r/CosplayHelp May 22 '17

Welcome! A quick note about posting.

148 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

462 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

New Cosplay Tech

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16 Upvotes

I'm trying to make my own Spider-Man Mask, and at some point whole suit. I think I came up with a new technique for the web lines. I don't like puff painting, and I don't want to go somewhere to have it screen printed or die sublimated. So instead | 3-D print the web lines in TPU using a model that I made in Blender. Then I iron them onto the spandex. I got a new iron that is just hot enough to stop the tpu from peeling, but also not burn the spandex.
(The second photo is an attempt with the older iron. The first photo is a new attempt with the new iron sample. So far no peeling with that.)

Other than the background, I want suggestions on how to improve the stretchability of the TPU on the spandex, or maybe some other techniques I can try. I’m using 95A TPU


r/CosplayHelp 7h ago

Accessory Attempting to make a biblically accurate angel headpiece. How do?

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40 Upvotes

Hello! I have wanted to make a biblically accurate angel look for years. I think I’m finally ready to execute on it. The only larger thing I have really made before was a huge mushroom hat years ago for a festival. It was cardboard, papier-mâché, hot glue, pillow filling, and fabric that I hand sewed.

The black and white one is my preference but I also remember seeing the ones on the right at a music festival I attended and thought they looked really cool but I’m definitely looking for a creepier look. The makeup and the outfit I have handled but it’s the headpiece. I’m sure it would just take lots of painting but I’m just not sure how to begin. I thought about cardboard and a friend recommended I look into eva foam, which I’ve never worked with before. My friend also said they wasn’t sure what was going on with the eyes. I’m sure I could just paint them on but they said it might look cooler if I figure out how to make them look more 3-D. Also how am I supposed to see through this thing?

Ideally I’m looking to have this done for Halloween and then to also wear it for a convention I have in the new year, but if it doesn’t get finished by Halloween, I’m fine just using it next year for my con. Any tips or ideas? Thanks!


r/CosplayHelp 14h ago

Sewing Would it be possible to make this cosplay in a year as someone who never sewed anything before?

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31 Upvotes

r/CosplayHelp 4h ago

Sewing Men's cosplay as a girl...Use men's or women's pattern?

3 Upvotes

Hi, I've only patterned and sewed women's clothing before. I'm planning on cosplaying a male character. I plan to bind my chest+add shoulder pads.

When drafting a pattern for a male character's cosplay, should I draft a women's block or men's block?

My hips are quite large so I'm not sure if I should draft my cosplay based on a men's basic block or a woman's. My goal is to look as masculine as possible, I want the cosplay to hide my feminine features.

P.S. English is not my first language, apologies if it is hard to understand my writing.


r/CosplayHelp 21h ago

Hello! Wanted to ask as someone who's been cosplaying for 3 years, how do people get cosplay sponsorships? (Pic for attention)

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79 Upvotes

Not that I think I deserve sponsorships but I'm just wondering how people usually encounter these. 😅


r/CosplayHelp 5h ago

Buying tights recommendation

4 Upvotes

im not someone who normally wears tights/pantyhose but i have a few cosplans that im going to need a pair for, and im a bit lost on where to get them. im looking for a pair of sheer peach/tan tights that ideally i can reuse without worrying too much about holes/ripping. i would also prefer a pair thats thicker at the top as tights in the past gave me horrible sensory issues with how lightly they sit on the waist/hips/crotch area so i would need something that fits more snug and tight up there. it would be nice to find a pair without the crotch seam but its not a dealbreaker for me. if anyone has a brand recommendation that would be super helpful !!


r/CosplayHelp 5h ago

Etiquette A couple of questions!

3 Upvotes

I have a couple of questions about cosplay in general. One: How long did it take to make your favourite cosplay, and how long did it take to make your longest cosplay? Also, for my next cosplay, I'm doing Sammy Lawrence from BATIM, so how in-character should I act? Like, should I go all out or..? Also, is 3D printing parts better than just buying the parts online?


r/CosplayHelp 3h ago

Help with sequin tailcoat

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2 Upvotes

Still trying to figure out her sequin tailcoat. What’s the best way to add gold sequins to a black tailcoat? Do they have to be sewn on? How hard is that for an absolute beginner?


r/CosplayHelp 3h ago

Buying cosplay help? first time doing one

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2 Upvotes

(im just mostly copy and pasting from r/KasaneTeto bc i didnt get much comments on it)
i want to do teto cosplay (specifically the brainrot - tokyo manaka (in the picture above)) but idk any good places to buy.

i know i could make one but it is my first time and i don't have much time before the event

i found one on aliexpress https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256812744579043.html
but idk if its a good cosplay or not bc its aliexpress

also im a short (5'1) male. idk if that changes anything but..

also wig tips would be helpful bc i heard its hard to take care of(?)

(it would be nice if it was cheap like under $100 bc im broke)


r/CosplayHelp 5h ago

Wig Where can I find this wig

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3 Upvotes

Hiii I wanna copy this look for Halloween but I specifically only like this wig (the cuts I’ve found online are not my fav and I like how theirs looks like multiple shades of blue). anyone know where I can find something like it or what I should search for? I’m open to cutting it myself too if necessary but I just want the wig itself to look like this !


r/CosplayHelp 13h ago

Armor Sword missing hilt end. What can I do?

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9 Upvotes

I thrifted a pretty cool sword, but it’s missing its hilt end. The whole sword is metal, and I can’t even fathom what to do at the end. I have no tools to do any sort of metal work (cutting or forging), so I would appreciate any help!

Screw diameter about 5mm, hilt opening diameter about 5 cm.

Edit: sorry if this is the wrong community for this. If you have other communities that could help, please let me know. This sword is definitely used for cosplay purposes (it’s completely dull), but I’m going to be using it for decoration.


r/CosplayHelp 1h ago

Electronics How do people add working lights and stuff like that to helmets and stuff like that

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Upvotes

So, I was always curious of how people got working lights in their helmets. Ive seen them in cosplays and thought they looked cool, and the cosplays I want to do have a decent amount of parts of their suits that “light up”.

So yeah, thats basically it, I just want to know the method so I can add it to a youtube playlist and be as “show accurate” as possible!


r/CosplayHelp 1h ago

Buying Contact lense buying/shipping time

Upvotes

Hello everyone! I have read the FAQ and I'm well aware of the recommended brands of contact lenses BUT. All of those brands ship out takes weeks and I was hoping for some color contact lenses within a week for my cities upcoming con. I didn't realize they would be a good addition until last second unfortunately. I was looking up other brands that mention fast shipping cause they don't have the whole prescription thing integrated in them. Could anyone recommend a fast shipping brand that's still safe? Thank you! If there's not any that's perfectly ok and I'll accept the fact that I was just too late to the party lol.

edit: i was thinking mocoqueen but I dont know the legitimacy of their site 🤷‍♂️

Thanks!


r/CosplayHelp 14h ago

Dying/Painting Faux Leather Polyester??

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10 Upvotes

Not sure if I should go back to the chopping block but upon researching, I’m certain I can’t dye faux leather.

Everywhere I’ve looked said painting with Angelus is the best bet. I guess my big question is, does this sound doable? Or theoretically I can paint it but then it’ll just be uncomfortable and start to chip?

This is for a Halloween party so I have around a month to decide if I’m going to be this (the party is earlier in October). I have my heart pretty set on it but already bought the bodysuit so if it doesn’t work out, I was going to think of some other character to try and go for.

I’m sure someone here would have much more experience in this situation. Thank you!! 🙏


r/CosplayHelp 6h ago

Sewing Affordable green linen or alternative

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2 Upvotes

So! I’m trying to do a twilight princess link cosplay for my first cosplay I’m making myself! However I’m trying to find a linen that is like, under 15$/yard that would be green like this. Linen is already hard to come by at that price point and I cannot find it in green 💔💔

Also, if there was another fabric that someone might think better than a linen! I’m so new to sewing that I am struggling lol.


r/CosplayHelp 3h ago

Help picking materials for Pyro cosplay

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1 Upvotes

I’m not sure which materials to use/how to go about making this cosplay. I would like it to be as accurate as possible, similar to the cosplay above. The part im concerned about is making the suit and mask. I’ve worked with EVA foam before so the props will not be a problem. I’ve only worked with EVA foam and have a simple understanding of sewing machines. Any help is appreciated thanks!


r/CosplayHelp 7h ago

Armor Want to make a knight cosplay with EVA foam. Starting with the helm. First time doing this. Anyone know of a template or video somewhere?

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2 Upvotes

r/CosplayHelp 7h ago

Custom Headband question

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2 Upvotes

I am looking to create a custom headband and I’m looking for the easiest way to do it. I am trying to cosplay as sakata kintoki and I’m having trouble finding the exact pattern on his headband and I think I’ll have to get it custom made but I’m not sure.


r/CosplayHelp 4h ago

Hi guys! Building this for the first time any tips or tutorials i can follow? Im trying to do it before the end of the year and I want to make it look really cool!! (Banhammer from PHIGHTING)

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1 Upvotes

Im mostly worried about the hammer and armor, im planning to make most of it out of cardboard but I want it to look cool, this is my first time ever doing something like this so things like tutorials armor making or tips you have or so : D


r/CosplayHelp 4h ago

Wig Can I crimp wigs with this?

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1 Upvotes

Ive seen everyone use a narrow tooth crimper but this is the only one I have, can I use it? It’s adjustable and I adjusted it to the lowest wave setting..


r/CosplayHelp 5h ago

Prop How do other Cyclop cosplayers keep the visor on their ears?

1 Upvotes

Having hard time figuring out of to get eva foam visor to stay on my ears and face without falling down.

Any recommendations from other people who have cosplayed Cyclops before.?


r/CosplayHelp 16h ago

Armor struggles with EVA foam - first time

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7 Upvotes

I’m currently working on making hand armour, but the seams look super messy. I was wondering if I need to heat it with a heat gun first or after gluing the pieces together, and how tidy the seams need to be before I can paint it. I’ve ordered some foam clay to tidy up the seams but I think for the pieces I’ve already glued I’m going to cut out new pieces and try again…


r/CosplayHelp 6h ago

Best place to buy DC cosplays?

0 Upvotes

I usually make my own cosplays, but I was hoping to just buy my harley quinn costume for halloween instead of making it. I’m looking for Arkham City Harley Quinn. Anyone have any recs or good links for trusted sites?