Popeye

I'm Popeye the Sailor Man,
I'm Popeye the Sailor Man.
I'm strong to the 'finich'
Cause I eats me spinach.
I'm Popeye the Sailor Man

^{_{lyrics by Sammy Lerner}}

Sound argument. Who am I to argue?

In case you've never heard, Popeye is an iconic cartoon sailor popularized in American culture from 1919 until present day. The usual setup saw Popeye on a wacky adventure with his friends, which usually ended up in a sea-themed conflict resulting in Popeye finding himself in trouble. Popeye is no ordinary sailor, he gets stronger when he eats spinach; which he undoubtedly acquires no matter what situation he finds himself. The adventure wraps up with Popeye defeating the foe and saving the day (maybe a kiss from Olive Oyl).
What a hero!

To make this costume, I relied on Popeye's key memorable distinctions:

sailor's outfit (step 2-3)
pipe (step 4-5)
aficionado for spinach (step 6-7)
freakishly-muscular forearms (step 8)

_{Popeye fact: Popeye has had a long and distinguished history, in which he joined the Navy during an American WWII war propaganda campaign. During the campaign, Popeye's traditional costume was replaced with the classic white American Navy uniform, complete with sailor's cap. For some perspective: Popeye joining the war effort then, would be like Dilbert inciting an en masse office-revolt against global management oppression now.

It would blow. your. mind.

As a result, this alternative costume is almost as iconic as his original outfit.}
This costume is based on the traditional Popeye cartoon.

Well blow me down, let's makes me a Popeye!

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Step 1: Tools + materials

All of the materials required were found at the thrift or dollar store.
Total cost was around $15.

I originally had a slightly higher budget but had loaned some money to that darn Wimpy, who said he would pay me Tuesday for a hamburger today. I'm starting to think I'm not going to see a payback anytime soon.

tools:

tunic
- needle + thread (or sewing machine)
- scissors
- pins
pipe
- drill
- 12-14mm (1/2") drill bit
- 5-9mm (3/16-15/16") drill bit
- 4mm (3/8") drill bit
- hose clamp
- saw
- metal file
can
- can opener
- metal file
- utility knife
- glue gun
- printer
- straight-edge
other
- seam ripper
- oven
- marker

materials:

tunic
- 1x black polo t-shirt_{(thrift store)}
- 1x red t-shirt_{(thrift store)}
- 1x light blue t-shirt_{(thrift store)}
- 3x large buttons _{(thrift store)}
- black yarn _{($dollar store)}
arms
- 2x ladies stockings (support or thick weave)_{($dollar store)}
- 1x ladies tights (sheer) _{($dollar store)}
- pillow batting _{(thrift store)}
pipe
- corn cob
- 25cm (12") bamboo garden stake
- salt
- plastic baggie
can
- green foam _{($dollar store})
- spinach can label
other
- sailor hat prop _{(thrift store)}
- yellow belt ₍_{thrift store)}

pankakes says: Feb 15, 2013. 10:38 PM

I'm not sure how it works, but the Missouri Meershaum Company makes their corncobs using glue (not in a way that reduces functionality of course). I just wanted to say that its possible :)

Benzerman says: Oct 2, 2011. 2:25 PM

Can you actually smoke out of this pipe? Seems like it should work, but since this is for a costume, I just wanted to make sure.

116

mikeasaurus (author) in reply to BenzermanOct 2, 2011. 2:33 PM

Yes, the pipe actually worked. We mashed up cigarettes and pipe tobacco and used it during a Halloween party.

If you intend to make a corn cob pipe and use it I suggest friction fitting the pieces together rather than using glue.

I'd love to see your version if you make one!

rebele93 says: Nov 1, 2010. 9:26 AM

Thanks for this wonderful post. We used this design to help us with our Popeye costume. We ended up winning our costume contest at work!
Here is a picture ouf our completed costume: http://bit.ly/9Lb7qb

116

mikeasaurus (author) in reply to rebele93Nov 3, 2010. 12:39 PM

Great job on the costume!
Looks like you had some competition for your work costume contest, congratulations on winning!

porcupinemamma says: Oct 25, 2010. 9:01 AM

AMAZING!!!!!! Well done.

Honus says: Oct 24, 2010. 8:38 AM

Awesome costume!

DaveySprocket says: Oct 24, 2010. 6:50 AM

Wow! Your props are awesome! Can't wait to eat that cob of corn I've got in the fridge so I can turn it into a pipe!!!

angelabchua says: Oct 22, 2010. 3:10 PM

yessss. great family guy clip!

Prisma Nova says: Oct 22, 2010. 2:02 PM

Wow, that is excellent! And I particularly love the solution for the big arms.

269

sunshiine says: Oct 22, 2010. 10:33 AM

Love it!

Vladimyr says: Oct 22, 2010. 10:24 AM

Awesome!! So much fun. I've been a huge fan of Popeye since I was little. I would have killed (not literally) to have a Popeye costume like this as a kid. You've rekindled the flame, my good man!! Next year for Halloween I'll be eating me spinach.