Cosplaying on a Budget

Just as a note, this article is written for a yet-to-be-published fan magazine! Cosplay Spotlight is super fun and I hope it's successful- if you'd like to write or submit original content for your own site please send me an email! 

Aloha, amigos! I'm Leah Rose, your friendly neighborhood cosplayer with real life bills- I'm assuming that's sounding pretty familiar. Nobody is denying that cosplay, and being a nerd in general, can be an expensive habit. Fabrics, wigs, shoes, undergarments, materials, commissions, source material.. I can't help much on that last one, but the process of cosplay shouldn't be something that breaks the bank. After over 10 years in the community, much of that on a poor student budget, I've collected a few tricks to help keep the cost down and keep enjoying the hobby we all love.

I'll also include the base tools that you'll need, which are all relatively inexpensive but you may be able to find secondhand if the situation calls for it. Your tools are what make or break this situation, and while you don't need some $1k sewing machine, please make sure you have realistic expectations for what you purchase. I won't be going incredibly in depth on exact techniques, but hopefully I get those gears turning, and you can use your power of Google-fu to expand on any idea you see here. You can also reach out to me personally for any specific questions!

WIGS- everyone knows Arda, Epic Cosplay, and Gothic Lolita. These are fantastic sites with tried and true wigs that even come styled sometimes, but they aren't the end all. I personally get most of my wigs off of Ebay. It can be risky, especially if you have a large (read: normal North American) cranium. However, with luck and plenty of tucking and a nice wig cap, you can make budget wigs fit decently on all but the largest of noggins. You can take down some of the artificial “plastic-ey” sheen of a cheap wig by soaking wigs in either fabric softener (just swish a sheet or two in water and let it all stew for a few hours) or, if you want to deepen the tone just a touch, strong black tea. Adding wefts to a thin wig is an easy way to add bulk (and 2 cheap wigs, one meant to sacrifice, are often less expensive than one pricey!).

Tools: hair spray, foam wig heads, bobby pins, tiny clear hair ties, quilting needle (for adding wefts)

FABRIC PARTS- so I'm not sure if you know this, but both Joann's and Michael's have apps that always have heaps of STACKABLE coupons. If you're paying full price for fabric, I feel bad for you son, I got 99 problems but fabric cost ain't one. I'm so sorry you had to witness that... Anyway, in addition to those stores, there are usually local fabric wholesale stores that will beat chain prices hands down, but if you don't know where your local one is, it may be worth a mini road trip. Always check the remnant bin of wherever you are. Also, my favorite tip ever, is spend some cash and a thrift store and play chop shop! Nine times out of ten, it will be ridiculously cheaper and less labor intensive to, for example, buy a wedding dress, bedsheets, some weird lacey cardigans, and whatever used dress pants from Goodwill and go to town than it is to buy materials for and make a ballgown, breeches, sheer overlays, or literally whatever it is you need. The key point here is to break down your costumes into pieces mentally; this not only makes it easier to work on even if you just have raw fabric to work with, but also shows you how similar to real clothes so many of these costumes actually are!

Tools: fabric shears, hand sanitizer, sewing machine/needle and thread, smartphone (hopefully!)

ARMORS AND PROPS- while worbla and wonderflex are RAD, they're also expensive. Flat out, no BS, they're obscene. However, so many good alternatives exist, but just don't have the popularity behind them! My best kept secret is Sintra- the thermoplastic used to make road signs. It works like worbla, but a little bit stiffer overall, which can even be preferable. Also, definitely look into EVA foam (Kamui and Punished props have the best ebooks in the business re: making things with EVA). When EVA is sealed it makes just as good of a material as the fanciest thermoplastic at a fraction of the cost. Check out Ross, Marshalls, and Home Depot for their EVA floor mats!

OBLIGATORY SAFETY NOTE: DO NOT HEAT EVA FOAM INDOORS. IT RELEASES TOXIC FUMES.

Tools (new or used): heat gun, Dremel, Xacto knife, hot glue gun, E6000, plastidip

SHOES- I hesitate at buying secondhand shoes, but this is often the best bet for finding comfort and quality at a good price point. Just stock up on inserts so you can immediately rip out and replace the ones formed to someone else's feet- not just for hygiene, but it's better for your feet and back! Shoes can also easily be reused between costumes, and can easily be temporarily changed up using ribbons, elastic, spandex covers, and the like.

Tools: E6000, gorilla glue, super glue, leather shears, hot glue gun

ETC- nothing is wrong with buying a commission or buying a secondhand cosplay! I love the feeling of togetherness you get when you have a costume from someone you know is just as passionate as you are! Also, for commissions, try looking up students in fashion design school and other textile degrees. They can often get fabrics for less, and may be willing to make a costume for a bit less if they can use it for their portfolio. Check Facebook groups specifically made for secondhand cosplay buy/sell/trade!

This topic is something that can fill several books, but like I've said before, there are hundreds of insanely talented individuals that have shared their thrifty, creative knowledge with the world via the internet, but you should have a good idea now of how to tackle even the most intimidating of projects. Never be afraid to ask for help or experiment, remember to spend responsibly, and above all, have fun!

LLAP,

Leah Rose

facebook, storenvy, and blogspot- @leahroseaz

instagram, youtube, and twitter- @leahroseFTW

Ibuki- bought secondhand. PC Zarli Win

Dany- bought secondhand

NoFlutter Jupiter- chopshop, handmade sleeves and bow. PC Ed white

Ciri- chopshop and repurposing, EVA belt PC Courtex Studios

Zelda- chopshop and repurposing, EVA armor, handmade tabbard and skirt. PC Emi Smile

Mononoke Hime- entirely repurposed. PC Emi Smile

Dag- okay this is cheating the fabric cost like 10 bucks and the wig is one of my Dany ones. PC Kamera Kasino