Give great leg shape, and more height (I'm only 5'6"!) Feet can ache after a while though...


Combination of fabric and PVC panels. Riding boot style with full lacing. Low heel so much more comfortable.

FINAL COSTUME