r/CosplayHelp May 22 '17

Welcome! A quick note about posting.

143 Upvotes

Hi all! So glad to see people posting here. This subreddit is still a baby, but I thought I would add a casual rule when posting. If applicable, please be sure to include a link to a photo that relates to the question your asking. If you need help with a character, link to that character. If you need help with a sewing method, show what you're trying to replicate. This will help us be able to help you better!


r/CosplayHelp Aug 17 '22

Cosplay 101 answers to a lot of basics

439 Upvotes

First and foremost. Your health and safety is more important than 100% accuracy. If making or wearing the item will be dangerous or painful don’t do it.

Second, I’d add this info to the FAQ but it appears I don’t have enough karma to update it personally! If the info is in the FAQ I did not duplicate it here! (The FAQ is on the sidebar! It wasn’t visible before for some reason but it’s up now!)

This is not a comprehensive list, but I hope to be able to update it when I come across new or important information! I do hope if you’re looking for something not featured here, it will at least give you a base knowledge set on how to be able to search for what you’re looking for.

------------------GENERAL TIPS-----------------------------

(Where to find certain things, very basic crafting info)

EDIT TO REMOVE INFO ABOUT COSPLANNER APP, it doesn't appear to exist anymore!

-To find patterns, or specific props. These are host websites for artists or creators where they can sell things like Etsy, or Redbubble. Etsy is a fantastic place to look for patterns to make props or cosplay pieces, sometimes you can even find people open for commissions! Artists on instagram will almost always have links to their shops to buy things, so explore there too.

-To find cheaper clothing pieces, props, or things to be altered try thrift stores. So Goodwill or other small local resale shops. This will likely take more than one trip so don’t give up if you don’t get it in one go. Ebay is also a good place to check believe it or not, there’s just a slight learning curve to searching things to find what you want.

-Dance and Athletic apparel websites will have things like leotards, bodysuits, specialized undergarments etc. They’re going to be a little pricier but they’ll be good quality, durable, and 9 times out of 10 machine washable!

-Hardware stores, paintball and airsoft companies, military/paramilitary surplus, and second hand sports equipment stores may also be good places to check for bits and pieces. Paintball/airsoft will also have a variety of masks and helmets that can be painted and altered.

-VERY IMPORTANT FOR PROP WEAPONS: Always look into your local guidelines and convention rules to see what kinds of prop weapons are allowed! Some cons have strict policies on what can and cannot be brought in!

-Michael’s, Joann Fabrics, Hobby Lobby etc. and any local craft stores will have tons and tons of craft supplies. If you want to save money and keep up to date on sales check to see if you can join an email list. I know Joann’s has coupons in them all the time!

-You can buy a variety of brands of fabric paint from almost anywhere that sells craft supplies. This makes it easy to get designs or patterns on most fabrics. For changing the color of an entire garment I’d recommend dying it.

-Some fabrics can be dyed different colors very easily, some cannot. A good way to tell is if the fabric is natural (cotton, linen etc.) it is generally easier to dye. The more synthetic (fake) a fabric is the longer and slightly more complicated it will be. Tulip is an excellent dye brand and they offer both regular and synthetic dyes with nice simple instructions right on the packages!

-You can make stencils out of craft foam or thicker paper to make it easier to copy logos or symbols on whatever you’re making!

-Wig and contact websites are listed in the FAQ but there are companies like dental distortions that make tooth veneers that can take a cosplay to the next level!

-Hollywood makeup, FX, and costume professionals almost always have social media accounts they can be extremely helpful when it comes to reference images! For example the costumer who designed the Moon Knight suits has tons of detail and behind the scenes images on her instagram!

-Complicated cosplays can be simplified by boiling down the costume to its essentials the best way I’ve learned to do this is through toys or fan art. What things are essential to recognizing the character and what things could be left off! You don’t have to be 100% to be recognizable!

-If big all out cosplays aren’t your thing you can always try “bounding.” You’ll hear “Disneybounding” most often but you can do it with other things too of course! Disney doesn’t allow adults to dress as characters in their parks, but fans got creative. “Bounding” is more about matching colors, getting similar accessories, or finding just the right combination of things to make you think of the character. It’s hard to explain verbally but easy to understand once you look into it!

-Say you have an OC, and you want to cosplay your OC. That’s fine! Have at it! You’ve got no professional media to tie you down! All these tips can still help you find or make your cosplay!

-I do have a friendly reminder though, please remember you cannot expect people to know who your character is. And it’s not fair to get mad at them if they make a guess and the guess is wrong. A simple “Nope its an OC!” is plenty for most people! I’ve complimented plenty of cosplayers and asked about their cosplay only to find out it was an OC!

“Crossplay” safety

-DO NOT BIN D YOUR CHEST WITH ACE BANDAGES IT’S UNSAFE. Compression tops or more heavy duty sports bras are much safer. If the character has an open shirt you can use wig tape/skin tape to hold the material of the shirt to your skin. If you do not have breasts but are looking to add some to a cosplay you can always pad a bra. You’ll want to measure your chest around your pectorals, that will be the band size, the letter size will be the cup. So a 34A means your chest is 34 inches around and A would be the cup size you would be looking to fill. (I have more on taking measurements later.) Companies now sell latex chests with or without breasts for people looking to be the most accurate they can.

-You can always just “genderbend” the thing and cosplay them as the same gender you are. It’s okay. People do it all the time and it’s very widely accepted. There’s also a third, more neutral option, don’t obviously genderbend the thing? You don’t have to call attention to the fact that you’re not the same gender as the character you’re cosplaying.

-An example of what I’m trying to explain: I generally read as female, but have cosplayed Johnny Cage one of the male characters from Mortal Kombat. His base look is shirtless, with his own first name tattooed across his chest. The only change I made was putting “Johnny” on a crop top. I didn’t “feminize” the rest of the outfit or go out of my way to be read as male. There is a “middle option” when it comes to presentation and cosplay. At the end of the day everybody knows it’s just a costume.

-This tip might seem dumb, but you’re going to have to trust me here. This mainly applies to people looking to make large costume pieces or props by hand. People who are already kind of intermediate with their skills. If you’re stuck on something go see how furries would make it. Not kidding. I’ve made all kinds of non-furry things with tutorials put on the internet by a furry. The vast majority of them are fun, friendly people and the community as a whole is WILDLY talented and creative. You only ever really hear about the bad apples.

---------Specific links to specific things! Clothing ID, Fabric ID, beginning sewing and mending----

A big question I see here is “what is that piece of clothing?” That’s a good question! Here are some links to historical fashion databases! They’re all arranged a little differently BUT this is a place to start looking for what specific pieces of clothing or styles are called!

marquise.de

http://www.marquise.de/en/index.html

met museum

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/libraries-and-research-centers/the-irene-lewisohn-costume-reference-library

fashion history timline

https://fashionhistory.fitnyc.edu/about-timeline/

UCLA Library

https://guides.library.ucla.edu/c.php?g=180359&p=1191211

-Do you need a pattern for a piece of clothing? Do you need fabric help? Here are pattern and fabric databases!

Sewing support

https://sewingsupport.com/

mood fabrics (free sewing patters!)

https://www.moodfabrics.com/blog/category/free-sewing-patterns/

master class, types of fabrics

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/28-types-of-fabrics-and-their-uses

creative curator, types of fabrics

https://www.thecreativecurator.com/different-types-of-fabric/

-If you’re going to be sewing or altering things it’s very important to know your measurements! Here’s how to take them!

https://www.clothingpatterns101.com/body-measurements.html

-Are you a beginner looking to make your own stuff? Awesome! Here’s a little bit to get you started. Are you not too interested in making things from scratch but want to be able to mend or alter existing clothing? This will help you too!

basic mending

https://remake.world/stories/style/how-to-mend-your-clothes-during-quarantine-5-easy-stitch-fixes/

basic mending stitches!

https://lifehacker.com/five-basic-hand-stitches-you-should-know-for-repairing-1723233194

basic hand stitches

https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/learn-stitches-and-hand-sewing-projects-2978472#:~:text=Here%20is%20how%20you%20do,middle%20of%20the%20first%20stitch

masterclass alterations

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-tailor-your-own-clothing

more alterations

https://www.heatherhandmade.com/sewing-and-alterations/

Here’s another important pro tip.

It’s okay.

Your cosplay doesn’t have to be perfect.

Cosplay is for fun and if it doesn’t feel fun or rewarding don’t do it. Other con goers and cosplayers aren’t going to judge you. If they do for some reason and try to make you feel bad about it, that says more about THEM and their personality than your ability. Everybody has to start somewhere. Nobody should be ashamed of learning and practicing and getting better. You can always go back and fix things or redo whole cosplays later on after your skills develop. This is a hobby and you have the right to participate in said hobby your own way.

I can add theatrical or FX makeup tips? things like scars, bruises, old age makeup, or like changing the face shape with very specific contouring?

I also have a draft of Convention tips similar to this post, would that be helpful as well?


r/CosplayHelp 7h ago

Makeup What it’s the best way I can replicate this for my cosplay?

Thumbnail
gallery
226 Upvotes

This is the character sua from zombie stage, I’m a bit clueless on what to do for her “flesh” parts for my cosplay. I was thinking of doing makeup for the face and shoulder but I’m scared it’s going to transfer onto the white dress or gloves by accident. And for the leg I suppose makeup or paint could work aswell but is there anyway to thin down my thigh so it skinny enough to look like the bone part?( obviously not THAT skinny but just enough that it’s noticeable and looks like flesh from my leg is missing, I was thinking some sort of tape to wrap around my leg?)

Anyways if you have any suggestions please let me know! this might be a difficult one because her flesh parts done really look like flesh in the show! :,)


r/CosplayHelp 13h ago

Etiquette (Rant) Is it so much to ask for photographers and non-cosplayers to be normal?

137 Upvotes

I don’t see why me simply existing in cosplay means I constantly have to fight of random absolute strangers who keep trying to shoot their shot??
It’s just outrageous that despite being barely legal(19 since June, though I be been cosplaying since 16) and someone who’s frequently told I look younger than I am, that there are still these men in their late twenties and thirties that actively try to get with me.

It always starts with a casual con photoshoot, exchanging socials cause ofc I want to see the photos taken. Then it’s invites to go to cons together or private shoots, followed by straight up being asked out on dates.

Like hello?? You’re over 30 and interested in a 19 year old. Helll the fuck no wthh

Ps: I’m sorry for not being coherent rn I’m just pissed off that these people can’t see me as anything but a romantic prospect


r/CosplayHelp 2h ago

Underwear options (male)

Post image
15 Upvotes

i plan on wearing this to a con, the dress code is pretty lenient (their dress code says most things are fine as long as no genitals are showing) but i would just like to know what the best underwear option would be for these.


r/CosplayHelp 3h ago

Armor Need help with painting my Nightwing Costume

Thumbnail
gallery
15 Upvotes

This is a nightwing costume I'm currently working on. The armor is made out of eva foam and will go over a pre-existing nightwing bodysuit I have. I want to try and paint the armor to have a similar finish to the nightwing costume in second photo. But I'm still debating on how to get that satin/matte texture. Idk if I should just do plasti dip, sand, and then paint. Or to plasti-dip, filler primer, sand, and then paint? (IK his armor isn't made of foam, but still want to try anyway)


r/CosplayHelp 16h ago

How to go about cosplaying an Eridian (first image by u/_PuppyRex_)

Thumbnail
gallery
137 Upvotes

I want to go to a con as one of the Eridians from Project Hail Mary, either Adrian or Rocky, and I want to be as accurate as I can with it, but the issue is I can't figure out the fitting situation... My first and only two solutions would either be that I walk around like I've been possessed by a spirit, or that I walk around like a crab, depending on how flexible I am, I might just have to cut a hole in the body for my legs in the second option, any suggestions?


r/CosplayHelp 5h ago

Etiquette How to make friends / ask for socials non-romantically

14 Upvotes

How do I ask for somebodies socials and like try to ask about stuff that doesnt sound like im going just for a date? I genuinely just want a friend/friends with the same hobby but every time I search this up all posts are about "how do I ask people out on dates" so I feel like no matter what I do im going to look like a creep

Understand if people are weirded out or anything sorry


r/CosplayHelp 49m ago

Buying Is this site legit?

Thumbnail
gallery
Upvotes

Hi yall! There is this dress I really wanna get for an infinity Nikki cosplay but idk if it’s a legit site or not? Pls lmk! It’s called Wawxrj…this dress is sold out EVERYWHERE! My fiance found the purple version on AliExpress and it was indeed the legit dress, but I wanna do this color version too! Halppp


r/CosplayHelp 3h ago

Lihua wig help :((

Thumbnail
gallery
5 Upvotes

Hej, planuję zrobić kostium Lihua, ale mam problem z peruką, wiesz, z tą dużą tylną częścią, ponieważ nie chcę naprawdę robić peruki hełmowej, bo to byłaby pierwsza peruka hełmowa, którą bym zrobił(a) (głównie opierałem/am się na normalnych perukach, a nie hełmowych) i naprawdę potrzebuję kilku wskazówek lub pomocy dotyczącej tej dużej tylnej części. Jakieś pomysły?


r/CosplayHelp 4h ago

Buying Wig vs Dyed hair for OC Cosplay on a Budget

Thumbnail
gallery
5 Upvotes

I'm new to cosplay but it's been my wish to create something for quite some time now. I have previous experience with sewing small costume pieces for theatre at school but my knowledge is small in every other aspect. I'm also on a very tight budget (as in like about 60€ a month max).

Now I wish to atleast somewhat portray my character from World of Warcraft in a Character Bound way but I'd need white net contacts and a wig and I can't afford both (especially since I'd need a crimping iron for the wig as well). My thought was I could just dye my hair with temp dye to match my character and save some money for the contacts and clothes. I have light brown hair so maybe even a toner would do the trick.

I'll give you guys pictures of the hair style my character usually sports (the longer twin braids) and the alternative which matches my current hair(the short style).

I'd love your guys opinion on which option would be cheaper^^

Thanks in advance!


r/CosplayHelp 3h ago

Armor Where can I even find this jacket?

Thumbnail
gallery
3 Upvotes

Hi all, I’m an amateur (second-timer) cosplayer and I’m trying to cosplay as a member of the Firebreathers from Fallout 76, an elite group within the Responders faction. Now I know I have to buy some firefighter gear and whatnot, but I cannot seem to find this kind of jacket. I know it’s a long coat as the Firefighters put it, but I cannot find the design or look for this kind of jacket. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much.


r/CosplayHelp 7h ago

Prop Need assistance: Securing bow for Ren Faire

Post image
9 Upvotes

I'm attending a Ren faire soon, and I've spent quite awhile creating this bow. Unfortunately, I'm at a bit of a loss for an effective way to carry it around with me, especially since it won't be strung.

Looking for any ideas that would allow me to carry this around hands-free without jabbing myself with it!


r/CosplayHelp 2h ago

Can anyone who’s cosplayed as Mitsuru Kirijo help me find some boots that look like hers?

Post image
3 Upvotes

r/CosplayHelp 2h ago

Accessory Fallout Trader Cosplay

3 Upvotes

I know Fallout can be pretty out there and anything really flies when it comes to the possibilities of things, but how far is too far when adding your own flair to an original character? I'm looking to dress up as a travel traveling trader from Nuka World which doesn't really exist in the game.

I'm planning to go a little bit darker and adding in teeth and eyeballs to lean more into a raider look. Is there any point where you have gone too far away from the character where it becomes unrecognizable? A lot of this is new to me so I'm trying to figure this out as I go. Thank you for your time and responses.


r/CosplayHelp 2h ago

How can I add these stripes to my outfit?

Post image
2 Upvotes

First time cosplaying and I'm a bit unsure on how to go about adding these stripes to a track jacket.

I've seen I could either try sewing a red ribbon onto it or using fabric paint but I don't know which one works best for this type of clothing.

Thanks in advance!


r/CosplayHelp 3h ago

Any tips on how to help my 11 year old with her Halloween project

Thumbnail
gallery
2 Upvotes

Hello, I have never done anything like this before, but my daughter wants to make her own costume, I’m really not that crafty but I’m willing to learn for her, so she wants to be Sun from FNAF but sort of human? And a mask that she can hold on her hand , she actually made a sketch and kind of started making a list of things we might need, to me this is a huge project but I think it would be fun to do. Just don’t know where to start. So if anyone can give me any guidance I will appreciate it. These are the sketches


r/CosplayHelp 24m ago

Wig best way to glue a wig to your face?

Upvotes

hey! sorry, this has probably been asked a million times before, but i just got a wig styled that looks great but isnt flat to the sides of my face and i'm wondering what i could use that's skin safe to stick those side pieces flat to my face that both won't mess up the wig or my skin :)


r/CosplayHelp 30m ago

Mihawk Cosplay help

Post image
Upvotes

I need help with the cape/jacket part he wears on his back. Does anyone know what I could buy that would fit the look? Also how could I fasten it so that it doesn’t fall off my shoulders? Any help would be much appreciated.


r/CosplayHelp 33m ago

Buying Ela Leggings (R6S)

Upvotes

I’ve been looking for what feels like forever and I can’t for the life of me find even semi accurate leggings as to the one she wears, nor a jacket but I I’m okay with getting a different camo jacket, are there any leggings that look similar?


r/CosplayHelp 34m ago

Buying Has anyone bought the Jazwares Brand New Day Suit?

Post image
Upvotes

I'm trying to find a decent BND suit before the premiere. I bought a suit on Etsy but the sewing was poor quality so I have to return it. Is this suit decent? Not looking for anything fantastic, just good enough. I'm planning to use my own shell and mask as well so the mask isnt a concern.


r/CosplayHelp 21h ago

Where can I buy good Gambit eye contacts?

Thumbnail
gallery
48 Upvotes

Does anyone have any good recommendations on where I can buy good Gambit Eye Contacts?

I am somewhat new to cosplay, and my next cosplay project is gambit, I have his costume and wig but I do not know where I can buy affordable Eye Contacts. The only options I found were ones that costed $150+ and $60+ which are not within my budget range.

Does anyone know any cheaper alternatives? Please and thank you.


r/CosplayHelp 4h ago

Does anyone know how to fix this?

Thumbnail
gallery
2 Upvotes

I just bought a cosplay and its my first cosplay and don't know how to fix this. I wanted to cosplay lucoa from miss kobayashi's dragon maid for comic con. I have a problem with the cap, the horns are very floppy and theire ment to stay up and I don't know what to put inside the cap to make them stay. When I put the cap on they still flop down. Someone please help!!

(Had to repost because I forgot to put another photo)


r/CosplayHelp 57m ago

Buying Where can I buy a trustable and high quality Aizen Sosuke Cosplay?

Upvotes

I really want to cosplay Aizen for my very first convention as I have wanted to go to one for many years and Aizen is one of my fav characters, but any I find are from websites I probably can’t trust or would have low quality options.


r/CosplayHelp 1h ago

Painting fabric

Upvotes

Hello! Would like some advice on painting fabric/pleather clothing. Working on a cosplay that’ll require a heavy amount of detailing and painting to achieve the desired look I’m going for. I already had an idea of using plasti dip to coat parts with but I need some extra advice as I have limited experience with painting fabrics.