Today’s review features the Loungefly x Star Wars Rey goggles headband. First released in July 2016 as part of the SDCC exclusive Rey backpack, the headband was later available separately at Hot Topic. Taking inspiration from Rey’s Jakku outfit from The Force Awakens, the stretch headband features goggles made from fabric and faux leather.
Complete your Jakku scavanger cosplay with this Rey “goggle” headband from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
The headband is priced at US$10.90 each – but is currently on sale for only US$8.72 each! Hot Topic can ship internationally, which is great.
Loungefly Rey goggles headband – US$10.90 each
The ‘everyday cosplay’ style headband features an stretchy fabric headband, with applique’ goggles detail on the front. The headband came with a black cardboard tag wrapped around the band, which features the Star Wars and Loungefly logos, noting this is a licensed item.
I was of course keen to see if there is any difference between this standard version, and the one that was included with the 2016 San Diego Comic Con exclusive Rey backpack. Comparing the 2 headbands together in person, there is no discernible difference in design or construction. There is of course a little variation in the the raw fabric edges, but that will be the case for each individual item. In the photo below, the one purchased from Hot Topic is on the left, and the SDCC version is on the right.
I am surprised Loungefly did not let fans know the headband would be available to buy separately later, as that would have been a great relief for everyone who missed out. The backpack itself was available in a ‘standard edition’ without the headband and collectable pin, arriving at stores shortly after SDCC – it is still available at ThinkGeek.
Being an overseas collector, I am always happy to see companies make popular items more widely available (I’ve never liked the system of event exclusive merchandise, as it only rewards a few fans while re-sellers get the rest). The SDCC Rey backpack with headband was limited to only 200, which is a quite low edition number – so now everyone can get a Rey headband! Being able to buy both the backpack and goggles from stores means that it was only the small collectable pin that was truly exclusive to San Diego Comic Con.
The goggle portion is sewn from 3 layers – a bottom layer of raw edged fabric, black faux leather for the lenses, and a top layer of light brown faux leather with dark brown ‘hand stitching’ detail. The goggle portion measures approximately 22cm across, and 7.8cm high (at the widest parts).
The edge of the raw fabric section is a little fragile, you can pull threads out, so I’m going to be careful with mine to prevent too much fraying. This is of course very much in keeping with the costume inspiration and style, like it has been weathered and worn by the harsh environment of Jakku. If the fraying bothers you, try carefully sealing the edges with a clear-drying craft glue.
The goggles are attached to the headband in 6 places with hand stitching (2 at each end of the goggles, and 2 in the middle). These can be easily cut if you desired, to attach the goggle portion to a different headband. I find the headband very comfortable – snug enough to stay in place, but not too tight as to risk getting uncomfortable when wearing all day.
The headband itself is sewn from a beige stretch fabric, with a gathered segment of elastic inside at the back. There is a small printed fabric sewn into the inside of the headband, which features the Loungefly and Star Wars logos, noting this is a licensed item.
I do wish more companies would make licensed Star Wars hair bands – my hair length varies from shoulder to waist length, so I always need accessories. I am happy to see this Rey themed headband widely available for fans, even if it is perhaps not the most subtle design for everyday wear. It is perfect for a Rey themed outfit, or for events like Star Wars Celebration – I would love to see Loungefly create more Star Wars headbands like this!
