Why Ahsoka Tano Doesn't Wear Traditional Jedi Robes in 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars' Actorsvaultpro

Ahsoka Tano doesn’t wear the typical Jedi robes other iconic Star Wars heroes are known for, raising questions about her attire. From The Clone Wars to Rebels to her own Disney+ series, Ahsoka has always been known for her unyielding attitude, giving even Anakin Skywalker a run for his money. While a degree of impulsiveness is tolerable for a padawan, Ahsoka is part of an ancient order that comes with expectations and traditions. Attire is an integral part of the Star Wars world, and stories and elements of lore have stemmed from the BTS costume choices (Mace Windu’s purple lightsaber, as an example).

Robes have been a defining quality of the Jedi since Sir Alec Guinness suited up as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the original Star Wars, and the sandy beige and brown colors continued to fashion the Jedi Council in the prequels. Of course, however, there are exceptions. Anakin’s dark robes in Attack of the Clones allow him to stand out from the other Jedi, demonstrating that there’s no official dress code. The same can be said for Luminara Unduli and Barriss Offee.

Ahsoka Was Never Required To Wear Jedi Robes

Lucasfilms

The Jedi Order is deeply principled and strict in its regulations of how its members conduct themselves. Becoming a Jedi means taking on a way of life and making sacrifices, but those don’t include the complete omission of one’s home culture. The Jedi are incredibly diverse, with species originating from planets throughout the galaxy, and each of these respective cultures has its own clothing norms. Ahsoka Tano is a Togruta from the planet Shili, and she is allowed to maintain her customs.

Aside from their montrals and facial pigments, Togruta are portrayed with varying attire throughout the Star Wars franchise. Shaak Ti, for example, wears more generalized robes in Attack of the Clones, although she also incorporates features of traditional Togruta attire, such as her skirt and tabard. Ahsoka’s original outfit, which included the bandeau top and skirt, doesn’t appear to be representative of Togruta culture in any particular way, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t planned with attention to detail.

According to a book called The Art of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, George Lucas was personally involved in Ahsoka’s design, and he and Dave Filoni worked together to create a character who could stand out among the numerous Jedi introduced in the prequel films. Ahsoka is an aggressive, quick fighter, so it behooves her to wear lighter clothing. While some fans have criticized the sexualized outfit, it seems like it was crafted for her Star Wars arc, with her shifting to the more traditional robes over time.

Release Date: 2008 – 2020-00-00
Network: Cartoon Network, Netflix, Disney+
Directors: Brian Kalin O’Connell, Steward Lee, Giancarlo Volpe, Bosco Ng, Danny Keller, Rob Coleman, Justin Ridge, Nathaniel Villanueva, Saul Ruiz, Jesse Yeh, Duwayne Dunham, Atsushi Takeuchi, Robert Dalva, Walter Murch
Writers: Katie Lucas, Christian Taylor, Brent V. Friedman, Matt Michnovetz, Drew Z. Greenberg, Steven Melching, Chris Collins, Charles Murray, Eoghan Mahony, Bonnie Mark, Craig W. Van Sickle, Daniel Arkin, Jose Molina, Steven Long Mitchell, Cameron Litvack, George Krstic, Carl Ellsworth, Craig Titley, Julie Siege, Jonathan W. Rinzler, Ben Edlund, Douglas Petrie, Kevin D. Campbell, Kevin Rubio