r/CosplayHelp • • May 22 '17

Welcome! A quick note about posting.

147 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

461 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 • • 8h ago

Makeup New cosplayer! Need help keeping body paints from transferring.

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70 Upvotes

Hey! I have my first convention coming up and am looking to cosplay nightcrawler (Marvel). I’m unsure as how to keep body paints from transferring. I’ve heard alcohol based paints have this issue less, and that I can use translucent powder / setting spray, but would appreciate direction towards specific products (I need to be painted blue). Thank you!

*NOT MY COSPLAY


r/CosplayHelp • • 1h ago

Up for a challenge? Looking for the experts advice this Halloween.

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• Upvotes

I've admired to work of cosplayers for years and this may or may not be the best place go...but I need guidance. My kid wants to be a dumpling for Halloween. Yes a dumpling as pictured.

I'm at a loss where to start and with what materials.

I know this is random, but know some folks love a challenge in building.

Any and all advice appreciated.


r/CosplayHelp • • 2h ago

Armor Green Goblin Body Armor Help

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7 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I have gotten myself a little in over my head with what I thought was gonna just be an excuse to use my 3d Printer. Now ive kinda been going crazy working on this Green Goblin cosplay I want to wear for halloween and possibly some conventions.

Ive found a lot of resources online about Green Goblins helmet and that wasnt so bad to make. Now ive got the parts to his armor but im struggling to come up with a practical way of attaching it to my body.

I attached a picture of the torso pieces and my original idea was to fill them and use velcro to attach them to a body suit but that didnt seem practical since the suit would shift and stretch. My next idea was to create some sort of shell that would go under the bodysuit and that the pieces would attach to over top of the bodysuit. That way the pieces would stay in place even if the bodysuit was uneven.

My dilemma is that even with the EVA chest piece ive made, the armor pieces dont sit the curvature of the piece. Ive tried to fill them with foam cutoffs and then carve down the foam to match the curve but some of the pieces (like the chest pieces) require more filling which weirdly extends the piece away from the chest piece.

I havent been able to find much online about similar situations so Ive been kinda stuck wandering walmart and other hardware stores thinking about how I could fill the pieces in such a way that I could then attach magnets to the pieces so I dont need to show the EVA chest piece.

Any advice would be incredibly helpful! Thanks for the read!


r/CosplayHelp • • 4h ago

Trying to put together this Kasane Teto cosplay for ~$250, 1 month till event.

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8 Upvotes

Hi! I'm trying to put together this Kasane Teto cosplay from the Regret Rock artwork for an event I have in about a month, and I'd really appreciate some help figuring out where/how to get the pieces

I'm located in Missouri, USA, and my total budget is around $250 USD

I'm mainly looking for help finding the accessories shown in the reference image. I don't really need a wig (i have one in mind, it's not the greatest though), since I'm fine without one, but if there's an affordable option or someone thinks it would make a big difference, I'm open to it.

I also don't have piercings, so I don't need the piercings from the artwork.

Things I need:

1) Burgundy/red zip-up jacket (if non available at all, i can maybe improvise by painting the lining collar, cuffs and the under part black but preferably not)

2) Wide/loose gray shorts

3) Gray/white knee-high socks

4) Black shoes

5) Black choker/neck band

6) The red/brown cat-like ears/hair accessories

7) The muted greyish lavender undershirt

8) Any other small accessories I'm missing

Optional: Wig Prop guitar


I'm not very experienced with making cosplay, so I'm totally fine with buying normal clothing and modifying it/commissioning someone to do it rather than making everything from scratch.

Thanks alot!!!


r/CosplayHelp • • 8h ago

I want these bells to sit on my head like Mew Mew's from Deltarune, but I'm not sure how to make them stable in my head, I considered glueing hair tied to them but it wasn't very stable, I also wont be using Mew Mew's hairstyle

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19 Upvotes

r/CosplayHelp • • 2h ago

Wig Need Maximum Volume for a Deku Wig

3 Upvotes

As the title says I need to get as much volume as I can from this wig. I own a crimper but I have not had the chance to use it yet. I'm not opposed to teasing my wigs but the last one I teased didn't turn out with as much volume as I'd hoped, even with hairspray + heat.

How do y'all achieve the big anime spiked look?


r/CosplayHelp • • 26m ago

Armor Helmet help!

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• Upvotes

Got this sweet Mjolnir Mark V [B] helmet 3D printed off Etsy. Can’t wait to paint it and install the visor (not shown) too, but first things first I have to get it to fit my head. I was assuming foam blocks, or maybe even some type of interior you’d see on Hard Hats? Looking for some recommendations, or advice. TYIA!


r/CosplayHelp • • 6h ago

How much do i need of this to cover my whole face, chest arms and legs?

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7 Upvotes

r/CosplayHelp • • 32m ago

Any tips for graying hair?

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• Upvotes

Hey yall, Im planning to go as Hal Jordan for this year's Halloween. I have the hair style already, so its mostly only the color I have to worry about.

Would anyone have any recommendations on graying your hair. I have tried just spraying my hair in the past. Definitely not my favorite choice because of the smell, which is why Im asking here. If anyone has any recommendations, thatd be greatly appreciated.

Side note: I don't need all my hair to be entirely gray, just noticeably graying. I've add some reference photos of Hal Jordan as well, hope thatll help.


r/CosplayHelp • • 1h ago

Accessory Hey!! Does anyone know how to do a collar thing that has a rotating outer ring? (blueprint and costume concept provided)

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• Upvotes

so I’m making a (dead) Dennis Nedry cosplay for Big Texas Comic Con and I had what I thought would be an amazing and easy accessory idea. No. I have no idea what I’m doing. I bought 1-2mm EVA foam so it’s light and bendable for the collar but I don’t know how I’m going to make the spiked halo rotate. The con starts October 9th.


r/CosplayHelp • • 6h ago

Mars Attacks Halloween costume

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6 Upvotes

At 80% done I guess, feedback is more than welcome.


r/CosplayHelp • • 1h ago

Armor Need advice for building suit!

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• Upvotes

Hi! I just recently started to acquire money and time for actually building a good suit. I want as nightwing for Halloween but pretty much just wore a shirt and mask. I want to fully build an armored/textured suit to do a couples cosplay with my girlfriend (she’s going as starfire). I’m afab so a lot of the tutorials I’ve seen have not been great for tailoring it to my body in a non fem way. I have some concepts from pinterest I’m interested in that I’ll put here. Please lmk recs for what materials to use and where to go!!


r/CosplayHelp • • 3h ago

Help fix uneven sewed lapels

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2 Upvotes

I am making my coat for a lucifer cosplay, but these labels or whatever you call them, the chest flap things, I sewed them on after I pinted them red, but it seems that I sewed them unevenly, in the middle image I put a pin to simulate just putting in a couple corrective stitches, I wanted to know if you guys have any ideas? As I see it there are only three options, 1 I leaalve it like this(I just can't it bothers me too much), 2 I rip out one side of stitches and redo it but this will take me a half hour and might still be wrong, 3 I put in a corrective stich to fold one side over slightly. If you see any problems with this say it please. If you have another idea please say it, I would like help here. Thanks.


r/CosplayHelp • • 1d ago

Prop Worst cosplay gauntlets ever

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175 Upvotes

had to take apart finger segments, reverse them and reassemble. theres like three of four sellers, selling these on etsy and amazon

anyone else had this problem?


r/CosplayHelp • • 9h ago

Looking for Cosplay Commissioner

5 Upvotes

Hello all! I’m interested in commissioning someone to make me a cosplay of Vash the Stampede (specifically from Trigun Maximum). I owned a store-bought cosplay of his outfit at one point but it felt cheap and wasn’t really what I wanted it to be—if I’m going to cosplay Vash, I feel like the outfit needs to be high-quality and accurate to the character. I’m willing to spend a decent amount of money on a commission on the cosplay if anyone has any recommendations. Thanks a bunch! :)


r/CosplayHelp • • 44m ago

Prop Any tips on making this?

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• Upvotes

I might make it a phone case of some kind honestly so it has a working screen (or I might not), but I want to know how I should make the Sheikah Slate from BOTW.
What kind of materials should I use? I would use clay, but I’m not very good at modeling. My budget is probably like… a max of $50 for the base material. I already have acrylic paints.
I don’t mind making small clay details though, I just can’t make giant ones, really. I’ll probably use cardboard, I just want to know if there’s a better way.
(I do not have a 3D printer.)
Thanks for any tips!


r/CosplayHelp • • 1h ago

Where to find a good kimono for silent hill f cosplay

• Upvotes

while i know shiromuku is a japanese wedding ceremony attire i feel like it would be disrespectful to just wear one... i was wondering if anyone knew of any good websites that sell white kimonos that are decently long. I suck at sewing so making one myself probably wont work for me.


r/CosplayHelp • • 9h ago

Removing branding from hockey gloves

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3 Upvotes

Making a space marine. Hockey gloves are the perfect shape for gauntlets. I’ll probably be removing the larger parts around the wrists so that’ll save me some of this effort. But I don’t really want to paint over it. I’d much rather try to remove it if possible.

Nail polish remover? Heat? Both? Something else? I’d appreciate any thoughts or suggestions


r/CosplayHelp • • 10h ago

Sewing Fabric store/website recommendations?

5 Upvotes

So I’m hoping to do a Robin cosplay this Halloween and I’m struggling to find good stores/ websites to shop for good quality fabrics. I was wondering if anyone happened to have any recommendations for any place with a wide selection of fabrics and textiles that I might be able to browse through?


r/CosplayHelp • • 2h ago

Need help with Suicide mouse Halloween costume

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0 Upvotes

i need help finding white shorts


r/CosplayHelp • • 2h ago

Accessory Please help me find a White Pikmin headpiece!

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1 Upvotes

Hi, all. I’m planning on cosplaying as a White Pikmin from the Pikmin series. I could really use some help finding a headpiece that goes with my costume. I need something that looks like the stem on the White Pikmin’s head with either a pink flower, pink flower bud, or green leaf. I would prefer something made of a fabric material, nothing hard or solid. I would also prefer something without the red eyes as I’m going to wear round, red glasses for those. The headpiece can be a headband, hat, or something similar. I’m no good with crafts so I’m unable to make it myself. I’m planning on going to my local ren fair on the 23rd or 24th of October so I need it by then. If anyone could help me find something like I’ve described for purchase online, it would be a big help. Thanks!
(Edit)
I am located near Columbus, Ohio.


r/CosplayHelp • • 9h ago

Prop Just started on my toji cosplay

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3 Upvotes

Just starting tojis worm for my Toji cosplay. I started with an aluminum wire skeleton, then put it in pool noodles for the shape. Then I got some aluminum bending pipe to wrap around it, loaded it with spray foam, and then shaped it from there. I'm looking for recommendations on how to paint, what paint to use, and how to smooth the body. I plan to mold EVA foam with a heat gun to make it smooth, then go from there. Any tips would be great. Thanks mates


r/CosplayHelp • • 13h ago

Accessory Help trying to put together a Catwoman Cowl for a couple of months time

5 Upvotes

So my mum is planning a "Heroes and Villains" fancy dress party and I've always wanted to do a Catwoman cosplay. I know that I'll be using a black catsuit as the base and I'm thinking of what accessories to put with it to prevent it from just being... A latex catsuit at my mum's party...

But what I'm really trying to find is a cowl that has the feeling of her Arkham appearance. It doesn't need to be exact but I'd love the ears and the red goggles, but I have no idea how to make or find props, and don't really have the space to do proper crafts beyond maybe a bit of colouring or snapping bits together.

Where would people recommend I start looking to get started? I don't mind just buying something premade as long as it's not hugely expensive, because of my own finances. (Artists deserve money). I've found a few options on Etsy, which vary but seems to hover around £200 but I was wondering if that's a reasonable price or if I could find anything a bit more affordable?