How To Choose Your Cosplay Costume

It is dressing up as your favorite characters, usually Japanese Anime/Manga outfits, and can involved play-acting. It extends to science fiction, horror, comic book, TV and movie themes. This is done in conventions or movie premiers and other special events. There are two kinds: basic CosPlay where the people just dress up in character; and Masquerade, where the people take it to the next level and actually pretend or act like a chosen character complete with dialogue.

Popular CosPlay themes are Sailor Moon, Pokemon, Star Trek and Harry Potter. Whatever costume you choose, CosPlay allows you to live and be a certain character for a few hours.

CosPlay allows you to be as creative and imaginative as you want. Here’s how to choose a CosPlay costume:

1. Unleash your creative juices! This is the time to live your fantasy world so use your imagination. Bring out your comics and get ideas. Choose from your favorite characters or favorite shows. If you are going by yourself, decide if your costume can stand on it’s own. It’s advisable to go with a character that is easily recognizable. Also, you want to be a little original so your costume will stand out. Work with a theme, especially if you are going as a group. For example, you can go as the crew of the Enterprise of Star Trek or maybe as characters from Harry Potter.
2. Define time and effort. If your event is months away, you have a lot of time, so make your costume or special order it. Making your own costume may entail some sewing. If you don’t know how, find someone who can. Your ideas have to be doable in the time you have to complete it and you need the skill level and resources to execute your design.
3. Decide if you want to make your own or purchase a ready made one. Part of the fun is actually making it yourself. You will need to be resourceful. Scour vintage shops, goodwill stores and garage sales for props you can use. If you don’t have the time and you have the money to spare, just buy one. If you’re really strained, borrow one.
4. Figure out your budget. Your costume is special and it is up to you how much you are able to spend on it. If sky’s the limit and you are a die hard fan, you can go to stores or check online to purchase one. The more elaborate the look, the more expensive it will be. If you are working with a limited budget, be resourceful. Look around your house and see what things you have on hand to make your costume. Borrow things from friends that you may need. It doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to make your costume.
5. Consider your comfort. If you can’t narrow down your choices, decide based on comfort. Most costumes are built around accessories. Decide if you can wear your costume while walking around the whole day. Some costumes have wigs, whips, heavy shoes or elaborate ornamentation. You should be able to move in your costume and sit down. Take into account the weather. After all, it won’t be fun for you if you’re hot and tired from walking around in your costume the whole day.

There you have it! With a little effort and a lot of creativity, people of all ages will appreciate the effort you put into choosing your costume.