Cosplay is the art of imitating a character from an anime, manga, video game, or other type of visual medium. Here's a simple guide on how to build your own cosplay outfit or costume.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Choose your character
Step 1. It can belong to a show, a movie, a video game, a comic strip, an anime, a manga or even a band
Your character can belong to an American, Japanese, Chinese or anywhere else. You could even cosplay a character of the opposite sex or an animal. All up to you.
Method 2 of 5: Choose your costume
Step 1. Take the weather into account
It's okay if you want to wear a full-size Totoro costume to a convention in the summer, but you will feel hot, you will be tired, and you will dehydrate very quickly. On the other hand, if you want to cosplay Winry Rockbell from Full Metal Alchemist in cold weather, this could be a problem!
Step 2. Choose the outfit you prefer
Many characters wear more than one outfit, so pick one. Also, many websites offer ready-to-wear outfits.
Method 3 of 5: Assemble the Components
Step 1. Divide the costume into its components
This will make the project look less overwhelming.
- Check your current wardrobe to find the components of your costume. Everything you already have will decrease the amount of work you have to do. Items such as gloves, shoes, and hats can be easily modified.
-
Try to make the footwear as similar as possible. DO NOT wear sneakers with a great costume!
- Ask other cosplayers how they made certain components. This is a great conversation starter and is often seen as a compliment.
- Determine if you can find a base or an item that you can modify at a thrift store.
For example, if you're cosplaying Jesse from Team Rocket, look for a white turtleneck, a properly sized black top, and a white skirt. These garments can easily be transformed into the character's outfit
Step 2. Take a slow walk through your local fabric and clothing stores
You might get some sudden inspiration to reproduce the details, and you might find suitable materials and ideas.
Bring your reference images to the store to make sure you get the right colors and materials
Method 4 of 5: Sew the components you don't already have on hand
Step 1. Buy a pattern
If you can't find any garment that you can modify, you can make your own. Fabric stores don't just offer fabrics, they also provide sewing ideas and patterns.
Step 2. Buy the right fabric
- Keep your character in mind. For example, don't buy crushed velvet if you're going to be a rogue warrior.
- Take into account the characteristics of the fabric. Some fabrics that look elegant in normal lighting can look like a bright mess when photographed with a flash.
Step 3. When you buy the fabric, also buy thread, buttons, fasteners, zippers, and other matching items
Step 4. Cut and sew the patterns
Measure yourself and adapt the patterns accordingly, if you haven't already.
Step 5. Put it on and try it on
Try on the costume by moving as you normally would. Sizing issues are best spotted before you get to the convention!
Method 5 of 5: Finding a Place to Exhibit Yourself
Step 1. Conventions, Halloween parties, or costume events are best for this
You could have a fantastic costume, but it is not recommended to wear it in public in an everyday situation.
Step 2. Enjoy the attention your costume attracts
Advice
- Take time to put together your costume. Sewing overnight before a convention can ruin the event.
- Wigs are good options if you don't have the right length or hairstyle. Sometimes, even with these aspects, getting the shape right could be too difficult with your hair.
- Props are a great way to enhance your cosplay, but you may need to resize them to match yours. Be careful about the shape of your props.
- Don't disassemble your garments in hopes of re-sewing them to make them look similar to your character's outfit. It will be much easier for you to use patterns!
- If you're dyeing your hair an artificial color like green using a dye like Manic Panic, try to do it shortly before the convention, as roots grow faster than you might imagine.
- On the Internet you can find good cosplay wigs for a cheap price. Also, thrift stores will be your best friends; Also, the super glue will be very useful.
- To buy fabrics, put your hand under them and take a flash photo of them. You can then determine if they will help create a form-fitting garment.
Warnings
- Some props such as guns and pistols will need to be reviewed and approved in advance, especially if they are made of steel or are sharp and can be harmful; or if they are pistols that look real.
- If you're going to a convention or event that many parents or young children will be attending, a revealing cosplay outfit might be inappropriate.