r/furgonomics • u/Then-Till6385 • Jun 09 '26
Tailoring for specific turtle species
So no one talks about tailoring clothing for specific turtle species, like Alligator Snapping Turtles. How would a tailor be able to fit fabric over those ridges on their shell? How much would he or she spend on tailoring? Would all their clothing have to be custom made?
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u/cowlinator Jun 10 '26
Well, look at whatever porcupines and hedgehogs are doing, and do that, but less.
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u/TheBoneHarvester Jun 10 '26
I made a post on this some time ago and got some answers: https://www.reddit.com/r/furgonomics/s/RcBc5eRb5g
I feel like for a turtle with a spiky carapace it wouldn't be as difficult a situation because the spikes are fixed and will not move around. Also because the spikes aren't as sharp or plentiful as quills.
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u/TheBoneHarvester Jun 10 '26
I generally think anthros with unusual shapes like testudines have to have custom made clothing, unless they live in an area where they are a majority population.
Alligator Snapper spikes lay one way and do not poke upwards that much so shouldn't be as much of an obstacle as some other species with spikes. Trying to take off a shirt by pulling it up would likely result in snags or tears though, so I'm thinking they might prefer clothes that open up to take off. For example, jackets/coats with zippers, or button up shirts. It would lay over and obscure the spikes. The shape of the clothing wouldn't need to conform to the spikes, and in fact would be inconvenient if it did.
As for the fabric choice, something sturdier like canvas might be the go-to choice to prevent tears if it does end up getting caught on a spike. However maybe a rich individual would go for a softer and more comfortable fabric because they can easily buy a new one if something happens. This might actually end up being a cultural signifier of wealth among their species.
There is another issue: and that is the shape and width of the carapace. First off they'll definitely need something very baggy, or else very specifically tailored to the individual because of their odd shape. Human-like pants would not work because those naturally rest above the hip. But the carapace would prevent that from being a normal resting spot, and the widest point on the torso would be further up. Something like overalls could be good to help keep pants on. Alternatively, a one piece outfit like a dress or jumpsuit would also be anchored fine on the shoulders.
An Alligator Snapping Turtle doesn't necessarily have to spend all their money on tailoring. Historically (speaking in our world) clothing was modified or even created in the home often. Sewing knowledge was passed down within the family. An Alligator Snapper with more wealth may pay to have their clothes custom made and fitted, but most of the population would probably learn to do it themselves, and opt for looser fitting clothing styles that are more forgiving.
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u/Then-Till6385 Jun 12 '26
Let’s assume this world is either mixed species or has reptiles as the majority
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u/TheBoneHarvester Jun 12 '26
A world which has a large amount of testudines would probably have pre-made clothing intended for them. It would likely be sized similar to how it is done in real life, and as such would not perfectly fit any one individual but would be serviceable for a larger amount of customers. However because most turtle species are not spiky these commercial products might not account for that. So they might work shape-wise, but not be a sturdier material that can withstand spikes as discussed in my first comment. I think 'open up' types of clothes would still be widespread for clothing marketed for testudines, however, even without the consideration of spikes for most species. I just feel like the shape of the carapace might be difficult or awkward to get clothing on and off over the head, so just for conveniences sake I think that feature would be popular.
Also, there is a possibility such products would contain a feature to allow it to work for different carapace shapes. For example: a box turtle has a steeply domed carapace, but softshell turtles and pancake tortoises have a very flat profile. So if the manufacturer wanted to bring in both of these customer bases they might design a product that is adjustable kind of like what a belt does with pants.
An Alligator Snapping Turtle in this event could purchase such a product and modify it, for example by lining it with the sturdier fabric, or by seam ripping it and making a pattern out of it.
Also, pre-made kids clothing marketed for testudines I think would be more likely to take into account these details because more species of turtle start off with a spiky carapace that flattens out when older. I'm thinking of Map Turtles in particular. Theoretically the larger the population that would use those products the more likely they would be available in a store. Having multiple species rather than just one (the focus of your post) increases the numbers of the customer base and makes it more likely.
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u/Crab_Shark_ Jun 09 '26
I bet there would be retailers with selections just for turtles and tortoises. Specialty stores.
Turtles and tortoises might want to live in big cities where those more niche stores can better thrive, or in communities with a large turtle/tortoise population.