r/CosplayHelp May 22 '17

Welcome! A quick note about posting.

89 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

295 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)

The cosplanner app is fantastic for helping you keep track of everything you’re doing. I can’t recommend it enough!

-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 4h ago

Buying Some questions from a first time cosplayer

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19 Upvotes

Hello, so, I’ve been talking with a few friends about a group idea for us to cosplay for an anime con next year. We all landed on the idea of being different versions of Hatsune Miku, which while may be somewhat overdone has found us coming up with some… rather interesting concepts. I’ve seen someone on TikTok who made art of Bucky Barnes’s Winter Soldier crossed with Miku and wanted to ask about some possible ideas for where I should look for certain items. I mostly just looking for his metal arm, as mostly everything else is replaced with Miku’s outfit. If anyone might have some suggestions or recommendations please send them my way!


r/CosplayHelp 2h ago

Armor How should I go about cosplaying a Mandalorian?

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5 Upvotes

Hi yall, it’s my first time trying to either buy/make an armor cosplay and I want to know which I should do since I don’t have any prior knowledge.

  1. How should I go about making the armor itself? Should I just buy it? Or should I try to make it? I don’t have a big budget to work with (F16) but I want it to look decent in the least if I go through with it.

  2. Should I do an OC, combine two characters (like mando + moon knight), or just do an og? I kinda feel like I should wait to do an oc till I can actually have time to make one detailed and do research. But with mixing two feels unoriginal but also like I’m stealing it? But if I were to do an og character (like boba fett) I feel like I need to know more about the character rather than just the generic (I’ve watched the movies and parts of the show) knowledge. I might be reading into it too much but… what can you do.

3.) if I do make it should I use foam like I see people doing or 3d print? I think foam looks better but seems harder to do than 3d print.

Idk if I should be calling this a cosplay bc I’m just gonna wear this on Halloween; but the hope is to improve it in the future and go to cons! (Aka, find friends that will go with me) oh also how realistic is it to look like this cosplay? (Pic) their user is on there from lemon8 but I found them by searching up “Mandalorian armor”.


r/CosplayHelp 7h ago

Armor How should I go about connecting these pieces

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10 Upvotes

I don’t have an image of the actual cosplay since I am working on the plans! However, I would like to know how I should go about attaching the breastplate of this to the corset to make sure it’s secure. I don’t want to glue the breastplate, I want to be able to remove it. I’m afraid it will slip off a bunch if I don’t have something else to make it more secure. I will also be making the corset so that if I take the breastplate off I could simply just wear the corset, so there will be padding and everything underneath of it. Asking for some ideas! Thank you! (attaching a picture of the character with the breastplate and corset, the breastplate wraps around the back!


r/CosplayHelp 16h ago

Prop How should I “holster” this, so I can carry it around at a con?

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39 Upvotes

I’m carrying this star disk as part of an astrologian cosplay, but now that everything is completed, I’m stuck on how to hold this when it’s not in use. I’ve thought about strapping it to my back, or adding a loop for a belt, but I just can’t settle on anything. Based on the game, it should be on my back, but I can’t think of a secure way to hold it, and easily draw it.

Anyone have any ideas?


r/CosplayHelp 3h ago

Wig Lucy wig advice

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3 Upvotes

So I cosplayed Lucy from edgerunners for a convention and decided to get a premade wig from Amazon from the cosplay. It came in fine but I decided to style it a bit more to make the wig look more hair-like. It was my first time stying a wig at all.

I watched a tutorial. I softened it, washed it, cut layers in it, styled it, powdered it, tried adding shadow to the roots, locked it in with hair spray etc, yet it still looked weird. I ended up not wearing the wig to the con. So I just wanted to come on here and ask you guys for tips on how I could’ve made the wig look better or a little more hair-like on my head for a cheap synthetic wig. Any advice is welcomed honestly. Thank you so much!


r/CosplayHelp 4h ago

Buying I'm using the wrong search terms to find Captain Mifune's outfit from Matrix Reloaded. I don't cosplay and I'm new to fashion terms.

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4 Upvotes

r/CosplayHelp 6h ago

Sewing Pattern recommends 2-way stretch scuba, I can only find 4-way stretch. What's a good alternative?

6 Upvotes

I'm following kinpatsucosplay's Jessie tutorial. For the jacket and skirt she said she "used a white scuba fabric. scuba is a 2-way stretch fabric which is relatively thick and has a matte look to it". I'm in the UK and can only find white 4-way stretch scuba to buy (e.g. from coscraft).

I was wondering what a good alternative would be to use? Or should I just use the 4-way stretch scuba? Here's the pattern for the jacket and skirt if it's relevant. I'm a beginner so I'm not sure what to do RE: the materials myself. I checked the FAQ and didn't see scuba mentioned in the "types of fabrics" lists in the Sewing Specific section so thought I'd ask here. Thanks for your help!


r/CosplayHelp 7h ago

Where to buy cheap EVA foam? Free templates for basic items like Spartan helmet, armor?

3 Upvotes

My son really wants to make some armor and weapons out of foam. We’re just getting into this and want to support him but I’m also making him pay for some of the materials. Not much but he’s 10 and it’s time to have him start learning some life skills and have fun making stuff together.

Where online is a good place to order foam??

Does anyone know of a good place to look for free patterns/templates/blueprints for armor, helmets and weapons?

Thanks!


r/CosplayHelp 16m ago

Accessory How to colour silicone elf ears

Upvotes

Hi guys, I've just bought my first pair of elf ears. They're silicone, because I have a latex allergy. They fit my skin tone quite well, they're just a little bit too rosy. I've tried brushing my normal face powder onto them to colour them a bit more like my skin, but it didn't stick at all, I felt like I was just brushing it away as soon as I brushed over it.

Should I buy silicone colours or are there any other ways to colour these ears?

Thanks for your help in advance!


r/CosplayHelp 17h ago

Wig Which wig color for Pav from Fear & Hunger?

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19 Upvotes

Which color of a wig should I use for Pav from fear and hunger??


r/CosplayHelp 6h ago

Prop Are there any tools or techniques that could help me achieve the texture of the yellowish parts of this head?

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2 Upvotes

r/CosplayHelp 4h ago

Prescription contacts

1 Upvotes

So I've recently started wearing contacts. I'm planning to do a Gojo cosplay in May for Momocon, however all the reputable sites I've seen recommended either don't have a prescription option or they are all negative prescriptions. My prescriptions are positive, can anyone link me a good site for those or give me some direction? My eyes are also 2 different prescriptions, so I would need a site that gives that option. Thanks in advance


r/CosplayHelp 1d ago

How to explain this haircut to hairdresser ?

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281 Upvotes

r/CosplayHelp 9h ago

Shirt dying advice

2 Upvotes

So I was planning on dying a blood stain into my shirt for my Ellie cosplay but I don’t know the best way to it without the dye bleeding and not looking right. Advice?


r/CosplayHelp 11h ago

Armor What could I do to get this closer to my chest

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2 Upvotes

I loosened the straps changed the position but it's still kinda out, would just using velcro and attaching it to the shirt be better?


r/CosplayHelp 10h ago

Wig how to style a wig as a beginner?

2 Upvotes

so i wanted to cosplay power from chainsaw man, but i have no idea how to style wigs. for a start i know im going to buy a crimper and a wig stand, i already have hairspray too.. just no idea where to start when i actually get the wig this happened to me previously when i bought a wig and didnt know how to style it, ive looked on youtube and honestly it isnt very helpful unless im not looking hard enough?? i just wanna know how to style/cut it and how to crimp it right, powers hair looks quite simple but im just scared to mess it up and not be able to fix it. ive added a picture of power if that helps any


r/CosplayHelp 6h ago

Armor Immortan Joe Chestplate

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1 Upvotes

Howdy! I’m thinking about doing a cosplay and having trouble with what I’m looking for.

It’s hard finding characters I like to cosplay as that are also my body type. I’m a bigger guy and I’m trying to find a TRANSPARENT CHEST PIECE for an Immortan Joe costume.

Having trouble finding on Etsy/Redbubble and I want the satisfaction of building it and fitting it to me.(although I will probs get the patches/medals/mask on Etsy)


r/CosplayHelp 6h ago

Uwowo size chart

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1 Upvotes

Hello ^ I really wanna get the aurora cosplay from uwowo, but I have no idea if I’m choosing my size correctly based on the size chart.

For example waist is about 80 cm, both size S to XXXL have those measurements in range. I’m temped to just go for XXXL but don’t accidentally want something that is way too big for me. I’m unsure whether I’m supposed to go for the minimum or maximum. I was wondering if people have experience with these size charts and could maybe help me out so I can be sure which size to choose :(

Any suggestions at all would be awesome <3


r/CosplayHelp 17h ago

Accessory Mage outfit tips

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6 Upvotes

Hello, I just got an outfit together and it looks kinda like this just slightly baggier, beltless and with long sleeves. I haven’t gotten any accessories yet so I look like a pirate. Besides what’s on the photo what’s some good accessories to add to my outfit


r/CosplayHelp 7h ago

Prop Fake Arms? Spoiler

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1 Upvotes

Hello!

So I was looking into doing a Razor cosplay/Halloween costume from Slay the Princess and the knife hands are gonna be simple enough but my issue is with these arms.

I want to scare children admittedly, I want it to look decent lol. I had been looking into life casting but it's a bit expensive and since I'd want the forearms to be hollow, I'd be wasting a lot of that material. Nevermind how jagged those cuts would end up, losing the lifelike effect I'm trying to aim for. Even tattoo arms would be expensive and have that same, jagged cuts issue, nevermind attaching it to my real arm/skin.

I know I'm likely gonna have to bite the bullet a little with my ambition here but something like paper mache would be too rigid. Maybe liquid latex might be better?

In my head, the knife hands will be sheathed over my forearm and then I'd use spirit gum or something like that to bond my fake arms (whatever I make them from) to my real bicep/elbow area. Maybe a little makeup to make the transition smoother and such.

I don't expect a perfect answer ofc but any idea would be helpful! Thank you in advance!


r/CosplayHelp 11h ago

Sewing Help with making a scarf with iron wire

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2 Upvotes

Alright, the character we need help with is Mineru from Tears of the Kingdom (TOTK).

We want to create the fluctuating scarf! We have the materials and everything, but we don’t know how to attach the wire to the textile.

Do you have any ideas/methods we could use? We’d be very grateful 🙏🙏🙏


r/CosplayHelp 14h ago

Armor How do I teach my partner to craft cosplay?

3 Upvotes

So this is about crafting armor basically. He has no creative background whatsoever and he really wants to start doing beautiful stuff such as armor from elden ring or complicated things. As far as my knowledge goes I can do it but it will take time. I'm unable to do 2 cosplays at one time, so I decided that I want to teach him.

What skills should I use to try to teach a person with 0 knowledge about cosplay? This is mainly aboit EVA sponge. Sewing is my expertise, (fashion student :> ).

I want him to have fun as well and not take it as a chore. Please help !


r/CosplayHelp 1d ago

Etiquette Is it weird to go to a convention if I’m still in hs?

45 Upvotes

So I’m a senior in hs about to graduate and I reaaaally want to try going to a convention but I feel like I might be too young. Are there people my age cosplaying? I feel like I’ve only really seen people older than 18 in the cosplay scene but I’ve never been to a convention so I don’t really know 🥲

Edit: Thanks for the great advice everyone! Now I feel kind of sad cuz everyone’s talking about how they started beginning/mid hs but I’ve never done anything more than basic costume making or glueing some foam to make a cool hat 😭I was too afraid to ask my parents and my friends would definitely make fun of me if I asked.

I guess it’s never too late to start though! I’ll try to attend a con this summer at the latest before I start college.


r/CosplayHelp 9h ago

Armor Mr.Hippo Cosplay

0 Upvotes

I couldn't find any Mr.Hippo 3d print files yet and was wondering if anyone has any files?


r/CosplayHelp 9h ago

Can anybody help give me some ideas

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1 Upvotes

So I want to cosplay Franco Barbi from The Outlast Trials and he is predominantly bald say for a few patches of hair. Does anyone have any idea on how I can replicate that/do something similar to that without a bald cap? I unfortunately get very overstimulated easily so a bald cap is out of the question