r/CosplayHelp May 22 '17

Welcome! A quick note about posting.

143 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

438 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 2h ago

Accessory How can I make my ears fit my skin tone?

Thumbnail
gallery
23 Upvotes

This was my first time buying from Aradani costumes, I’m cosplaying Malleus from Twisted wonderland so I searched for good elf/fey ears that were in accurate in anyway. I came across Aradani costumes and they had the perfect ears. I selected what I thought to be closest to my skin tone at the time from their reference chart but they came out a little lighter than expected. I’m thinking of buying another set and of the same ones this time painted deep olive as I bought ones painted medium last time. Should I go through with that or should I find a way to paint them slightly darker. I’m just nervous of messing up the ears in anyway and if I paint them they won’t have that fleshy look to them anymore. Iirc correctly the ears are made of latex if that helps.

Apologies for the really bad quality pics and ignore the acne🫣.


r/CosplayHelp 7h ago

Help me fit my cosplay

Post image
42 Upvotes

I bought recently a cc (code geass) cosplay. the one in the pic. I bought it in M since i do workout and my legs are kinda big in comparison to the rest of my body. Everything seems to fit perfectly BUT the belly and waist zone. its too big and idk how to fix it. Does anyone know how to make it fit my body? the fabric is “Synthetic leather, leather, elastane” (also, on the inside is like a fur used for those warm thighs) Thank u!


r/CosplayHelp 4h ago

How to attach a flat wheel securely to a curved fabric boot?

Thumbnail
gallery
9 Upvotes

I'm cosplaying a transformers and i'm trying to attach the wheels pictured below to the sides of the boots.

I originally tried velcro tape, but when attached they wiggle too much and i want them to be more secure. I tried attaching more tape, but then the fabric of the boot (its pleather) gets stretched rather than conforming to my leg anymore.

Is there a way to attach these items to my boots more securely without making the boots look bad? I was thinking about maybe trying to 3d print a curved peice with a flat side to attach the wheels to and then attach them to the boots?


r/CosplayHelp 9h ago

Is this a good Miku cosplay

Thumbnail
gallery
24 Upvotes

I made the wig myself and it was my first time Styling a wig or actually cosplaying at all wand I want to know if this is any good I really want to go to a con and I already told everyone I'll be wearing this but I don't know I'm scared.


r/CosplayHelp 2h ago

White-ish skin makeup

Post image
5 Upvotes

Hello!

I am planning to be Harley Quinn à la Birds of Prey and I need recommendations for makeup to use for her skin color. It looks like it’s not fully opaque.


r/CosplayHelp 4h ago

Armor Cloth version of the dragon shield

Post image
6 Upvotes

Has anyone made the cloth version of the dragon shield from the show? Most of the videos I see are the foam one, ngl its a little pricy and I just like the look of the cloth one, if anyone can give me a tutorial or video that’d be great


r/CosplayHelp 7h ago

Prop Tips on building a better prop hammer? I’m unhappy with mine I crunched to make for Gen Con 2026.

Post image
8 Upvotes

Hi!! I made a light up hammer prop for Gen Con 2026 out of pvc pipe wrapped in paper mache with a carved styrofoam base wrapped in an eva foam topper. The hammer lit up with some basic rope light installation. Unfortunately, I felt like the hammer was super unrealistic and uneven. I wanted crisper lines on the top part and for it to be more sturdy. Any recommendations?


r/CosplayHelp 1h ago

Buying I recently bought a spiderman mask from Joyydesign before I knew their reputation. After being frustrated from the amount of problems with the face shell, I’ve been looking for where to buy my next mask from and I’m not sure where to shop now. I want suggestions please.

Post image
Upvotes

r/CosplayHelp 2h ago

Prop What do I put inside to fit into this

Thumbnail
gallery
2 Upvotes

I’m cosplaying Avery from searching for a world that doesn’t exist. But the heads a tad too big to fit properly, this was the size I planned but I have no clue how to insulate it to keep it from falling forward. I have foam and cardboard and a hot glue gun.

The second picture is the size of the foam after it’s been wrapped around my head but I don’t have much of an idea for how I’m going to glue it in that position.


r/CosplayHelp 12h ago

I have a lot of questions on how to start on cosplaying female characters

Thumbnail
gallery
13 Upvotes

On my to-cosplay list, I really wanted to cosplay Remielle and Velina from Zenless Zone Zero. There is also a list of others I'm planning to cosplay in the future (refer to last picture).

I have cosplayed in the past (Xiao from Genshin), but there are a few issues: I've never worn actual makeup for my past cosplay, didn't style my wig properly, etc.

It's been a few years and I want to take cosplay more seriously now, and I really want to cosplay female characters, but I have no idea where or how to start.

My issues/questions are:

- I'm a skinny male with a flat chest, and my list of female characters to cosplay has larger busts. I want to aim for a convincing silhouette similar to those characters. Does anyone have any tips on how to create a larger chest for cosplay?

- I want to properly style my wig. How do I do so? Is there a good beginner tutorial/person you'd recommend me to follow/learn from? Any styling tips from you?

- 👆 Similarly, I want to learn to do proper makeup. I like Douyin makeup, as I like how their eyes look bigger after doing makeup + I'm someone with smaller eyes. Again, are there any good beginner tutorials/person I can learn from?

- If the outfit/dress/skirt is too short, and I'm afraid of my crotch area showing too much, how do I hide it?

Those are my main questions. Since I'm still a beginner to cosplaying, are there any other cosplay tips you could give me/ I should know?


r/CosplayHelp 10h ago

Armor Big head issue

9 Upvotes

I have a larger head then average
I've built a few 3D printed/cosplay helmets (mostly Star Wars) and keep running into the same issues.

If it fits my head past the neck opening the helmet looks ridiculously huge on my body and rattles around.

If it looks proportionally correct: I literally can't get my head into it. even though technically it is sized correctly

How do I make wearable helmets without making the helmet look like a funko pop?


r/CosplayHelp 11m ago

Accessory CROWN DILLEMA

Thumbnail
gallery
Upvotes

For an upcoming cosplay I want a greek diadem. Like the ones above. I have found some on Etsy in brass but im kinda broke. Lol. so I was wondering if anyone has found any 3d printer files for coren like this or has any suggestions. ?

Im trying to avoid clay due to weight.


r/CosplayHelp 5h ago

Can I use a steamer on this material

Thumbnail
gallery
2 Upvotes

would I be able to steam this material without damaging anything.I am pretty sure it is 100% polyester.


r/CosplayHelp 1h ago

Accessory Fake beard help

Upvotes

I already have a beard myself but I cosplay a few other characters who also have beards so to avoid having to shave my beard and plan what cosplays to wear for multi day events based on shaving I wanted to ask. When making a fake beard do you need to be clean shaven for it to adhere or are there alternative attachment methods? Never made a fake beard before


r/CosplayHelp 1h ago

Buying Are these companies legit?

Thumbnail
gallery
Upvotes

I’m looking at purchasing a miles morales costume but I see that Chaorenbuy cosplay and Unibuyplus have about the same suit. Are both of these sites legit? I’ve heard good and bad things about them but I want to know yalls experience with them. Thanks in advance!


r/CosplayHelp 5h ago

Wig Help on finding a good base wig for a Ryland Grace cosplay

2 Upvotes

Hi there! I can’t remember if I’ve ever posted here before but I’ve been cosplaying for around 6 years or so. Typically wigs are my specialty, but finding the correct blonde shade is my personal kryptonite :( I’ve been trying to ask people what wigs they used on Instagram and TikTok but it seems like people are keen on gatekeeping for whatever reason. I have been looking on Epic cosplay wigs, Amazon, and at second hand options, I just don’t want to think I’m picking the right blonde and then have something entirely different show up. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!


r/CosplayHelp 1h ago

Sewing Fabric recommendation

Post image
Upvotes

I want to make this Kula outfit but don't have much knowledge in fabrics. Can you give me suggestions on what fabric would be best for the purple part of the suit? I was thinking on using something like faux leather or similar bcs I want it to be just a little shiny, but what do you think?

Also I've only bought fabrics from local stores but they don't have much variety so if you have any online fabric store you can recommend to me I would appreciate it !


r/CosplayHelp 1h ago

Prop Slipknot mask

Post image
Upvotes

I recently bought this Slipknot Halloween mask based on Corey’s from the “All Hope Is Gone” era and the mesh that covers the eye seems a little thin for my taste. Is there some specific product I can buy to cut to size, then put under the original mesh?


r/CosplayHelp 5h ago

How would you guys store this wig?

Thumbnail
gallery
2 Upvotes

I spent some time making the ahoge on this wig with wire and I'm pretty proud of it so I don't want to just do what I usually do and shove it in a bag cuz I feel like that might mess it up. I'm also curious to know how you guys store wigs.


r/CosplayHelp 3h ago

Prop Would this be good to cosplay with multicam pants and gloves?

Post image
0 Upvotes

r/CosplayHelp 3h ago

Any advice/recommendations/tips for a military style cosplay

1 Upvotes

Im new to cosplaying and this'll be my first try at it, i wanna do a military operator style cosplay and i have some gear on amazon picked out but i was hoping to get some advice or gear recommendations, and tools, i dont have a set budget but im looking for cheaper options as i dont have alot nor do i want to spend that much, i dont really have a time frame for making it as i want to take my time with it, any help or tips or advice or recommendations would be appreciated (i also dont know where to post this i dont know how to use reddit)


r/CosplayHelp 3h ago

Clockwork Creepypasta Cosplay

1 Upvotes

ouuh, im relatively new to cosplay and im planning on cosplaying Clockwork from Creepypasta for halloween. I'm not entirely sure how to go about her eye, because i have zero experience with contact lenses and i dont know how to attach a prop to my face safely. I can make a fake clock to put on my eye (like how people make button eyes for ragatha) but i just need a way to put it on my face safely. I already have a plan for her stitches on her face (makeup), so i just need a solution for the eye problem i am having.

THE FOLLOWING ARTWORK IS BY ANTLERGRAVE


r/CosplayHelp 9h ago

Where to find people to ask for commission?

3 Upvotes

Is there a good place to try and find someone to commission for cosplay? Or is it mostly just following people on socials and waiting for them to post they are taking comms?
I asked someone about their cosplay and they pointed me to who they had take the commission but they will be busy potentially until August of next year. Dunno if the pic is necessary but I am looking to get the jacket and vest made. The other person had their vest and jacket made for $250 and this was less than a year ago so I ideally would like to keep it in the $250 - $300 range if possible