How to Get into Cosplay: A Beginner’s Guide

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Written By Daniel Thomas Mitchell

Cosplay has become a cultural phenomenon over the past few decades, combining the worlds of fandom, creativity, and craftsmanship into one exciting hobby. Whether you’re a fan of anime, video games, comic books, or movies, dressing up as your favorite character can be an incredibly rewarding experience. But if you’re new to cosplay, it can also seem a bit intimidating. Where do you start? What do you need? How do you make your first costume? Don’t worry, this beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started in cosplay.

What is Cosplay?

Cosplay (short for "costume play") is the practice of dressing up as a character from a movie, TV show, video game, comic book, or other media, often for conventions, photo shoots, or just for fun. It’s a celebration of fandom and creativity, and it gives fans the opportunity to step into the shoes of their favorite characters, bringing them to life in ways that are as artistic and personal as they are.

Step 1: Choose Your Character

The first step in getting into cosplay is choosing a character. This can be the most fun (and sometimes difficult) part of the process because the options are endless! Here are a few tips to help you choose:

Pick a character you love: Cosplay is all about fandom, so choose someone whose story, personality, or style speaks to you.
Consider your skill level: Some characters are easier to cosplay than others, especially when it comes to costume complexity and materials. If you’re a beginner, it’s a good idea to start with something relatively simple.
Think about comfort: Remember, cosplay can involve wearing the costume for long hours. Make sure the character you choose has an outfit that you can wear comfortably, especially if you're planning to attend a convention or event.
Get inspired: Browse cosplay communities on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or cosplay-specific sites like Cosplay.com for inspiration. Seeing others’ interpretations of characters can help you decide on details or help you think outside the box!

Step 2: Research Your Character’s Look

Once you’ve chosen a character, it’s time to get into the details of their look. Collect reference images from every angle to ensure you capture all the small details, like accessories, hairstyles, and the right color palette. You can find images online, but if your character is from a specific scene in a movie or show, try to find high-quality, high-definition pictures to capture the full look.

Key things to focus on:

Outfit: Take note of the fabric type, patterns, colors, and textures.
Props and Accessories: Some characters are known for carrying weapons, shields, or other props. Don’t forget the small items that make your cosplay stand out.
Hair and Makeup: Pay attention to your character’s hairstyle and makeup. Some characters may require you to wear a wig or use special makeup techniques (like body paint) to match their look.

Step 3: Start Small—DIY or Buy a Costume?

When you're starting out, you have two main options for acquiring your costume: making it yourself (DIY) or buying it pre-made.

DIY Cosplay

If you’re feeling creative and want to challenge yourself, making your own costume can be a great option. DIY cosplay allows you to truly personalize every aspect of your outfit, but it requires time, effort, and some crafting skills. Some key materials for DIY cosplay include:

Fabric: Depending on your character’s costume, you might need different types of fabric (cotton, leather, spandex, etc.). Fabric stores or online fabric shops are great places to start looking.
Sewing Tools: If you plan to sew, you’ll need a sewing machine (or a needle and thread), patterns, pins, and fabric scissors.
Crafting Supplies: For props and armor, materials like foam, worbla (thermoplastic), and thermoplastic clay are popular among cosplayers for their versatility and ease of use.
Wigs and Makeup: You may need to purchase a wig if your character has a unique hairstyle. Also, consider investing in makeup that helps you match your character’s appearance.

If you’re a beginner, start with a simpler design that doesn’t require advanced sewing or prop-making skills. Plenty of online tutorials can guide you through the steps.

Buying a Costume

If you don’t have the time, skill, or desire to make your own costume, buying one is a perfectly valid option. Online stores like Amazon, Etsy, and specialty cosplay retailers offer pre-made costumes in all shapes and sizes. However, make sure to:

Read Reviews: Look for reviews or photos of people wearing the same costume. This will give you an idea of the quality and fit.
Consider Customization: Some costume shops offer the option to customize the outfit for a better fit or to add small personal touches.
Check for Materials: Even if you’re buying a costume, make sure the materials used are comfortable, breathable, and durable enough to wear for long hours.

Step 4: Assemble Your Accessories

Props and accessories are essential to completing your cosplay. Depending on your character, this could include things like swords, shields, backpacks, or magical items. Here are a few tips for creating or buying accessories:

For DIY: If you're making your own, craft foam, EVA foam, or thermoplastic can be molded and painted to create detailed props. Many cosplayers also use 3D printing for intricate designs.
For Buying: You can find high-quality props online, but be aware that these may be expensive. If you’re on a budget, consider looking for second-hand or upcycled options.
Safety First: Be mindful of safety if your character carries a weapon or sharp objects. Make sure your props are convention-appropriate and non-threatening.

Step 5: Hair and Makeup

Many characters have distinct hair and makeup styles. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Wigs: If your character has a different hairstyle than your own, invest in a high-quality wig. There are many wig stores online, and you can find a wig that’s the right color and style. Remember to practice styling your wig before your cosplay event!
Makeup: Depending on your character’s look, you might need to do special makeup. For example, if you're cosplaying as a character with bright-colored skin or alien features, you might need face paint or body paint.
Practice: Do a trial run of your hair and makeup before the big day. This will help you figure out what works best and give you time to tweak things.

Step 6: Attend Events and Connect with the Community

Now that you’ve got your costume together, it’s time to show it off! Attending conventions or cosplay meetups is a great way to immerse yourself in the cosplay world. Some tips for your first event:

Be confident: Remember, cosplay is about fun and creativity, not perfection. Walk around with confidence, enjoy the attention, and take photos!
Respect other cosplayers: Don’t forget that everyone’s interpretation of a character is different, so be respectful of other cosplayers' work. Always ask before taking a photo of someone’s costume.
Join online communities: Platforms like Instagram, Reddit, and Discord are full of cosplayers who share tips, photos, and advice. These communities are also a great way to get feedback on your cosplay.

Final Thoughts

Getting into cosplay is a journey filled with creativity, fun, and community. Whether you make your costume from scratch or buy it ready-made, the most important thing is to enjoy the process and immerse yourself in the fandom. Take your time, experiment with different characters, and most importantly, don’t be afraid to have fun with it. Cosplay is all about expressing yourself and celebrating the characters and stories you love. Happy cosplaying!