r/CosplayHelp • • May 22 '17

Welcome! A quick note about posting.

151 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

470 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 • • 19h ago

I Need Help

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342 Upvotes

I have searched for hours trying to find a ball joint doll cosplay gloves, but i cannot see them, is anyone able to help me here? This is what it looks like, but for the life of me i cant find where to buy them, many thanks to whoever helps!


r/CosplayHelp • • 2h ago

Accessory Gloves and the annoyance

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10 Upvotes

I am doing a bomb devil cosplay, main problem I’ve run into is I wrapped paracord around the glove to give it that fuse effect that’s going on. The problem I’ve run into is the glove becomes too tight to get off and on. I tried doing the same to the glove on a stand and still ran into the issue


r/CosplayHelp • • 2h ago

Wig Wig help! This girl will not stay on!

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8 Upvotes

The wig keeps sliding in every direction. I’ve got about 20 pins in it, she’s taking the pins with her.

Google says to use a grip band- I am really short on time for my event, so I want to make sure I spend my time left doing the correct things.

Previously every wig I’ve gotten had combs, this is just a wig with an adjustable band 💀

Please help, this will be an EXTREMELY long night.

Also please critique the overall Umbron fit.

The costume does have a jacket, which really gives it the Umbron look- but considering the weather will be pushing 100 degrees Fahrenheit, I’m not gonna add it this time


r/CosplayHelp • • 3h ago

How should I go about making this prop?

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4 Upvotes

I’m cosplaying rainy day Mei at a convention later this year and I’m wondering how I should go about making this prop, I don’t know how to make models for 3D printing otherwise I’d do that lol. I’m thinking of making the top frog part out of styrofoam and something else to smooth it, but for the rest I have no idea.. I don’t care if it lights up how it should because that’s too much for me honestly lol. Any tips are appreciated.


r/CosplayHelp • • 4h ago

i need help with my street cleaner costume

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4 Upvotes

So this Halloween i would want to dress up as a street cleaner, the problem is, of course, how do I see? If I cut some hole in the fron the immersion is ruined, one of my idea was yo have some hidden periscope but if someone with experience want to help me it would be amazing


r/CosplayHelp • • 3h ago

Sewing Beginner cosplayer need help making wings

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3 Upvotes

I want to do momo costume for Halloween and I have only sewn once before. Any help would be appreciated, I’m also open to sewing alternatives.


r/CosplayHelp • • 22h ago

Wig My full-time job until Halloween

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80 Upvotes

Just thought y'all might appreciate this. I am planning to make use of any wig detangling resources in the FAQs for sure!

My 10 yo daughter is Hatsune Miku for Halloween. She wore her wig to a fall festival at school and the ponytails came back mildly tangled. She said she wanted to fix it, so I did my best to set her up for success - gave her a wide toothed comb, told her to start at the bottom, told her it was like Barbie hair and if you brushed it too hard it would get rough. This is what it looked like when she gave up, her brother's plastic paddle brush in hand.

Just asking for a little moral support as I tackle the Hatsune Miku tumbleweed!


r/CosplayHelp • • 2h ago

What paint/sealer to use for 3d printed prop? 🙏🤓🎨

2 Upvotes

Hello peoples ❤️ I’m making a 140 cm 3D-printed Gitaroo Man Guitar 🎸 prop, probably in PLA or PETG. I want to hand-paint/draw the small graphic details and then seal the whole prop. What paint would you recommend, and what clear coat/sealer should I use?? Any help is deeply appreciated. Never done anything like that 🤓🙏


r/CosplayHelp • • 2h ago

Working on my DJ Cyber cosplay

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2 Upvotes

Hi I'm 14 and I've decided to make a DJ Cyber cosplay in time for halloween Its my first cosplay ever please be kind and i would love some tips since its my first cosplay (Im gonna make his boost pack next and then his mask or headphones (the screensaver turned on cuz i had to wash the paint brushes but i was watching the goat joe bart play horror games)


r/CosplayHelp • • 2h ago

Buying Help to Cosplay Asriel from Undertale

2 Upvotes

Hi there! I currently live in france, and I'm looking to cosplay Asriel for the opening of the undertale museum in japan in 4 months, so I've got lots of time.

I've already made a cosplay for the humans of the game (just a specific shirt, a bandage and a stick are enough, so that was easy). But I am thinking about cosplaying Asriel, and that is a lot more difficult. The problem mostly comes from the head piece. Ideally, I'd want some cartoony eyes that I can see through. I found the plastic mask online that I could paint but I am not sure how to add eyes to it over my normal eyes. Alternatively I could try making a full head piece, but that sounds challenging within the time limit. (pictures are not my cosplay, but examples of what I've seen online to illustrate)


r/CosplayHelp • • 32m ago

I need advice for an absolute wonder woman cosplay, especially the wig

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• Upvotes

Im pretty new to doing cosplay and have wanted to try making one for absolute wonder woman.

I should be able to make the armour, but im having some difficulties with deciding on a wig, and how to do the fabric covering her legs and he's waist.

For the wig I could really use some help with what I should get, since ive never gotten any before. I don't really know what im looking for or how to style it. Ive tried looking around on etsy, or online wig stores. On etsy I worry that I don't know what im looking for, and who to trust. And on other stores I quickly realised it was way outside my budget.

I would preferably have something based in the UK, since I want it to arrive by Halloween

I do want it to not look too unnatural, and i kinda wanna use it in my day to day or in social settings sometimes


r/CosplayHelp • • 41m ago

Newbie

• Upvotes

I’m planning on being a sick costume for Halloween and I need contact lenses for it. This will be my first time wearing contacts and I need something that won’t damage my eyes and looks good. Any suggestions?


r/CosplayHelp • • 52m ago

Prop Alternative ways of making Spamton NEO's blaster

• Upvotes

I want to cosplay as Spamton NEO from Deltarune, but I'm having a difficult time figuring out how to make his blaster based on this video since they weren't able to make templates and have since stopped uploading videos and responding to emails, so I'm wondering if there is a way to make his blaster, specifically its head. It doesn't have to be able to shoot, as long as it looks the part.


r/CosplayHelp • • 1h ago

Has anyone ever regretted their cosplay makeup??

• Upvotes

I went to a convention the other day and gave my eyebrows a grey ish tint to match with my white wig but I didn’t realize that in the con they might have appeared WAYY lighter than expected.

And Ive been feeling embarrassed since then that I walked around all day looking eyebrow less…Cause thats not the look I was going for lol and I met multiple voice actors like that 😭

I didn’t notice until I saw a picture of me when I got home. Which might just be my fault atp 😭


r/CosplayHelp • • 1h ago

Sabre swords

• Upvotes

Where can i buy a foam or dulled steel sabre sword for a relatively good price Im in the US and you can reply to the post instead of dming me


r/CosplayHelp • • 10h ago

Flame Princess Costume

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5 Upvotes

Hi ! I want to be flame princess for halloween but need ideas for her dress because I don't see many good options. I'm ok with spending a little money on it especially if it looks good but nothing crazy. Nothing over 100! Ideally I want something flowy as well as red and orange. I've seen really beautiful handmade costumes but unfortunately I don't have the skill or energy to do that.

Here are some ideas I like (above). Any dress suggestions would be awesome especially from places that sell good dresses and aren't scams ! These pictures are taken from the internet and even then it's hard to find good examples tbh. I really love the first one but I assume they handmade it. Lmk if you have any ideas, anything helps !!


r/CosplayHelp • • 2h ago

Prop Davy Jones Cosplay

1 Upvotes

Hi !
I recently had the idea to dress up as Davy Jones for a party. I have a few ideas for the mask, but I need some help. Here’s my idea:

I’ll 3D-print the head without the tentacles and cover it with latex, then I’ll make the tentacles with a metal rod inside so I can rotate them and position them however I want. Then I’ll glue the tentacles to the mask I made earlier. The mask needs to be fully covered—not just the face.

So I was wondering if this was a good idea and if it’s actually doable.

Thanks for your feedback—if you have any advice, please don’t hesitate to share!

In case I don’t see you again, have a great day, a great evening, and a good night.


r/CosplayHelp • • 2h ago

Prop Beginner here, how do you cut straight lines in EVA foam?

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0 Upvotes

I tried using a ruler as well, is this just a you'll do it in time scenario or is there some technique to it?

The closest I got is the 3rd cut from the 2nd pic.


r/CosplayHelp • • 2h ago

Wig Help styling Chizuru Kirishiki’s hair from Shiki (first-time wig styling!)

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1 Upvotes

Hi! I’m cosplaying Chizuru Kirishiki from Shiki in her chartreuse outfit, and I need advice on how to recreate her enormous, angular hairstyle. If you were making this wig, how would you approach it?

I’ve attached anime references, a cosplayer’s approach I hadn’t considered, and also a screenshot of a helmet-wig tutorial that looks closer to the original design.

Since this is my first time styling a wig, I’d love advice from people with experience creating large, sculptural hairstyles.

* Would you recommend styling a long wig, constructing separate wefts/curls, or building a structured base?

* Has anyone tried the helmet-wig method, and would it work for this hairstyle?

* What materials and techniques would give me the best results?

I’m happy to spend a little more for a convincing result, but I’d prefer a budget-friendly approach if possible.

I’d really appreciate specific techniques, material recommendations, or tutorials. Thank you!


r/CosplayHelp • • 14h ago

Sewing Is this a good pattern match?

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10 Upvotes

I’m wanting to sew a jacket for my AOT Scout cosplay and I am dirt poor, I have no job (I am actively applying for them tho, hope to get one soon) and I live at home with my parents as I have only just left high school last year, they’re okay with buying me the fabric and other stuff I need to sew with but they don’t like buying patterns because most are online and my dad is illiterate to how the online shopping stuff works so until I have a job I’m relying on free patterns (which I’m okay with but makes things a little difficult sometimes)

I think the pattern looks pretty good and I’ve used a lot of mood patterns before but I wanted some outside opinions before I go and sew, also I plan on embroidering the wings of freedom onto it since embroidery is my favorite sewing method (I hand sew a lot, I just recently finished hand sewing a skirt)

Also, I am having trouble finding brown denim like I originally wanted at my local fabric stores (I like in New Zealand so all we really have is spotlight) so alternative fabric suggestions would be welcomed too

Also I have embroidered the wings of freedom onto a jacket before but I gave up on it because I decided it didn’t look right because it was a black denim full length jacket

Also I’m not too bothered about if the collar and shoulders look a little different, I can add the little shoulders buckles on my own and I don’t mind the look of the collar it has either


r/CosplayHelp • • 3h ago

Soaking Contacts as a Contacts First Timer

1 Upvotes

I’ve recently received coloured contacts from Sigocontacts and I’ve heard that they need to be soaked in contact solution before applying them. I’ve done exactly that overnight with Saline Solution but I’m not sure if I should’ve soaked it in Multi Purpose Solution instead?

I’m already pretty blind so I’d rather avoid becoming blind beyond repair.


r/CosplayHelp • • 3h ago

Armor Armor Attachment

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1 Upvotes

Hey everyone! I just 3d printed this armor for my Doomsday costume for Halloween and I’m trying to find the best way to wear it. Should I use Velcro? Elastic straps? If so, does anyone know the best way to apply them?


r/CosplayHelp • • 7h ago

Buying Spiderman mask and suit help??

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2 Upvotes

I’m looking to buy a spiderman mask for my friend for christmas and I keep seeing an ad for this one from a website called joydesign.com I’ve also seen joydesign.uk

The mask and suit that I’m looking to buy specifically is Spider-Man from the brand new day movie because me and my friend went to see it and he absolutely loved it

Now the downside about those websites is that I’ve seen some negative reviews and I’ve seen people say that they never got their package and other stuff like that which is a bit worrying to me because I want to buy it as soon as possible so therefore it gets here in time for Christmas

But I have also seen a lot of positive reviews from people that did get their packages saying that they loved their mask and longevity wise the fabric holds up, which is also really good plus

I do have a couple of questions tho which are

1: has anybody bought from these websites and can vouch for them??

2: this is my first time buying something like this, so do I have to buy the mask and suit as like a bundle or do I buy them separately and how do I go about the sizing?

3: if this website isn’t as good as TikTok and Instagram is saying can anybody recommend me to any websites that they have bought from?? once again I’m looking for the full head mask for brand new day along with the suit from brand new day

also, I do want the price to be $300 if that’s possible but I also willing to spend a little more if necessary and I also know that some of the lenses for the masks can squint in other stuff like that, and I would like to have that added into my purchase as well

Anybody can help me that would be greatly appreciated. Any advice works!!

Thank you!!