Cosplay Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Cosplay?
"Cosplay" is a term meaning to dress in costume and play as the character you're dressed as. Likely originating among anime fans, the term now basically means to simply roleplay in some form as the character imitated. Although everyone does this to some degree, most cosplayers will go so far as to write and perform skits or even music videos (!!) in character. It's a lot of fun both to watch and to participate in.
Why Costume?
You may wonder why with the variety of costumes available retail--from cheap discount store vinyl cartoon characters and devils to expensive costume-shop getups--that anyone would want to make their own costume. There are a lot of really good reasons to take up costuming:
The costume you want isn't available. This includes most non-kiddie anime and any character not from a recent hit movie or fan favorite. You can make a better costume. Have you taken a look at the average costume available at Wal-Mart or Spencer's? Store-bought costumes often use cheaper materials and workmanship than something you can do yourself. Your costume can actually fit right--no being forced into generic store sizes. You want a different color or version or whatever than is available. You'll be proud of your handiwork.
How-Tos and Techniques
I have learned a lot about costuming by experience, and though I still have quite a lot to learn, I have put together a few short guides that prospective costumers might find handy:
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