With the rising popularity of superhero fiction and anime, the cosplay industry has gained enormous levels of popularity. Some have even turned their hobby into a way to earn over $100,000 a year! If you’re new to the game and want to know how to join the fun, keep reading.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about cosplay for beginners.
Cosplay Outfits: Where to Start
It’s easy for beginners to sign up for a cosplay convention or cosplay event before thinking through who or what they will dress as. Professional cosplayers often spend weeks or months preparing their ensembles, which usually entails sewing, special ordering garments, styling wigs, testing out makeup, and building props. While you don’t need to create a costume straight from a movie set, you should give yourself enough time to order the pieces you need and make alterations or have them done.
Take Your Measurements
If you go to the expense of custom ordering elements of your cosplay outfit or buying a costly piece, you should ensure it will fit. As the cosplay industry is big in other nations outside of the United States, clothing may vary in size depending on where it is produced. Knowing what your measurements are in inches as well as centimeters is a useful way to avoid sizing mix-ups.
Pick a Character You Love
When it comes to cosplay, it doesn’t matter if you have the same body type as the character you want to dress as. The experience would be more meaningful if you choose someone you love. It helps you feel connected to the character and embody them.
The more you know about the character you are dressing as the better you will pull off the outfit. Study the character’s movements and body language. Other cosplayers share tips for walking, talking, and basic interactions that help to bring the entire look together.
Lastly, don’t worry if the character you wish to dress as is not as popular as modern superheroes or infamous villains. There will always be at least one person at a cosplay event who recognizes you, which is always a fun moment!
Buy From a Reputable Company
While many professional cosplayers sew or handcraft elements of their outfits, that doesn’t mean you need to have crafting skills in order to participate. What you should do, in place of sewing or making your own alterations, is buy from a reputable company. Search the seller’s name online and look for reviews and photographs.
Online cosplay communities on places like Facebook, Reddit, Tik Tok, and other social platforms often offer excellent help or support, including cosplay tips on who to buy from. A quality source is Costumes Heaven, which provides a wide variety of costumes and accessories from movies, television shows, anime, comics, video games, and more.
Bring Pins, Clips, and Tape
Putting on a wig isn’t like putting on a hat. If you’ll be wearing a wig for a few hours or more, you’ll want to secure it with hairpins and wig-safe tape. Use fashion tape to secure accessories or parts of your outfit.
Cosplay for Beginners Made Simple
Cosplay is for everyone, and we hope you found this guide to cosplay for beginners helpful. Remember to take your measurements, pick a character you love, buy from a reputable seller, and bring extra accessories to keep your ensemble together. If you liked this article and want to read more articles on pop culture, lifestyle, and more, check out the rest of our site!
