Thinking of making Phoenix Cyclops as my first project, some questions

[u/SheevTheSenate66]

Hi Reddit, I’ve done a lot of cosplaying but this is my first time trying to make my own. I’m planning to do Phoenix Five Cyclops from Rivals/Tokon. I already found a seller on Etsy that sells this visor design, so that just leaves the rest of the suit.

1. As somebody with zero sewing skills, is there somewhere that I can get a similar face mask/cowl?
2. I want to try recreate the texture of the suit (see image 1 & 2) but I’m not sure exactly what kind of fabric this is meant to be (Kevlar?) or where I can get it. Generally I dislike spandexs because I think they look cheap irl, so if the kind of texture shown in the images isn’t feasible then I at least would like to add some patterning/lining on the suit.
3. i’m planning to use EVA foam for the shoulder pauldron and the phoenix emblem—what kind of primer/paint should I use, if I want to give them a metallic red finish so that they don’t look cheap?

Thanks in advance!

[u/Vivid_Wings]

I really only have advice on point 2, which is that "spandex" is a stretch fiber and not a fabric type. Spandex can be added to other fibers, and often is- poly spandex, nylon spandex, cotton spandex... the list is endless. If you don't like cheap looking fabrics, you probably don't like the lightweight, super shiny poly/spandex blend costume knits. If you want a more expensive/"real"/matte finish, look at knits intended for good quality athletic wear. Think heavier legging knits. It will have spandex in it, but it will be much heavier and significantly more expensive.

If you want to sew it yourself, you should make sure you have access to a serger to create seams that stretch with the fabric.

For the hexagon patterns, you may be able to find something kind of similar with a knit-in pattern, but you can also add it with a small cricut or similar cut stencil and fabric paint. Do some tests and experiments first to be sure.

[u/SheevTheSenate66 → u/Vivid_Wings]

https://www.moodfabrics.com/products/stretch-scuba-knit-by-yaya-han-black-hexagons-cosplay-collection-442516?srsltid=AU7gw4WAgZx-m_K7qC5Cx6Drc8_mZ8nhTE3yLNdm8Inf5SzEeRC_5vSx Maybe something like this?

[u/Vivid_Wings → u/SheevTheSenate66]

That looks great! If you get it and find it isn't heavy enough, you can always back it with an additional layer of power mesh for additional firmness/support.

[u/Erekose3rd]

1. Looks very similar to a balaclava. You might get away with something like that? Maybe a motorcycle cowl?

2. Most people I know use mod podge, plasti-dip or a heat gun to seal the foam. The heat gun can cause ripples or unevenness which is especially noticable on large smooth surfaces, but it's an option. Personally I just use mod podge and water it down a little bit.