10 Anime Cosplay Tips for Beginners

Cosplay can be quite a journey. It may seem simple at first—you adore a character and wish to become that character.

But it involves a complete transformation from head to toe: experimenting with wigs, playing with hair dye, taking care of your skin, mastering makeup skills; either sewing, creating, or purchasing a costume; taking measurements; delving into the intricate details of your character’s attire, hairstyle, and footwear.

And oh boy, it can become frustrating at times, maybe even a bit painful. Cosplay requires diving deep into the realm of creativity.

It’s like embarking on a thrilling adventure where you bring your favorite character to life.

You’ll need to unleash your imagination, finding unique ways to embody their essence.

From styling fantastical wigs that burst with vibrant colors to exploring new shades for your hair, caring for your skin to achieve that flawless glow, and skillfully applying makeup to capture every detail, the process is an art in itself.

Understanding Anime Cosplay

Cosplay can feel like a vast and daunting world when you’re planning your debut.

Some people strive to be an exact replica of their favorite character.

In contrast, others go for a close resemblance or put their own unique twist on the classics.

Cosplayers may splurge on a costume, hunt for thrifted treasures, or get creative on a tight budget to gather the necessary materials.

But in the end, the most important thing is how satisfied you feel with the final result.

For newcomers to this art, a few simple hacks can make a world of difference in creating the perfect cosplay.

Cosplay is all about dressing up as characters from movies, TV shows, video games, anime, and more.

It’s a fun and creative way to show your love for your favorite franchises and connect with like-minded fans.

But if you’re new to cosplay, it can be overwhelming.

There’s so much to consider, from choosing the right costume to nailing the makeup and poses.

That’s why we’ve put together this list of the top 10 cosplay tips for beginners. Let’s dive in and get started!

Anime Cosplay Tips for Beginners

Expressing admiration for your beloved media franchise has taken various forms over the years.

One of the most popular ways is through cosplay, where fans dress up as characters from their favorite series or franchises.

Just visit a local anime convention, and you’ll see how prevalent and exciting this hobby has become.

From beginners with simple, closet-found cosplays to masterpieces that creators spend months or even years crafting, the range is incredible.

Even celebrities join in on the fun from time to time.

If you’re interested in getting into cosplay, let’s delve in!

10. Rock the 5 Piece Golden Rule and opt for cosplays that demand only 3-5 items!

Listen to your heart, no matter if the character you want to cosplay is simple or complex. This trick is perfect for those who travel with their cosplay gear or enjoy the exciting world of cosplay.

The five-piece golden rule suggests that beginners should pick a character whose outfit consists of three to five pieces.

This approach makes it easier to create and manage the costume.

Take, for example, cosplayer Jon Rey, who portrays Sora from No Game No Life with just a few items: a wig, a red wristband, sneakers, jeans, a long-sleeved purple undershirt, and a yellow t-shirt layered on top.

09. Cosplay wig selection: Enhance cosplay by using customized hair nets and maintaining wigs.

To keep your cosplay pieces in top shape, consider customizing your wig cap for a better fit.

The caps that come with wigs may not offer the ideal fit, but you can create your own using a pair of pantyhose or fishnet stockings.

Measure the foot part and cut it to fit your head. This method, as demonstrated by Belvani, ensures a more comfortable and secure wig-wearing experience.

Maintaining your wigs is essential for future cosplays.

Rather than tossing them aside after a convention, hang them up to preserve their quality for future use.

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

• Do invest in a high-quality wig for better coverage, more styling options, and durability.
•  Do use hairspray and gel to style your wig.
•  Do get a wig brush with wider teeth for effective detangling.
•  Do consider cutting the wig to match your character’s hairstyle and improve comfort.
•  Do prioritize wearing a comfortable wig, even if it’s not an exact match in length or size.
•  Do wash your wig gently with cool water and liquid soap, and air dry it to maintain cleanliness.
•  Do wear a wig cap to tame your natural hair underneath the wig, preferably one with a hole on top.
•  Do steam your wig to detangle, clean, or revitalize it. It works wonders on older wigs.
•  Please don’t use a regular hairbrush on wigs, as it may cause damage. Stick to using a wig brush.
•  Don’t apply direct heat to a wig unless the seller explicitly states it’s safe. Test a strand beforehand to avoid any damage.

By following these tips, you can prolong the life of your cosplay pieces and ensure they always look their best.

08. Master the Art of Makeup Transformation

To achieve a V-shaped jawline, many cosplayers turn to medical-grade tape.

Starting from the cheeks, the tape is strategically placed and pulled upwards towards the top of the head, eventually being covered by a wig.

Makeup plays a crucial role in perfecting your cosplay look.

When it comes to altering the appearance of your lips, applying a bit of foundation can make them disappear, allowing you to extend or shorten the width of your smile.

Use a lip liner to draw outward from the corner creases of the mouth to extend your lips, or outline them closer to the middle to create the illusion of smaller lips.

Opt for waterproof products to ensure your cosplay lasts all day.

Waterproof mascara, setting powder or spray for facial makeup, and all-day lip color are essential, especially when you’ll be at a convention for hours and might be sweating.

When getting ready, follow this order: apply makeup first, then put on the costume, and finally, the wig.

This sequence helps prevent loose powders from scattering onto your neck and chest, which could damage your costume. It also makes it easier to put on a costume over a bulky wig.

Even if your character doesn’t typically wear makeup, it’s still beneficial to apply minimal, natural-looking makeup.

This can help smoothen your appearance, conceal imperfections, and give your eyelashes that iconic anime-style look.

Most anime characters have a defined eyelash line, so using liquid eyeliner or a pencil can create the desired effect.

This tip applies to both male and female cosplayers.

By following these tips, you’ll enhance your cosplay transformation and bring your character to life with confidence.

07. DIY Props

Making props can be tough, but it’s all about gathering detailed reference images, figuring out the materials you need, and getting down to cutting, painting, gluing, and more.

Cardboard is an awesome choice for crafting weapons because it’s cheap and lightweight.

Just make sure you check the convention’s weapons policy beforehand (usually available online) to avoid any issues.

Here’s a neat trick: start with a white coat of paint as a base, so the colors will really pop when you paint on top of it, whether it’s cardboard or wood.

For a wicked spear or scythe, grab a broom or mop handle and attach a cardboard blade to it using some glue.

Once you’re ready to paint, spraying the whole prop is a great option. Metallic spray paint works wonders for weapons and fake jewelry.

But remember, safety comes first! Lay down lots of newspaper, put on gloves, and wear goggles and a face mask.

Make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area like a shed or garage.

Props don’t have to be complicated, and they can really make your cosplay shine. It’s a perfect chance for crafty folks to tidy up their closets or give new life to leftover materials.

Pinterest is an awesome resource for finding DIY infographics that guide you in creating simple yet super cool props to give your cosplay that extra oomph.

DIY props are the best thing and this makes it the best anime cosplay tips for beginners.

06. Convention Hygiene: It’s Not Just About You

Maintaining good hygiene at conventions is essential for a pleasant experience. We all want to avoid any unpleasant odors that might dampen the fun.

So, let’s make sure we don’t become those people! Don’t worry, no one will likely point out if you’re a little funky, but it’s always better to be fresh and considerate.

First and foremost, wear deodorant. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in keeping body odor at bay. Remember to pack it in your convention essentials!

To stay fresh throughout the day, take some time to clean up in your hotel room or wherever you’re staying.

A quick refresh between panels or activities can do wonders. Use some wipes or take a brief rinse to freshen up.

It’ll help you feel more comfortable and prevent any lingering smells.

Now, here’s the golden rule: shower either in the evening or in the morning, or even both if you prefer.

A good shower helps you start the day right or unwind after an exciting day of con adventures.

It’s a courteous gesture to your fellow attendees because, let’s face it, nobody wants to sit next to someone who has an unpleasant odor.

So, let’s remember to prioritize personal hygiene during the convention.

Wear deodorant, freshen up throughout the day, and shower regularly.

Consider this as one of the best anime cosplay tips for beginners.

05. Cosplay tutorials rock!

Even if you don’t know the characters, you can watch them for awesome cosplay tips. It’s super helpful to learn different techniques and get a grasp on how things are done.

Take sewing tutorials, for example. They’re your go-to when you want to level up your cosplay game and create your own outfits.

Knowing how fabrics and items can vary and what limitations to expect is like having an upper hand.

Plus, it’s great for planning out future cosplays. And let’s not forget about makeup and wigs!

They’re the cherry on top. You can find tutorials for every style or technique you can imagine.

Seriously, it’s like unlocking a treasure chest of awesomeness!

04. Level up your social media game, my friends!

When you’re sharing your awesome cosplays on platforms like Instagram, here’s a tip: don’t forget to sprinkle those hashtags at the bottom of your posts.

Trust us, it may take a little extra time, but it’s totally worth it.

Hashtags work like magic, expanding your audience and attracting more viewers to your cosplay creations. And guess what?

You can even find amazing cosplayers by browsing through your favorite tags. It feels like discovering a treasure trove of talent!

Now, here’s a secret trick: join SFS (shoutout for shoutout) and contests! These work like power-ups for your account.

By participating, you’ll attract a bunch of new people who will discover your cosplay greatness.

Not only that, but you might find incredible cosplayers to follow, get inspired by, and even become friends with. It’s all about building connections and expanding your creative circle.

And sometimes, you might feel stuck at a certain number of followers or even lose a chunk of them.

Don’t let that bring you down! Keep rocking those cosplays, stay true to yourself, and put in the hard work.

Remember, this journey is about having fun and unleashing your creativity. Oh, and here’s an extra tip: team up with fellow cosplayers for epic collaborations.

Not only will your work reach a wider audience, but it’s also an absolute blast to cosplay alongside your pals.

Don’t think of this as just anime cosplay tips for beginners; it applies to all cosplayers.

03. Don’t be afraid to seek a helping hand!

If you have friends who are into cosplay or artsy stuff, don’t hesitate to ask them for some guidance or support.

We all have that urge to conquer a project solo, but you know what?

Involving your loved ones or friends makes it easier and more exciting.

When you find yourself stuck in a pickle, reaching out is the best way to break free. Others might offer fresh perspectives and help you tackle challenges with a creative twist.

Oh, and don’t forget to return the favor when someone else needs your expertise down the road.

That’s the beauty of starting out in cosplay—you’ll find a wealth of assistance just waiting to be tapped into!

02. Buying a Costume – Simplified Tips!

Sewing can be super frustrating, and if you’re short on time, making your own costume might not be feasible.

Don’t worry, though! There are great online stores that offer fantastic costumes.

Sometimes, intricate or fantastical designs are just too challenging to create from random thrift store finds.:

1. Sizing: Most costumes are made in China, where people generally have smaller body sizes compared to Americans. It’s essential to check the size guide carefully. You might need to adjust your expectations because you could be an XXXL in China even if you usually wear a medium in the US. Don’t solely rely on your American size!
2. Custom Sizing: Many online stores assume that your body proportions are directly related. For instance, if you have a slim derriere, they assume you have small breasts, and vice versa. But that’s not always the case. So, go for a custom size to ensure the best fit. Just make sure you measure yourself accurately using a measuring tape.
3. Patience is key: Keep in mind that these costumes are often coming from China, so they may take a while to arrive. Custom-sized costumes are made to order, and even regular-sized ones might need some sewing time. Prepare yourself for a wait, especially if you’re planning to wear your costume to a convention. To be safe, give yourself a generous 5-6 months in advance to order your costume.
4. Quality and Character Likeness: Chinese-made costumes are generally of decent quality and reliable. They can withstand multiple wears and closely resemble the characters you adore. Remember, the more you pay, the higher the quality and likeness to the character you’ll likely see.

So, there you have it! Follow these simplified tips, and you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect costume. Enjoy your cosplay adventures!

01. Spread the joy!

Spread the joy! Let’s boost the positivity in the awesome cosplay community.

There is no need for negativity here. We’ve got to ditch the hate and embrace kindness towards all cosplayers, respecting every single aspect of their craft.

It’s just plain wrong and totally unnecessary to be mean to anyone.

Remember, cosplay is for everyone, regardless of anything. All cosplay is downright fantastic, even though there’s always room for improvement.

It takes time to figure out what works best for you. So get out there, practice, and explore all the possibilities!

This is one of the most valuable and the best anime cosplay tips for beginners out there.