300 Cosplay Tips - Tricks and Hacks to Make Your Costume Look Amazing

Designing and maintaining a complicated costume can be tough. Here are 300 tips to help you on your journey to the perfect cosplay.

1. Make sure your props are as light as possible. You’ll be carrying them around for hours or maybe days at a convention.

2. Avoid face paint if you’re attending a long event. It will run or streak after a few hours.

3. Halloween wigs suck. They’re itchy, expensive, they shed, and they can’t be styled. Go with pro wigs.

4. Post your idea on a cosplay forum before building it and people will give you tips.

5. Avoid bulky costumes during the summer. They might look great, but you’ll be dying from the heat.

6. Thick material contributes to heat more than anything. So stick with thin fabrics and plastics.

7. Any large pieces of your costume need to be foldable so they can fit through doors, and be packed into a car.

8. Make sure to design your armor in pieces. Everything should fit inside a suitcase.

9. More costumes get wrecked in transit than on the show floor. So make sure your luggage is top notch.

10. If you’re new to cosplay, stick with spandex or zentai suits for a while.

11. If you’re too ambitious at the start, you might fail and then quit. So start small!

12. Make sure any of the weapons (especially guns) are fake-looking, so you don’t cause a panic if you whip it out on the subway. Use vibrant colors.

13. Make sure to stay on top of popular trends to find good costume ideas.

14. Old movies and video games are a great source for obscure costumes. Everybody loves nostalgia!

15. Costumes made from leotards or catsuits are easy to build. Then all you need are accessories.

16. You don’t have to personally build every piece of your costume. It’s okay to buy a few things.

17.  Make sure to document everything that goes wrong during your design phase, so you’ll learn for next time.

18. Keep your stencils and designs. You might use them again some day.

19. When starting out, choose a character that matches your body type. It’ll be easier.

20. Just because you don’t have a huge following doesn’t mean your cosplay wasn’t great. Everyone starts out small.

21. The goal of cosplay is to have fun. Sure there’s some money out there, but focus on the fun!

22. Ignore any bad comments from rival cosplayers. They might just be jealous.

23. Make sure to have some knowledge of the character you’re cosplaying. Do your homework!

24. Cosplay is a pretty tight-knit community. Don’t trash talk people or it’ll get around that you’re a big meany.

25. The friendlier you are, the more likely people are to invite you to events.

26. If a photographer is selling photos of your cosplay, then you should ask for a cut.

27. Be careful charging for any cosplay stuff. Technically speaking you’re violating the IP rights of the company that owns the character.

28. Instead of selling your photos/prints, it’s safer to set up a monthly donation thing like Patreon.

29. If you want to maximize your cosplay shares on social media, try to get some photos with the celebrity guest.

30.  Never cosplay a character you don’t know anything about. Do your homework!

31. If you want tips from your favorite cosplayer, ask them questions at a convention. Most are happy to give advice.

32. You can get fit and stay fit just by eating healthy and doing 30 minutes of cardio each day.

33. Concentrate on making fantastic costumes. The fame will come later.

34. Make sure you have a strong social media setup before attending a convention. People will want to connect.

35. Don’t worry about looking silly or goofy. Just try your best. People appreciate effort more than accuracy.

36. If buying an expensive wig, make sure you can use it for other cosplays as well.

37. If you want to cosplay an overly done character, try an “alternate universe” costume.

38. Mixing together two characters is a fun way to create a unique cosplay.

39. You don’t just have to cosplay characters. You can be a setting, event, or idea. Get creative!

40. Don’t be intimidated by popular cosplayers. They started out just like you.

41. Try to think of cosplay more as a hobby than a job or business opportunity. You’ll have a lot more fun.

42. Never cosplay a character just because you think others will like it. Your enjoyment is what’s most important.

43. Make sure to powder your face so your makeup doesn’t run. Guys, ask your girlfriends!

44. If you make a realistic weapon, consider bringing a goofy backup just in case you’re denied entry to the convention.

45. Always use foam or soft materials for swords/axes. This way you won’t hurt someone if you bump into them.

46. Make sure to design pockets into your costume so you can hold your phone/wallet/keys, etc.

47. Always pack your cosplay several days before leaving for an event. It might not fit or fold right and will need adjustments.

48. Remember that some people are colorblind. Keep this in mind when choosing colors.

49. If your costume is too large to check on a plane, consider having it shipped to the hotel. They’ll put it in your room.

50. When looking at photos of other cosplayers for ideas, look at their design photos, and not the professional shoots.

51. Your “under construction” stuff will always feel inferior until it’s finished.

52. If you want to be as liked as possible then try to remember that your target market is geeks and nerds.

53. Get one of your friends hooked on cosplay and then you can split a hotel room when you travel to a convention.

54. Make sure to bring your sewing kit anywhere you bring your costume. You never know when something is going to rip!

55. Build/install some sweat guards into your costume so you don’t stink.

56. After a long day of wandering around, you can freshen up your costume with a can of Febreeze.

57. Make sure you know which undergarments you’ll be wearing on convention day. The wrong bra can ruin your look!

58. Keep the creepers away by saying you never give out your personal information at a convention.

59. Most cosplay critics have never attempted a costume of their own. Ignore them. They’re petty and jealous.

60. Conventions are loaded with security guards. If you feel unsafe, flag one down.

61. Don’t be afraid to tell someone to back off if they’re getting too close. “I don’t want to damage the costume.”

62. Avoid making a “one-time use” costume based on a current meme. You won’t be able to use it again next year.

63. If you cosplay a lot, your photos will end up on the internet. Be prepared.

64. It’s fine to make an obscure costume. Don’t worry, someone will always recognize you.

65. Make sure to compliment other cosplayers so you can build a network of friends.

66. The best way to get a photo with a celebrity guest is to design your costume around a character they’ve played in the past.

67. Start designing your cosplay several months in advance. This will give you time to improve it and accessorize.

68. Sometimes halfway through a costume you’ll realize this will never work. That’s okay. Start over and try a new one.

69. Don’t cheap out on materials. They’ll rip and then you’ll be sad.

70. Cosplay is not cheap. Your costume, travel, hotel are expensive. Make sure to set up somewhere people can donate.

71. Cosplay is not a Halloween costume. You’ll be wearing for days, maybe weeks. It must be designed better.

72. The internet is a better resource for materials than any generic party store.

73. Dollar stores are okay for accessories, but it’s usually better to make your own everything.

74. Craft foam, glue, and paint can go a long way. You can create everything from a spear to a transforming car.

75. Always draw out your designs before cutting foam. Measure twice, cut once!

76. It’s usually better to design pieces so they’re a bit loose. Loose is comfy. Tight or snug armor gets annoying.

77. If you wear the cosplay to an after party, it will get dirty. If you go dancing, your shoes will get stepped on. Plan ahead!

78. At bigger cons, it can be smart to bring a show cosplay, and an after-party cosplay.

79. Nerds are creative. They don’t mind when you go outside the box on a cosplay, as long as it sorta makes sense.

80. For an easy cosplay that always looks amazing, do a steampunk version of your favorite character.

81. If your cosplay isn’t coming together, don’t panic. Ask for help and ideas on the internet.

82. Don’t fret about being authentic. You can cosplay anything no matter what your skin/hair/eye color or gender is.

83. You’ll have more fun doing cosplay if your friends come as well. Otherwise it gets lonely hanging around by yourself.

84. Try to get your photos taken in lots of group shots. Those get shared the most.

85. If you have a group of friends, try a team or squad cosplay, like the Avengers.

86. In a group, you can also experiment with themes. Like everyone is a villain, or everyone is a dead character.

87. If you want great photos you need props so you can take action shots. Weapons, shields, accessories, etc.

88. Don’t use cheap hair products on your expensive wigs. It’ll ruin them and you’ll lose a ton of money.

89. Make sure to always carry extra pins, clips, and tape. You never know when something will come loose.

90. Keep a pair of scissors handy in case your cape gets stuck in an escalator.

91. If you have large wings, make sure to practice walking around so you’ll get an idea of how much space you’ll use.

92. Make sure your cosplay can be easily/quickly disassembled for bathroom breaks.

93. You can roleplay as your character if you want. The only rule for cosplay is that you must have fun.

94. Make sure you bring money to the convention. You can find lots of great props and accessories for future cosplays.

95. You can buy a cheap pair of shoes from the discount rack and paint them to match your costume.

96. Attending a cosplay competition is a great way to meet people and learn tricks.

97. Temporary tattoos are a great way to add depth to your skin without adding weight.

98. Try to always pose for a photo when asked by a fan. They can be shared on sites like Reddit and Pintrest which will send big traffic to you.

99. But don’t feel like you must always take a photo. If you’re busy, tell them you’ll do it later.

100. Check out the cosplay blogs and sites for great ideas. It’s not stealing if you make your own unique version.

101. Just because your body type doesn’t match the character, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try a cosplay.

102. Cosplay is more about fun and embracing your love of the character than it is accuracy.

103. After choosing your character, look at photos of other cosplayers in order to get your idea juices flowing.

104. Don’t be afraid to email or Facebook message someone who did a cosplay similar to yours. They’ll be happy to help.

105. More is lost by people trying to minimize regret, than gained by trying to have fun.

106. If you want to make a great and unique costume, you’ll need some basic sewing skills. Don’t worry, it’s easy!

107. You can buy cheap sewing machine at garage sales or estate sales. These are also great places to buy accessories.

108. Avoid bringing real or expensive jewelry to a show so you aren’t worried about it.

109. Make sure to plan out each part of your cosplay before you start building it.

110. Sew some patches onto your costume for added layering. The more relevant to the character, the better.

111. Earrings that are a miniaturized version of your character are a nice touch.

112. If your cosplay demands a mask, make sure it’s light and breathable. Otherwise you’ll be dying after an hour.

113. If you’ve never been to a particular convention, make sure to ask others what it’s like. How much room to maneuver on the show there is, etc.

114. Unique and entertaining beats big and bulky every time.

115. In a pinch, dental floss can be used instead of thread to fix those holes in your cosplay.

116. It can take months to build a great cosplay. Don’t get frustrated.

117. For some people this is a job, but for you it’s a hobby. Don’t let cosplay eat into your work life.

118. If you do want to make it as a pro cosplayer, then you must focus on entertaining as many people as possible.

119. Pointy ears are an easy and fun way to look like an elf or fey.

120. Full face body paint never lasts an entire day and takes hours to apply and remove. Skip it!

121. Always try to think of yourself as an artist. Because you are one!

122. The cosplays you do for photo shoots can be more elaborate/bulky than ones you wear to a convention.

123. Once you have some fans, try to raise funds before starting an expensive cosplay. Your time is valuable.

124. If you’re not having fun doing your cosplay, then take a break. It’s a hobby, not a job!

125. When travelling, make sure to bring back unique mementos you can work into costumes. Sea shells, coins, etc.

126. The more original and unique your cosplay is, the more people will like it.

127. Don’t be pressured into cosplaying something you don’t want to. This is your art. You do what you want.

128. Always make sure your cosplays are tasteful, especially if there will be children around.

129. Invest in a cheap hot glue gun. They’re easy to use and you can leave it in the hotel room in case of repairs.

130. Basic wood-working skills are simple to learn, and allows you to design/carve fun accessories for your cosplay.

131. You don’t need expensive courses to learn the skills you need to make costumes. Everything is on YouTube!

132. Most towns/libraries have a 3D printer you can use. These are amazing for accessories.

133. If you can afford a 3D printer, you should definitely get one and learn to use it. Endless opportunities.

134. LED lights don’t generate heat, so you can add them to your cosplay without worrying about burning or getting hot.

135. Seasonal goods are usually 50% off right after the holiday is over. Stock up then!

136. Use shoe spray to make your cosplay water resistant. Attend enough shows and you will be spilled on.

137. Before getting started in cosplay you should watch lots of tutorial videos.

138. If the first version of your cosplay doesn’t work out, you can always try a new one later on when your skills improve.

139. Buy a copy of Make your Own Japanese Clothes by John Marshall. You will learn lots!

140. Plan to have your cosplay smushed into a suitcase and handled roughly by airline employees. Make it strong.

141. Sketch out your cosplay like it’s movie concept art before building it. This is the best time to make changes.

142. Polymer clay is great for accessories. You can bake it in a toaster oven to harden it.

143. Start with smaller projects and work your way up to big ones. The Great Wall of China started with a single brick.

144. Don’t be afraid to combine strange genres, like Star Trek meets baseball or soccer.

145. Building a great costume is all about trial and error. Keep trying new things and you’ll keep learning. Then it’s easy.

146. Don’t afraid to add some moving pieces, like clocks into your cosplay. Movement catches the eye. More photos!

147. 80% of cosplay is failing and trying to fix the mistakes you made on your last go.

148. Putting your own spin on a cosplay will ensure nobody else is wearing the same thing.

149. You can raise funds for future cosplays by selling your old ones on the internet. People will pay big bucks!

150. If you’re not excited about your cosplay, then others won’t be either. So pick a project you’re passionate about.

151. The older/used/dented armor looks, the more realistic is seems. Study techniques on how to artificially age things.

152. Consider carrying a bag of character-appropriate trinkets to hand out when people compliment you.

153. You can use LED lights to simulate a power core like Iron Man has on his chest.

154. Avoid shiny fabrics. They won’t look good in photos unless the lighting is perfect.

155. Make sure your cosplay can stretch in a bit in every direction. You might be asked to take some action photos.

156. To avoid overheating, focus on breathable plant-based/like fabrics like cotton, rayon, and linen.

157. Dramatic costume silhouettes are created using structural techniques like in interfacing and boning.

158. Embroidery, beads, braids, sequins, and fabric paints can add flair and depth to an otherwise plain cosplay.

159. Use excess fabric to make a cool bag/sack to carry around your convention goodies.

160. There’s always something new to learn. Spend your idle time learning jewelry-making, papercrafting, sculpting, etc.

161. You can turn sci-fi characters into fantasy cosplays by giving them medieval weapons and accessories.

162. Layer patterns to create a new look for your character. Something never been done.

163. Don’t worry about whether your character would wear a certain fabric or not. Use what’s comfortable/practical.

164. Always buy more fabric than you think you might need. You will make mistakes on your quest for the ultimate cosplay.

165. Stores will often run out of certain fabrics and never restock. So plan accordingly.

166. Wash your fabric before using it. It’ll shrink, and you’ll be able to wash your costume later without more shrinkage.

167. Run the iron over your fabric before cutting it. This makes it easier to work with.

168. Don’t ignore the edges of your fabric. Fraying will just get worse with time. Take 15 minutes and make a nice edge.

169. After sewing, iron out your seams. This makes the costume more comfy, and look better.

170. Tons of great Halloween costumes, props, and accessories pop up on classified sites right after October 31st. 

171. Most hotels will have an iron, or a concierge with access to an iron. Don’t show up in wrinkles!

172. Always hang your cosplays up in the closet on the nicest hangers you can afford. This prevents musk and wrinkles.

173. If you’re not comfortable sewing every little thing, you can substitute sticky Velcro, but this doesn’t last as long.

174. Practice making buttonholes. Once you’re great, you’ll be in love with buttons.

175. Make sure to plan for seam allowances. Or your cosplay will be too tight.

176. Some fabrics can only be dry cleaned as they’ll shrink too much or the colors will run. Ask before you buy!

177. One easy way to learn how to make clothing is to try and copy a piece of clothing you already own.

178. Many cosplayers don’t leave enough time to finish and are caught scrambling the night before the show. Start early!

179. Shipments from Amazon can be delayed for weeks. Plan to finish three weeks early.

180. Wear your cosplay for a few hours before taking it outside. This gives you an idea of what’s working.

181. The upfront cost for sewing tools can be high, but these last for decades.

182. The key element of any character is their color palette. Stick with that and then get creative. Ex: Blue for Sub-Zero. Yellow for Scorpion.

183. Set a budget for your cosplay. This will force you to be creative with materials.

184. Professional use of spray paint can turn even a cardboard box into a magical costume.

185. Zip ties are useful for strapping pieces to your arms/legs. Make sure they don’t cut off circulation.

186. If you start experiencing pain while wearing your costume, it’s probably too tight. Loose is all in the design.

187. In order to make a unique cosplay, avoid craft/costume stores. Try antique and kitchen stores instead. Be creative.

188. Pop the lenses out of cheap sunglasses for scales or futuristic reflective armor.

189. Use Velcro to attach non-washable emblems or accessories to your cosplay.

190. Parts of your cosplay that frequently bend/move must be made stronger than the rest. Otherwise it’ll fall apart.

191. Make sure to build a lot of air vents into any helmet or bulky costume.

192. It’s fine to buy a costume and then make changes to it. It’s not cheating, as long as you make it your own.

193. Your cosplay can be as simple as a single prop, or as complicated as transforming cardboard car. It’s up to you.

194. Complicated cosplays can cost hundreds of dollars. So make sure you’ve planned for some way to recoup that.

195. Cosplay fame has strings attached to it. Make sure you’re ready for it.

196. Browse lists of popular Halloween costumes to get cosplay ideas.

197. Thrift stores are great places to find retro clothing and accessories.

198. Avoid using metal in your cosplay. It’s heavy, and can be dangerous. You don’t want to poke someone’s eye out by spinning around too fast.

199. Never set your props down at a convention and turn your back. Nice things have a habit of disappearing. Be vigilant.

200. Like any artist, your skills will get better over time. Your 10th costume will always look better than your first.

201. Your first cosplays should be simple, and get more intricate as you develop skills.

202. Always cosplay characters that you feel a connection with. This will motivate you to finish.

203. Wigs, goggles, glasses, and hats are fun ways to add depth to your head without adding weight or too much heat.

204. Stick to the “five piece rule.” Focus on five great parts of your costume, and make each one as great as possible.

205. Having a plan and a max number of parts to your cosplay gives you a clear line of progression. Steps 1 -5. Easy!

206. Avoid ordering materials from overseas as shipping and sellers can be unreliable. Best to buy local.

207. Throw some powder over your makeup on convention day so everything stays put.

208. While makeup is more expensive than face paint, if applied properly it can last the entire day. Easier to touch up.

209. There are lots of great Monster Makeup tutorials on YouTube. Some cosplays are 90% makeup!

210. Make sure to carry some simple first aid tools (like Band-Aids) in case of chaffing.

211. You won’t know how well a costume will hold up unless you walk around in it for hours.

212. You’ll burn more calories walking around in costume than you normally would. So pack a few snacks into your bag.

213. While it might take you three months to build your first cosplay, the skills you learn will make the next one quicker.

214. When choosing your third or fourth cosplay, pick a character that requires you to learn new skills.

215. Once you’ve developed a couple arts and craft skills you can build basically any costume.

216. Building a cosplay friends group gives you access to your friends’ skills as well. Ask for help, and help them as well.

217. There’s usually a tutorial that can be found via Google for almost any cosplay. Leverage their designs.

218. Characters from cartoons and sitcoms are easy to cosplay. You can build their wardrobe at a single thrift store.

219. Great cosplay isn’t just about making a good costume. You need to be in shape as well.

220. If buying an expensive wig, make sure you can use it for multiple costumes. Long wigs usually tangle less.

221.  The best hair spray for holding wigs in place is made by göt2b. Same with spike gel.

222. Even if you’re a guy, you should at least be wearing some foundation and eyeliner. Trust me, it’ll look amazing.

223. Measure your skills against your old self. Don’t compare yourself to professionals that have been doing this for years.

224. Make sure to stay hydrated while at a convention. Cosplayers frequently suffer from heat exhaustion.

225. There’s tutorials available online for every accessory or prop you can think of.

226. Use medical tape to drag the flabby parts of your cheek toward your head. (Hide it under a wig.) This gives you straighter cheekbones.

227. Paint an interesting and relevant pattern onto your nails instead of a solid color.

228. Avoid glitter unless you want nasty looks from people. Glitter gets everywhere!

229. Eyelash glue can be used to stick pieces of your costume to your face.

230. Glueing your hair to the side of your face can give the illusion of a slimmer face.

231. Always use fashion tape instead of double-sided tape. The latter will itch, fall apart, and is generally useless for costumes. Get the good stuff!

232. Spray-on starch will help the pleats in any skirts/dresses stay in place.

233. If your wig won’t lie flat, or you need spike it in a crazy way, try using wood glue instead of hair paste/gel.

234. Wearing tights under your cosplay helps keep you comfy. Plus then you don’t have to shave your legs. Woo!

235. Thigh-high socks never stay up for the entire convention, especially if they’re old. Make sure to tape them.

236. If you plan on wearing your cosplay multiple times, don’t go cheap on materials.

237. If you’re heading to an event in the winter, make sure your cosplay is warmer. Skating tights are great for this.

238. Skin tone tights are useful if you aren’t comfortable revealing too much of your legs.

239. High-quality wig clips are cheap and can hold your wig together in funny shapes.

240. Line the arm pits of your cosplay with cheap absorbent material to help soak up the sweat. Don’t sew it in, as you’ll want to replace them each day.

241. Don’t let anyone say you can’t cosplay a certain thing. Everything is possible!

242. Always cosplay the idea you’re most in love with. This will give you the motivation to push through the tough parts.

243. If you’re gonna make a helmet, make it out of foam. Wood/metal/ceramic helmets are heavy and way too hot.

244. It’s usually better to get a wig than dye your hair. It can be tough explaining to the boss on Monday morning why your blonde hair is now puke-green.

245. For a fun twist, do a seasonal version of your character, like Santa Batman.

246. Don’t spend as much on a cosplay you’re only going to wear once. Save your money!

247. It’s normal to think your work sucks. Every artist feels this at some point. Just keep working hard. You’ll do fine.

248. 80s and 90s cartoon characters are fun to cosplay since they tend to be colorful, vibrant, and interesting.

249. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Failing is the only way to get stronger.

250. When spraying your hair, make sure your eyes and mouth are closed. Don’t want to be eating chemicals!

251. Make sure you know the proper poses/stances your character does so you can take great action photos.

252. The general feel/image of your character is more important than every detail.

253. PVC pipe is a substitute for metal. Avoid bringing metal to conventions. Some won’t even let you in the door.

254. When buying clothing for cosplay, buy one size larger than you normally wear. This ensures comfort, and prevents tightness from shrinkage.

255. Homemade costumes always beat store-bought.

256. Always test your body paint before wearing it to a show. You won’t know how it’ll hold up until you try it.

257. Allow for maximum range movement in your cosplay, especially in the arms. Stretch out as much as you can.

258. Avoid non-seasonal cosplays. If it’s the middle of summer, don’t wear a big coat!

259. If you must wear a cape, cut it off before your ankles. If it reaches the floor it will get stuck in doors and escalators.

260. Avoid tenser bandages for binding as they can easily cut off circulation if applied wrong.

261. If you cover one of your eyes (like with an eye patch) you will lose your depth perception. Be careful!

262. If you want to stick things to your skin (like gems or rhinestones) then use liquid latex or spirit gum.

263. Avoid using any medical stuff, like tape, glue, or liquid stitching. It’s not for costumes.

264. If attending a multi-day con, make sure you can completely remove your cosplay each night to shower.

265. Never sleep in a hotel bed wearing any cosplay makeup. If you ruin the sheets you’re gonna be looking at a big bill.

266. Never wear shoes to a con that are the wrong size. Your knees/legs will be killing you after a few hours.

267. Buy shoes that are the right size, and paint them to the color you want. Get creative.

268. Memorize some simple lines and sayings your character might use. Drop them into conversations. People love that.

269. If your significant other doesn’t mind it, then make them a cosplay as well. Couples doing cosplay are the cutest.

270. It’s easier to find clothing that matches your makeup than vice versa.

271. If you run out of time to make your own accessories, you can probably order something nice on Amazon.

272. Don’t worry if your version of Thor’s hammer doesn’t look as good as the real thing. Be proud that you made it.

273. Weapons shouldn’t be functional. Keep them light and as harmless as possible.

274. Build the easy stuff first (props, accessories) and it’ll motivate you to finish the harder pieces.

275. Have a back-up plan in case your cosplay doesn’t come together in time for the show. Something simple.

276. Failing to plan is planning to fail. Sketch out your ideas before starting to build.

277. Don’t get annoyed when tons of people ask to take a photo with you. That means you did a fantastic job!

278. If your cosplay breaks down at a show, and you don’t the tools to repair it, ask others for help.

279. Before going shopping for cosplay materials, make a list of everything you need.

280. Most major craft stores have coupons and discounts available online or through their mobile app.

281. The more time you give yourself to build your cosplay, the more sales you can take advantage of along the way.

282. Do a lot of research on your character. Movies, comic books, etc. Read/watch it all!

283. Researching your character will give you insights into their mannerisms, hair and fashion styles.

284. If your character speaks another language you can always learn a few stock phrases to impress people.

285. Many anime characters have unique facial expressions and poses. Try to mimic them!

286. With the items in your closet/basement/house you should be able to build at least one decent character.

287. Make a list/take photos of all the unique stuff you have available, and post it online. Ask for cosplay suggestions.

288. Bring photos/sketches of your character to the fabric store and ask for suggestions.

289. You can find a tutorial for anything by googling “how to make [thing] from scratch.” Just replace [thing] with “armor,” or whatever you’re building.

290. You can learn sewing basics in less than 30 minutes. It’s not difficult. You can do it!

291. Most craft store items can be purchased at Home Depot for much cheaper.

292. Before shopping in a craft store, check out the website and look for deals.

293. You can always choose your character based on which fabrics are on sale. It’s not cheating, it’s being smart.

294. Document your building process with photos, videos, and a journal. Read back over before attempting the next one.

295. You probably won’t be able to find the exact shade of dye you want. Most people will just mix colors.

296. Buckles, straps, and most other things usually just come in white or black. You’ll have to paint them to get other colors.

297. Painting/dyeing objects is a huge part of cosplay. You’ll have to get used to it!

298. If your costume requires chains, then just order foam chains from the net. It’s not worth wearing metal, or making your own. Too much work!

299. Don’t worry about having leftover foam. It’s super useful. You’ll use it on the next project.

300. You can modify a cheap pair of sunglasses into awesome goggles with a bit of paint, foam, and glue.