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jeff boren
New user
19 Posts
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Posted: Jun 15, 2011 2:56pm
Is it best to wear pants a size or 2 larger so the pockets are easier to reach my hands into to retrieve/ditch items?
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darylrogers
New user
Wisconsin
91 Posts
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Posted: Jun 15, 2011 3:22pm
I prefer to be dressed up when performing and pair of semi-dress pants usually fits the bill nicely. It is easy to find a pair that fit well but that also have large, easy-to-access, vertical opening pockets. If you are going for a David Blaine-scruffy jean look, I suppose you would have different issues.
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Bill Hegbli
Eternal Order
Bill and Bill in Fort Wayne Indiana
12917 Posts
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Posted: Jun 15, 2011 3:45pm
Jeff, you left out so much info, it is very difficult to advise. I can only say you should wear, well fitting cloths. If you have never purchased mens cloths, go to any good department store, in the mens department, seek out a sales person. Tell them you need assistance. They will be happy to measure you and give you advice as to what looks good on you for your build.
As you did not even mention what you were trying to retrieve, still makes it difficult to advise. If you buy better quality pants, you will find they have deeper and larger pockets then jeans and baggy cloths.
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Dr_J_Ayala
Inner circle
In search of Vlad Dracul and his
2063 Posts
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Posted: Jun 15, 2011 6:53pm
Wmhegbli is correct. Also, there are other avenues out there you can use to carry/conceal/ditch and retrieve from, but it all depends on your performing style, your venue and the items you wish to carry/ditch/retrieve. You are not restricted to just pants and jackets.
There are vests, aprons, pouches, etc. These are things to think about as well. I have seen performers in high class performing situations using things like aprons and pouches, but they were made to fit the dress style as well, with clean and elegant materials and did not detract from their suits/tuxes at all. That is mostly because although they were being used, they were kept under the jackets or vests and out of the way.
I hope this information is useful to you and if you need more help, please let me know.
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jeff boren
New user
19 Posts
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Posted: Jun 17, 2011 9:57pm
Thanks - sometimes I feel like I'm drinking water from a firehose but your comments helped a lot. The weirdest feeling was doing a sponge ball routine with 2 inch balls and wondering how obvious they were in my pockets. I'm learning and appreciate the costuming suggestions. Thanks again
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Alan Munro
Inner circle
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
5429 Posts
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Posted: Jun 17, 2011 11:05pm
Quote:
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On 2011-06-17 21:57, jeff boren wrote:
Thanks - sometimes I feel like I'm drinking water from a firehose but your comments helped a lot. The weirdest feeling was doing a sponge ball routine with 2 inch balls and wondering how obvious they were in my pockets. I'm learning and appreciate the costuming suggestions. Thanks again
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If anything, you'll want pants that fit well. I use super soft sponges for both of my sponge ball routines - the balls should be compress to avoid giving away their presence. Baggy or pleated pants will point the way to the sponge balls, because they'll puff out. I always wear pants with flat fronts.
http://www.sneakymagician.com/
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labound
New user
82 Posts
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Posted: Jun 18, 2011 8:54am
Quote:
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On 2011-06-17 23:05, Alan Munro wrote:
Quote:
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On 2011-06-17 21:57, jeff boren wrote:
Thanks - sometimes I feel like I'm drinking water from a firehose but your comments helped a lot. The weirdest feeling was doing a sponge ball routine with 2 inch balls and wondering how obvious they were in my pockets. I'm learning and appreciate the costuming suggestions. Thanks again
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If anything, you'll want pants that fit well. I use super soft sponges for both of my sponge ball routines - the balls should be compress to avoid giving away their presence. Baggy or pleated pants will point the way to the sponge balls, because they'll puff out. I always wear pants with flat fronts.
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Just a preference thing... I prefer the pleated tousers. I find the pleats allow the pants to puff more freely, even with nothing in them - so they puff naturally. I only carry two 2" balls and both go into my ticket pocket, so they're compressed. Even when this isn't the case, no one ever notices the sleight bulge in the pocket. Heck, I perform regularly with my final loads in my front pockets for C&B (not table-hopping, but close-up & kid show). Never has anyone said anything about bulging in my pockets. Granted there are limits - for instance, a tennis ball would be too big and create a noticable (bizarre) bulge.
As a side note - I believe not many people are going to mention they notice a bulge in your pocket - to anyone, even after you walk away.
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Mexican_Magician
New user
4 Posts
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Posted: Jul 22, 2011 2:16am
Ok... *I* have a question... I am a bigger sized man and even loose fitting dress pants restrict me from naturally reaching into my pockets without drawing attention. During the winter its easier because I can use a jacket but if I'm working with virtually no budget, am I really restricted to using jackets?
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MichaelDouglas
Special user
Richmond, Virginia
553 Posts
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Posted: Dec 23, 2011 9:19am
Quote:
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On 2011-07-22 02:16, Mexican_Magician wrote:
Ok... *I* have a question... I am a bigger sized man and even loose fitting dress pants restrict me from naturally reaching into my pockets without drawing attention. During the winter its easier because I can use a jacket but if I'm working with virtually no budget, am I really restricted to using jackets?
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I can only suggest using something like an Assassan's pouch or small camera case that attaches to your belt. I've even used my empty cell phone holster to hold a few small items.
With that said, any solution will have some expense attached to it. However stores like Walmart & "$5 Below" offer inexpensive items like I've mentioned.
Another thought is a shirt with 4 front pockets. There is a style of shirt like this that doesn't get tucked in. It is common to Cuba and Puerto Rico. I think it is called a Guayabera. http://style.pronto.com/mpm/shop/guayaberas/c-v1_0_1_12?aceid=&adid=1254856012-131980-0-947924240-bmx-e_gs&creativeid=4680703269&dq=guayabera+shirts&matchtype=e&network=g&random=5532034591927874485&ref=guayabera+shirts&target=&type=search
Whatever you decide on, the solution is likely to cost you something. I wish you the best.
www.michaeldouglasmagic.com
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Dr_J_Ayala
Inner circle
In search of Vlad Dracul and his
2063 Posts
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Posted: Dec 23, 2011 10:05am
Guayabera is correct, as is a Cubavera. Back home in Barcelona, I knew quite a few transplanted Cubans that used to wear these all the time. I had a few that I wore occasionally, and not often. I wore them more when we were doing conga and timbale sessions than for anything else - the pockets were great for tuning wrenches and tape.
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Alan Munro
Inner circle
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
5429 Posts
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Posted: Dec 23, 2011 5:05pm
Quote:
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On 2011-07-22 02:16, Mexican_Magician wrote:
Ok... *I* have a question... I am a bigger sized man and even loose fitting dress pants restrict me from naturally reaching into my pockets without drawing attention. During the winter its easier because I can use a jacket but if I'm working with virtually no budget, am I really restricted to using jackets?
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Maybe, you could choreograph your movements so that it wouldn't draw attention if you stole from the back pockets. Holders could be used for larger loads and could be clipped to your suspenders.
http://www.sneakymagician.com/
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Frank Yuen
Regular user
130 Posts
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Posted: Dec 26, 2011 10:33am
Quote:
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On 2011-06-17 21:57, jeff boren wrote:
Thanks - sometimes I feel like I'm drinking water from a firehose but your comments helped a lot. The weirdest feeling was doing a sponge ball routine with 2 inch balls and wondering how obvious they were in my pockets. I'm learning and appreciate the costuming suggestions. Thanks again
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When using Super soft balls, they compress well enough that the "top of the pocket" dodge works well. It also helps in that you can still use your pocket if necessary.
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Alan Munro
Inner circle
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
5429 Posts
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Posted: Dec 26, 2011 4:43pm
Another reason for flat front pants is that, for me, they eliminate fumbling when grabbing the final loads. Pleated pants are impossible for me to work in. The pocket also wants to turn inside out when I withdrawal my hand - not as big of a problem with flat fronts.
http://www.sneakymagician.com/
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rklew64
Inner circle
1093 Posts
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Posted: Dec 27, 2011 1:27pm
I heard wearing pants 4 sizes bigger works better
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Bill Hegbli
Eternal Order
Bill and Bill in Fort Wayne Indiana
12917 Posts
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Posted: Dec 27, 2011 2:17pm
Quote:
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On 2011-12-27 13:27, rklew64 wrote:
I heard wearing pants 4 sizes bigger works better
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That is ridiculous!!
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Bill Hegbli
Eternal Order
Bill and Bill in Fort Wayne Indiana
12917 Posts
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Posted: Dec 27, 2011 2:22pm
Quote:
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On 2011-07-22 02:16, Mexican_Magician wrote:
Ok... *I* have a question... I am a bigger sized man and even loose fitting dress pants restrict me from naturally reaching into my pockets without drawing attention. During the winter its easier because I can use a jacket but if I'm working with virtually no budget, am I really restricted to using jackets?
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One thing, many over weight men wear their clothing wrong. Remember, you waist is where your belly button is. So if you are wearing pants below your stomach, you are not dressed properly. I realize the the bigger one gets, the shorter your arms become, if that is the case, maybe it is time to do something about it.
Albert Goshman, also only performed his close-up sitting down. That would be another choice, but it will limit the number of performances you are able to do.
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Ekuth
Inner circle
1105 Posts
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Posted: Dec 27, 2011 5:28pm
Second vote here for pleated front dress pants.
"Magic is found neither in the mind, nor the eye; but in the heart."
http://www.christophe-magic.webs.com
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Alex Rapattoni
Loyal user
Central Florida, USA
219 Posts
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Posted: Dec 28, 2011 12:32am
I always wear flat front. I can see how pleated dress pants would cover any unsightly bulges from cards or sponges, but that's what pocket management is all about. Sponges go into my back pocket, bulges are never an issue in back pockets. I keep my cellular telephone in a nice leather belt holster. And I keep cards, a coin purse, a tt, and other stuff in my front pockets.
Weird is part of the job.
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EZrhythm
New user
Trade secrets. First send $1 for every
78 Posts
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Posted: Dec 29, 2011 4:14am
+1 for the cell phone holster as a prop holder. The cover flap may also be removed for EZ'r retrieval. Add some foam to make props snug.
Your desired performance pants and a visit to an alterations shop can do wonders. Pockets can be widened or deepened and one can even have extra pockets added. Imagine reaching in to your front pockets and having a choice of two pockets in each. Additional smaller (ticket) pockets can be sewn in too.
For those that do not like their pockets coming inside out they can be sewed so as not to do this.
Here is how to make a hidden inseam pocket; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOCCu4khPgY&feature=related
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cwaj400
New user
11 Posts
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Posted: Jan 8, 2012 3:24pm
Can I ask, I really like the coin in bottle effect, but there are so many and I'm not sure of the best, could I have some help deciding?
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Leland
Inner circle
St Louis
1091 Posts
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Posted: Jan 8, 2012 8:44pm
Wear good fitting clothes to look good. How much do you carry at one time that you need clothes a few sizes bigger? You may want to re-think your sets.
Life of Magic!
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ThatsJustWrong!
Special user
My flying monkeys are perched on
590 Posts
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Posted: Jan 8, 2012 10:23pm
I'm a big guy myself and agree with Wmegbli about wearing your clothes correctly. Larger men can't afford to have bulging pockets or anything that breaks the line of the eye because we're fighting an appearance battle from the beginning. I almost always work in a sportscoat and tie, suit or tuxedo and my working clothes are treated like a stage costume in that I have a few extra pockets installed and, whenever possible, I change at the venue. I carry my cards low so their weight helps the coat hang better on me. More importantly, I don't carry anything that's not used 'on stage.' I'm always surprised at magicians who carry two wallets (everyday and act) or their car keys that jingle when they reach for coins during walk around; for big guys, that's ten times worse. No extra change (just props), just the bills for the act, etc. In short, us fat guys have to travel extra lean. 
Best regards,
Joe
Joe Leo
www.MisfitMagic.net
All entertainers can benefit from some help from an experienced stage director. How about you?
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Frank Starsini
Eternal Order
Northern California
12227 Posts
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Posted: Jan 14, 2012 12:03pm
Quote:
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On 2011-06-15 14:56, jeff boren wrote:
Is it best to wear pants a size or 2 larger so the pockets are easier to reach my hands into to retrieve/ditch items?
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Absolutely not! As professionals we need to look our best.
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate,
Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder.
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pjarnold
New user
22 Posts
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Posted: Feb 8, 2012 8:00pm
I like using the tension from the bottom of a regular fitting shirt to hold the sponge ball loads. Anywhere from the sides back will usually conceal it out of vision. The bonuses of this are you now have gravity on your side and no need to even go to your pockets.
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