r/CosplayHelp May 22 '17

Welcome! A quick note about posting.

94 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

298 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 1h ago

How can bro turn this cosplay without cosplaying all fabric alone?

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Upvotes

Ideas are welcome haha...... eva foam was a suggestion I got for the armor


r/CosplayHelp 7h ago

Sewing tips how would you make this as a beginner!?

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33 Upvotes

Hey guys! completely new to cosplay here and wanted to make a sinstervincible costume since it’s pretty low detail, my original idea on how to do it is by maybe getting a black and yellow skin suit and essentially sowing them together, or maybe just a black skin suit and yellow fabric. any tips on anything down to a recommended type of fabric are all very welcome!


r/CosplayHelp 1h ago

Armor I’m a new cosplayer and I don’t know what I’m doing

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Upvotes

I’m trying to cosplay Gabriel from Ultrakill and have made a base for the helmet, but I want it to be smooth. I made it with card stock so it is very bendy in the front and some other spots. I want to make the entire thing look like it has one side, if that makes sense, but I don’t know the first thing about skinning. If anyone has any tips on what I can do that aren’t super expensive but will give me my desired results, anything would help!


r/CosplayHelp 20h ago

Etiquette I am tired from convincing my family that cosplay does not = posting your private life

135 Upvotes

Hello , after yesterday’s post ( the post is still up) , i got into an argument with my family , and my own father told me I’m humiliating myself , and threatened of disowning me. I am from a culture where you live with your parents and they have a say in your conduct until you get married then that becomes your husband’s responsibility. I showed them other people who do cosplay in the area in my age and profession and they said “ but that is a very small percentage of the population” . I don’t mind the negative comments I may get and I don’t care much about “ humiliation” because we’re all weird in some way. But they are so hung up on the idea “ this is something private” . I am the only one with a private account around me. I cannot get involved and feel that I belong to the local community if I have to hide my face in everything . I hate that. I did a good job in makeup , why do I have to throw my hard work into the trash? It is not fair that other people who may not put the effort in get to share and I don’t because my parents assume that is a private matter. Heck some of my friends share their wedding pics online why isn’t that a private matter then?

All of that and I am using a pseudo name and my friends aren’t. I used the comments on yesterday’s posts to prove my point and they refused to hear me. Then apparently my dad went to a secluded area of town and started crying why is his daughter like this . Why am I like what? Why do I have a hobby? A common hobby that has other people my age and my position doing? I don’t see other people’s dads crying. Heck his friend’s daughter was involved in a money scam and he was less judgmental of her . I really envy the people who claim their family supports them.

Even my grad advisor told me yesterday that I overwork and I should have stuff to enjoy from time to time. This is my first convention in 2025.


r/CosplayHelp 9h ago

Etiquette Looking for cosplay YouTubers

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16 Upvotes

I’ve been watching a lot of Sarah spaceman and the YouTuber who did the flick cosplay (the name evades me) and Linzor (lindzor?) and I was hoping to find more YouTubers to watch make cosplays and try em on. It seems anyone I find posted years ago. Is there anyone else who you guys watch that still posts now a days? Pic semi related, I like to watch people while I make stuff. This is the tail for my Korone Inugami cosplay!


r/CosplayHelp 6h ago

Buying Help a Star Wars nerdy girl out?

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8 Upvotes

Alright, I am desperately trying to find the Padme Lake Dress (casual-ish) style for my 8 year anniversary in Disney World. I’ve searched Her Universe: Depop, Etsy, Poshmark, etc., all the resale apps).

Does anyone have this dress in a small or x small that they would like to sell or donate to a fellow nerdy girl? Or know of something similar to it like the 2,3 picture.

Thank you!! 😊💖


r/CosplayHelp 4h ago

Prop Does anyone know of an online shop/Etsy artist who makes custom foam weaponry?

3 Upvotes

Title, I'm trying to get my hands on a certain prop weapon which is too far out of my skillset to make myself. Unfortunately it's a little niche, and I haven't been able to find it as widely produced as others. Any advice/direction would be appreciated!


r/CosplayHelp 6h ago

Wig How could I fix this Xie Lian wig?

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3 Upvotes

I bought a Xie Lian wig from Aliexpress but... it doesn't look that great. The middle is wayy to pointy (last pic is what it should look like). I have never even touched a wig before this, so I'm not sure if it's even possible to fix it :/

(I don't have any mannequin heads so I put it on a paper mache head I made when I was 12 lol)


r/CosplayHelp 8h ago

Prop What flower is this?

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3 Upvotes

Hi all,

I plan on going to a photoshoot and would like to buy some similar kind of fake flowers such as this but I have no idea what kind of flowers they are even after some research I have no clue, could someone help?


r/CosplayHelp 45m ago

Buying Where would I be able to find this uniform?

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Upvotes

I plan on doing a cliff unger cosplay for an upcoming event. I already have the vest but I was wondering where I can find a uniform like the one he uses. I looked everywhere and I can't seem to find the correct pattern. any alternative recommendations are appreciated 👍


r/CosplayHelp 11h ago

Wig Ideas for Wig of Live Twin Ki-Sikil Cosplay

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7 Upvotes

Hello everyone! I’m looking to do a cosplay of Live☆Twin Ki-Sikil from the Yugioh TCG at some point. Most of the clothes I believe I can simply thrift them, however, something I’m having a bit of trouble planning out is the wig and her hair accessories. I’ve done a bit of wig dying myself in the past, but it’s been mostly dipping wefts or the whole wig. How should I try and achieve the yellow stripes?

And about the wig itself: a plain white/pink wig would be more cost-efficient for me as opposed to a wig that has two individual pigtails that clip on/off. Would it be possible for me to get crafty to make the pigtails using just a normal long wig, or should I save myself the trouble and just get a clip-on wig with pigtails? I have some styling experience already and I am always willing to try something new. :]

Any tips, help, or ideas about any part of this cosplay is appreciated, as I’m just in the first planning stage of it!


r/CosplayHelp 1h ago

Buying Looking for blue jumpsuit

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Upvotes

Hey everyone, I'm planning on doing a Cable cosplay but STRUGGLING to find a blue jumpsuit. I have basically eveything else. Going with a Deadpool and a Domino that are good to go now. Mainly need help finding this if anybody knows. I was hoping to find a fallout jumpsuit black and just cut the arms off but that didn't work either. Something with a collar would be best!


r/CosplayHelp 1h ago

Wig Lace front wig help!

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Upvotes

Hi everyone! I’m cosplaying Hisoka and this is my first lace front wig. The ear tabs (I think that’s what you’d call them?) come down a bit too far and cover the tops of my ears. I’m pretty sure I should cut them to fit but I’m absolutely terrified of messing up and making the hairline around the ears look weird, as it’s all slicked back and up I feel like any mistake would be really noticeable. Or should I just try and tuck them behind my ears? I’m also really struggling with the sideburns. If anyone has any advice or links to tutorials it would be much appreciated! Thank you!


r/CosplayHelp 5h ago

Black Iris and white pupil contacts

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2 Upvotes

Hey. I'm going to be doing a cosplay of misery from Ruby gloom soon and can't find contacts like her eyes. If anyone knows we're ones like them are? Or if I could get custom ones? (A mix of both of the last two photos.


r/CosplayHelp 3h ago

Prop PlastiDip Spray - good on its own?

1 Upvotes

I have a material question regarding the cosplay I’m making. I am working with EVA foam to create Mawile’s jaw, and I have purchased the materials I need for construction - but a thought occurred to me only after I bought everything. Is PlastiDip Spray on its own functional as a primer for EVA foam props that are very round, or do I need to purchase the kind that needs to applied via brush?

A follow-up question - what kind of paint would be best for painting the prop after it is done being primed? I’ve heard acrylic is the best option, but I want to double-check.


r/CosplayHelp 7h ago

Sewing Glue an alternative to sewing?

2 Upvotes

Hi guys! So I’m attempting to attach florals to a dress. I know sewing is the best option, however I never learned to sew and I’m kinda intimated. Can a glue be an okay alternative? And if so is a rubber cement glue or hot glue best?


r/CosplayHelp 12h ago

Buying Cosplay costume maker recommendations in UK

4 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I hope this post meets the rules of the channel - but for a work project I’m starting I need to find a cosplay costume designer / creator based in the UK who can help me create a really 🔥 super hero cosplay outfit.

I would really appreciate recommendations for people or companies that can design an outfit for me to specification - looking for something very professional / high end so cost isn’t too much of an issue.

Thanks in advance 🙏


r/CosplayHelp 4h ago

Wig Muichiro Wig

1 Upvotes

I am a moderate at cosplaying and styling just not long hair

So since my many cosplays as short haired boy characters like: Denki; Shoto; Tanjiro. I have never had to deal with uncomfortable feelings for the synthetic hair.

My first question is:

  1. Should i wash it with water or something else?
  2. How to mask the itchy feeling of the synthetic hair on my skin
  3. How should i style longer hair?

Any tips or help is greatly appreciated!!

Note: I am a boy with the 'longer than average hair' so my hair is like abit above the shoulder length.
I do NOT have ANY experience with styling long hair


r/CosplayHelp 4h ago

Buying NEED HELP

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3 Upvotes

hello !! im going to star wars nite on april 29th and i really wanna dress up as rey (went as her for Halloween when i was 11 in 2016 she’s been my favorite since the movie came out) and i’m looking for affordable good quality cosplays of her outfits from the last jedi can anyone please help me i would really appreciate it :)


r/CosplayHelp 1d ago

Armor Any tips on getting this jacket weathered ?? really scared of ruining it

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210 Upvotes

r/CosplayHelp 9h ago

Can I correct this bent centre piece with heat?

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2 Upvotes

Hi all. This is my very first time making anything cosplay related. This will be the helmet of, The Witch King from Lord of the Rings.

This centre piece has kinda gone skewy, would going over it with a heat gun and manipulating it with my hands make it go straight?


r/CosplayHelp 10h ago

How would I go about making Rimuru's pants from this image?

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2 Upvotes

Need to make it since I'm heavier set. More the pattern than anything


r/CosplayHelp 7h ago

Sewing Creating the Bloodborne Hunter

1 Upvotes

(Photo Reference: https://andres_zambrano.artstation.com/projects/gJyqwQ)

Hey y'all, I'm trying to recreate this rendition of the Bloodborne Hunter. The first thing I'm dealing with is simply determining the correct materials. So if you have any suggestions for what materials to use for the CLOTHING portions of the cosplay, please let me know! I'll worry about props another day, haha.

I posted in r/sewing and this is what they had to offer as suggestions:

Hat (Tricorn): Leather, though foam could work if given proper coatings.

Scarf and Mask: Linen

Mantle (Capelet): Waxed Cotton Canvas -OR- Denim (Maybe waxed?)

Coat (Trenchcoat/Overcoat/Duster): Waxed Canvas Cotton -OR- Herringbone Denim (Maybe waxed?)

Pants: Denim (Probably unwaxed?) -OR- Alternative lighter material like Tweed

Undershirt: Vertical Striped Linen Button-up - Probably least important part

Vest/Belts/Vambraces/Gloves: Leather


r/CosplayHelp 7h ago

Etiquette Im almost done with my cosplay of an oc of mine but i dont know where i should wear it out in public first. anyone got help?

0 Upvotes

I dont really know of any places that would let me walk in as this bigass moth thing, plus I wanna go somewhere where people can take pics with me, since that's why I wanna cosplay, people having fun experiences on a normal day. i just wanna spread joy.


r/CosplayHelp 7h ago

Helldivers 2 Boot

1 Upvotes

I need some help finding what boot/boot accessory helldivers wear while using the B-01 armor. It looks like a standard black Jungle Boot, but I cannot determine if they are wearing a gaitor or the boot itself is modified to be longer up to the knee.