5 Cosplay Myths Debunked
When it comes to cosplay, there are many preconceptions about this hobby. Some may think it as a vice, or some may think it is just another way to gain attention. However, cosplay is actually just dressing up as a favorite character, and it is something fans of movies, comics, anime, cartoons and games do for fun, whether they like the character, or just liking the costume design.
At the same time, there are a few popular myths surrounding this hobby, so now’s the time to bust those myths and give you the truth about cosplay.
Myth #1: Cosplayers should only cosplay what they look like
If you really pay attention to all the types of characters in movies, games, anime and comics, most of the time, they have impossible body proportions. So, when you are trying to cosplay a character - whether it is your first time or not, it doesn’t matter whether you are skinny or fat, short or tall. Cosplay is all about the fandom. If you are a fan of the character, just try your best to be in character instead of just looking exactly like it.
For instance, look at Boa Hancock from One Piece. Her body sort of defies gravity and it isn’t possible to be born with a body of that shape. However, you just need to piece together a costume that is as close as possible to hers, and adopt that attitude of an empress. If you can emulate some of her quirky way of speaking and mannerisms, then you would be giving the fandom an awesome cosplay. You don’t need to pay attention to all the online haters who think that cosplay for adults is all about beauty.
It is also fine to cosplay any character regardless of your complexion. Or you can always go green like Guardians of the Galaxy Gamora! You can just follow the hair color of your favorite character with a cosplay wig, and wear colored contact lenses to change your eye color and you would’ve pretty much look like your favorite character.
Myth #2: Cosplayers have to make every piece of their costume
Making a costume, the props, and the little accessories may be fun and exciting to some cosplayers, but not everyone has the same type of enthusiasm and skill set. It takes a lot of time, effort, and money to make every part of a costume - especially the props, so it really isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. So, there is nothing wrong with buying your cosplay costume, wigs, part of, or all of your costume pieces.
Not only it might be hard to construct large props such as large archangel wings or FF7 Cloud’s Buster Sword, it isn’t very easy to style certain wigs as well. Wigs such as Todoroki Shouto from My Hero Academia and Xiao Qiao from King of Glory are duo colored and it takes skill, trial and error to dye it, so most cosplayers will just buy the cosplay wig. Sometimes it is not about the colour, but styling as well. Like for Vocaloid Luotianyi, it may look easy to style but there would be a lot of wastage buying a long woman wig and then cutting 70% of it off to make up the 2 different lengths.
If you want to do some hands-on crafting, then you can always just buy your wig and costume, and make your own prop. If you totally have no skills in crafting, you can always just commission your prop from a reputable prop maker.
Myth #3: Cosplay is all about being kinky
With the widespread phenomena of cosplay photography and conventions, it is no surprise that you will encounter lots of sexy cosplays since there are just as many scantily clad characters out there in games, comics, anime and movies. This gives rise to the idea that cosplay equals kink. Although there are those who do enjoy some exhibitionism with sexy cosplays, it isn’t true for everybody.
Just as there are those who like to cosplay sexy characters like League of Legends Morgana, there are also people who like to cosplay mascots, furries, or something that shows off their craftsmanship like Gundam, Kamen Rider, or Ironman. So, whether you cosplay something simple, covered up, cute, or sexy, it doesn’t matter as long as you are comfortable in your own costume!
Myth #4: Cosplay is only for young people
Well, to be honest, most cosplayers tend to be in the younger age group, and at most conventions, you will see more youthful faces than not. In fact, many cosplayers tend to start early, even before their teens. However, there is one thing you should know: cosplayers never really grow out of it. Even after getting older, or after marriage, or even with kids, cosplayers will always try their best to cosplay for any events or costume parties. In fact, some parents will cosplay together with their kids!
So, don’t let your age stop you from cosplaying. If you feel you are too old to cosplay Harley Quinn or Spiderman, you can go for something more matured (or covered up) like Obi-Wan, Sophie of Howl’s Moving Castle, Cersie Lannister or Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones. If you want to cosplay as a family, there is always the Addams Family, the Incredibles or everyone can just wear a cute animal onesie. There isn’t anything to stop you so just let your creativity run wild!
Myth #5: Cosplay is only for photos at conventions
People always assume that cosplayers like to get their photo taken at conventions and will only cosplay at events. That is not true as cosplayers cosplay mostly just for fun. They attend conventions to meet up with other fellow cosplayers and enjoy the same hobby, but that is not the only way to enjoy cosplaying. In fact, there are many cosplayers who don’t like their photo taken, which is why it is important for photographers and visitors at conventions to ask for permission before taking a photo, for example of this cute Deadpool.
There are other ways to enjoy cosplaying. You can cosplay in a gathering with like-minded friends, or cosplay for a photoshoot to remember all the blood, sweat and tears you’ve put into bringing your favorite character to life. You can also cosplay for parties, or just to do a live stream on social media - it is all up to you how you want to enjoy wearing your costume.
Visit UNIQSO and Animee Cosplay online stores for more cosplay ideas and all that you need for cosplaying including costumes for Halloween which is just around the corner, colored contacts, cosplay wigs for men and women, and accessories. Don’t forget to also check out the Halloween discounts and offers in-store.