Want To Try A Different Life? Try Cosplay!
Do the lives of certain fictional characters seem more appealing and exciting to you? From their costumes to their backstories, characters from anime, movies, books, and video games lead colorful lives. If you're attracted to their personalities and want to walk a mile in their shoes, perhaps it's time to give cosplay a try.
A portmanteau of "costume" and "play," this pastime entails dressing up as your favorite character and immersing yourself in their fictional world. It sounds simple enough but you may be surprised at how much time and effort it takes. While it's perfectly acceptable to buy ready-made costumes from a shop, dedicated cosplayers spend weeks and even months planning their outfits and carefully handcrafting their different elements.
Let's take a closer look at why people engage in cosplay and how you can get started.
The Charm Of Cosplay
On the surface, cosplay might seem like playing dress-up but it's really so much more. Here are the major reasons why so many are drawn to cosplay.
Lets You Explore Different Characters
When you cosplay a fictional character, you identify as that character even if it's only while wearing their costume. Cosplay allows you to explore identities that are not your own. You can even cosplay a character of the opposite gender. Although it's a huge challenge, it's rewarding if you get it right!
Boosts Confidence And Offers A Sense Of Belonging
Cosplay enables you to step out of your comfort zone without worrying about criticism. Many shy and introverted individuals find themselves at ease socializing when they're cosplaying a fictional character.
They can also find like-minded friends thanks to the large community of cosplayers. These communities can become safe spaces where individuals can express themselves without fear of judgment, which helps foster a sense of belonging.
Helps You Escape From Reality
For many people, cosplaying is an opportunity to escape their mundane or stressful realities. Becoming someone else and immersing themselves in a different world is a form of therapy that allows cosplayers to forget their troubles temporarily.
A Healthy Outlet For Creativity And Passion
Putting together a good costume can be quite a challenge, but it's an excellent way to exercise one's creativity and passion. Putting together a costume helps you master skills like sewing, painting, makeup, hair styling, etc.
The process can take weeks or even months. Whether you're making props by hand or hunting for accessories from specialty shops, you need dedication to finish the task.
How Do You Start Cosplaying?
Any newcomer can begin cosplaying in three easy steps. Find a character to cosplay, put together a costume, and begin embodying the character.
Select A Character
The first step seems relatively easy but it's easy to spend weeks deciding which character to cosplay. After all, there are countless options.
You can cosplay characters from movies, books, anime, video games, etc. Just remember to choose a character you understand the best. You can also choose someone you identify with, feel connected to, or whose beliefs match yours.
Put the Costume Together
Once you've decided on a character, the next step is to put together a costume. Depending on your skills, budget, and time, you can buy the costume or make it yourself. You can even do both by making some parts of the costume and buying the rest. If it's your first time cosplaying, consider buying an outfit that's mostly or fully complete so this step will be simpler.
Understand The Character You're Cosplaying
Cosplay involves role-playing. You want to dress up as your favorite fictional character while becoming him or her.
To embody their characteristics well, you must first understand them thoroughly. So, take a closer look at their mannerisms, speaking and walking style, strengths weaknesses, etc. The more details you notice, the more realistic and believable your cosplay will be.
Now, all that remains is wearing the costume and having a great time cosplaying your favorite character!
Cosplay Character Suggestions
If you need help brainstorming character and costume ideas, here are our suggestions!
The Dark Knight
Cosplaying Batman is one of the best ways to begin your cosplay journey. This Batman costume from Magic Wardrobes comes complete with a black bodysuit, cloak, and headcover so you don't have to put in too much effort. The material of the bodysuit is top-quality Lycra and composite leather, giving it an eye-catching and realistic feel.
Across The Spider Verse
Enter the spider verse with this full-set Spider-Man costume that includes a bodysuit, headgear, and four spikes. Made from poly Lycra, spandex, and composite leather, you'll be proud to wear this costume at any cosplay event.
Honkai Star Rail
Become the most beautiful and elegant Stellaron Hunter with this full-set Kafka costume. The elaborate set includes the clothes, coat, and accessories like stockings, glasses, earrings, gloves, and even foot rings!
The fabrics used in this costume are top-quality herringbone jacquard, milk silk, and Shumei silk, which are perfect for the fashionable character you're role-playing.
Genshin Impact
Exhibit the confidence and flamboyance of Genshin Impact's water god Furina with this exquisite costume. It features excellent workmanship and quality materials like thick satin, wool, and milk silk.
The set includes the hat, coat, tail flippers, shirt, shorts, hand guards, leg rings, ankle rings, and gloves. Each item is designed to look like the original with inlaid gems and bright gold embroidery.
Oshi No Ko
Simple and cute, this Ai Hoshino costume is easy to wear. The set includes the anime character's classic pink dress, headgear, hair clips, gloves, and belt. It's made from silk, satin, and leather.
Star Wars
Are you a Star Wars fan? Bring out your inner Jedi with this Obi-Wan Kenobi costume. The ensemble includes the belt and waist bag while the robe is made of high-quality fabric so you remain comfortable under all those layers.
A full costume can make things much easier for beginners. However, feel free to make the costume uniquely yours with your own personal touches.
Cosplay For A Life Less Ordinary
Be the daring and exciting figure you admire with cosplay. With dedication, resourcefulness, and creativity, you can take on their characters for a few hours while meeting new people and gaining confidence.
Magic Wardrobe and its quality cosplay costumes are a great way to begin. We offer a vast selection of outfits, including movie, anime, game, TV drama costumes, and more!