Five Tips for Cosplayers and Other Recreational Costumers

As cosplay becomes more and more popular the number of new costumers crowding forums asking for advice keeps growing. After almost 6 years of cosplaying I’ve learned some tricks here and there that I hope might help others just jumping into this exciting, but sometimes difficult hobby.

These cosplayers portraying Tohma and Yuki from Gravitation were able to accurately construct their entire costumes using store-bought items.

1) Look in clothing stores

No matter where I go, I always keep an eye out for cloths, or shoes especially, that might work for a costume I plan on creating. You never know what little find you might make that can save you time and sometimes money and some costumes incorporate very realistic clothing items such as button down shirts or denim jeans. Great places to check out for costume items are Salvation Army/Good Will locations.

If you are making your costume for a competition, though, be warned: if you’re not going to alter the item it cannot be counted toward your judging, no matter how hard it was for you to find it. When in doubt, make it yourself. The judges will be much more impressed if you do.

2) Alter store-bought patterns

Even in contests there is no penalization for using a pattern you did not make yourself. In fact, almost all my costumes come from patterns I’ve found in fabric stores. You’d be surprised what you can do with a little creative alteration.

3) Freeze Spray

I do not know how I lived as a member of the cosplay community before I found freeze spray. This stuff works WONDERS. It is most effective when dried with a hair dryer as you style (see photo) and make sure to have a friend on hand if you need help getting hard to reach spots. Be warned though, as with any hair spray used to tease your hair, you'll need lots of shampoo and conditioner on hand for when you wash it out.

4) Never underestimate the power of cardboard

I had a mask making workshop at theater school once where we created amazing things out of little more than cardboard and tape. This could be great for props or (if you’re not too picky with your realism) prosthetics. If I’m not mistaken I’ve also seen incredible suits of armor such as Al from FMA or various mobile suits constructed from cardboard.

5) Have Fun!

No one is forcing you (at least I hope not) to cosplay. Hobbies are supposed to be fun, and if you don’t enjoy it then simply don’t do it. That doesn’t mean it can’t be challenging and you might get aggravated with it, especially if you push yourself, but the most important thing is to remember to have fun with it.