In order to choose the perfect cosplay character, first think about what you like. What is your current obsession? What sorts of things do you most enjoy watching or playing? Questions like these can help you pinpoint a character that best represents your interests. The character you cosplay could be from a TV show, movie, video game, anime, comic book, musical group, or even real life.
If you’re planning on cosplaying Vegeta from Dragonball Z, you might stick with his regular Saiyan armor, or go with a less common variant like his sleeveless blue training outfit or casual pink shirt and yellow pants ensemble. [4] X Research source People will be more likely to recognize you as the main version of your character, but exploring alternate costume ideas can give you the chance to do something unique. You’re also free to invent your own totally original costume concepts by blending themes or elements from different titles and genres, such as Jedi Harry Potter. [5] X Research source
Search the Internet for high-res screenshots that clearly highlight every part of the costume. If you can’t find any good full-body shots, try saving multiple photos that show the character from different angles. There are plenty of 3D models for video game characters available online. These can come in handy for crafting costumes, as they offer a full 360-degree view of the character. [7] X Research source
Don’t forget to consider logistical factors, as well, such as when and where you’ll be sporting your costume. An enclosed bodysuit with a helmet, gloves, and heavy boots may just be too plain hot to wear to a convention in the middle of summer. Challenges can fuel your creativity, but if you can’t think of a good way to make your costume a reality, you may have no choice but to scrap your original idea and go back to the drawing board.
Check the costume guidelines before you show up. Event organizers sometimes impose rules forbidding attendees from wearing anything that could be seen as crude or offensive. [10] X Research source If you’re not comfortable modeling your costume around your own family, it’s probably best not to wear it to a public event.
Make a list of everything you need to assemble your costume and check it off as you continue to accumulate items. [12] X Research source To cosplay Jesse from Pokemon’s Team Rocket, for instance, all you really need is a white skirt, a white turtleneck that you can cut up and draw on, and long black gloves and boots.
You may also be able to turn up smaller accessories like bags, glasses, jewelry, and wigs at a thrift store. Take your reference images to the store with you to make sure you’re picking out colors, patterns, and materials that are a match. [14] X Research source
Refer back to the images you’ve collected of your character to make sure each of the fine details you brush on is neat and accurate. Invest in high quality sweat-proof makeup and paint products if you’re going to be spending long periods of time in your costume. Chances are, you’ll get pretty hot—if you’re not careful, all your hard work could end up running down your face by lunchtime. [16] X Research source
Be sure to get your friend’s permission before making any modifications to their creations. Take good care of the pieces you borrow. Your friend is doing you a favor by loaning them out to you, so it’s important not to dirty them up or damage them in any way.
Costume stores can also be a lifesaver when you’re just looking for one or two elusive items to complete a costume. A prop trident, for instance, could be all that’s missing from your homemade Aquaman costume. If you can’t find the exact costume you want in stores, try searching for it online.
Having some sewing skills in your repertoire is also useful for adding embellishments to items to make them more faithful to your source material. Record all of your major measurements (shoulders, chest, waist, hips, thighs, and inseam) so you’ll be able to tailor your custom clothing to your frame. [20] X Research source
Rummage through your closets or garage to search for scrap cardboard or plywood that you might be able to convert to costume components. If you don’t have any luck, ask around at area businesses—many stores give away old boxes for free. [22] X Research source Plywood will hold up better than cardboard if you’re going to be moving around in your costume or packing it up to transport it.
You can buy sheets of EVA foam at any craft store for just a few dollars. Browse user-submitted templates for various weapons and accessories on cosplay websites and message boards, or simply have fun figuring out how to put things together yourself. [24] X Research source
Natural fabrics like cotton and linen tend to accept and hold color better than synthetic ones. With only some fabric paint and a few DIY stencils, you could transform a cheap shirt and pair of pants into a screen-accurate “Star Trek” uniform.
Many companies will 3D print custom items for a price. The cost of these services may vary depending on the size, complexity, and material of your item. If you plan on making cosplay a long-term hobby, it will be worth your time to gain some experience with 3D design software like Meshmixer, FreeCAD, or Vectary that you can use to create your own models for printing. [27] X Research source
