Clothes for Shapeshifters

So my setting features a society where many people are shapeshifters and are capable of shifting into different people (but are incapable of controlling it) They may end up in a body that has a much diiferent body type than their previous one. I've run into the conundrum of exactly HOW they would wear clothing if it isn't guarenteed that it would fit for an extended period of time (this setting has not developed elastic yet)

• I've thought up that people could wear clothing that is baggy, but can be tightened by ribbons/strings at the sleeves, waist and legs of pants. But I have no idea what they would do for shoes.
• Any feedback you could give would be GREATLY appreciated.

slipper socks

So people are just randomly shifting into other people all the time... wow, that is going to cause a lot of problems for that society. I would wonder if they would have just given up and wear ponchos and cloaks instead.

If they don't shift too dramatically (conservation of mass) then robes, tunics and similar garments. Poor people go without footwear, as they often did in history, better-off people have foot wrappings. (you may want the shifts to be slow enough that anyone afflicted can adjust clothing as needed without being trapped.)

The ways I'm handling shapeshifters in my 'verse:

• The Artificial Human / Cyborg bio-andriods that have Voluntary Shapeshifting can "mimic" clothing. Earth's military is the only user of these cyborgs, they have a pre-programed "dress" that mimics a military uniform.

• An alien race that also has Voluntary Shapeshifting to a lesser extend (they are Starfish Aliens in their native form) can fit in a biped's clothing. However most wear loose fitting robes or outfits that allow them to use their Combat Tentacles.

edited 5th Dec '13 6:50:51 PM by TairaMai

Spandex.

Spandex can change size to a degree, but it won't solve all the problems. It only stretches so far, and it still is limited by the size it was cut to in the first place. If you don't believe me, try to put on a leotard or catsuit that's several sizes too small for you.

It depends on climate, as they could get away with wearing minimal clothing in certain climates, but otherwise I'd second loose and/or adjustable clothing. I'd go with robes or maybe a loose shirt + wraparound skirt over baggier versions of normal western clothes unless they have a reason to go for pants. Higher-formality clothing might just mean more layers or certain colours rather than being tailored.

Although, even if it's possible for someone to change drastically in body shape, that doesn't have to mean people are expecting it to eventually happen. It depends on how often the shapeshifting occurs and how much variation they actually experience. So they might not bother to be prepared for every situation. A robe would suffice for a wide range of shapes but the same robe would not be ideal for a tiny 4'11" person and a huge muscular 6'5" person.

Also, if they have a default form the clothes would be basically made to accommodate that shape, and it just needs to be loose enough in case they transform that day.

If it's normal to change drastically in shape every day then they might just give up and go with either clothes made from a length of cloth that could be rewrapped (like a toga or something) or go around in cloaks.

I'd say do away with any idea of pants all together. They're just going to make life more difficult. Ponchos and drawstring skirts are the way to go.

Oh, and just to clarify for some people who have suggested Spandex, it wouldn't make sense for them to be that technologically advanced.

If you're going the "adjustable clothing" route, what's to stop them from just carrying multiple pairs of shoes (or maybe shoes which can have the ridged, non-adjustable parts switched out)?

edited 6th Dec '13 2:31:27 PM by Bisected8

Convenience, I expect.