Mimes are incredible artists that convey a story without the use of words, music, or background set. Want to dress like one? Well, the good news is that dressing like a mime doesn’t have to be cliche and use the standard striped black and white shirt, and in order to do so you don’t need to buy a special costume or accessories – you can probably use clothes that are already in your own closet. Read further to learn how to dress like a mime.
What Do Mimes Wear?
Even though mimes do wear other colors besides just black and white to portray their character more easily, usually the most common colors mimes wear are indeed those classic black and white. This is done to give the mime artist a neutral effect as well as make it easier to see his/her facial expressions.
Additionally, the use of these colors makes it so that the facial expressions are the center of the act. When the mime acts out something, the black and white make a neutral background for the subject. Wearing a “dramatic” color such as red or blue draws away from the attention to the act itself.
Additionally, white face paint is used. Few looks are iconic like the white and black mime face paint. The exaggerated features and bold contrast of shades allow performers to communicate without the use of words. The white full-face make-up is there to heighten the dramatic impact of the movements and expressions. Also, this make-up created a face of “Everyman” during the performance, which helps all different members of the audience to identify with the situation.
How to Dress Like a Mime?
Want to dress like a mime? it’s quite easy!
Things You’ll Need:
- White gloves.
- Suspenders (optional, but will add to the appearance).
- Black and white striped shirt (Instead, you can use black or white plain shirt, and maybe top it with a black vest).
- Black pants or leotard
- white face paint (optional – a thuch of red or green).
- Beret
- Black Shoes
Put on your black pants and shoes. Now you have a variety of choices regarding the shirt, but keep in mind you need to keep in the black and white frame: either go for the classic black and white stripes option or choose a less standard full white (or black) one and top it with a vest in the opposite color (to create the contrast in color that we need). In any case, don’t wear colored shirts.
To this basic look, you should add white cotton gloves and a beret hat for authenticity. Derby and top hats also work if you cannot find a beret.
Now it’s time for your mime face paint. Paint your face white and add black to your eyelids and eyebrows (optional but can add to the drama of the face.). Apply some color to the lips. It can be white, black, or even red to attract more attention. Up to you. For more tips on the way to paint your face and the best makeup products to use, see our full tutorial we linked to.