Costume parties are very rare events most people look forward to during holidays like Halloween and Christmas. Today, people don’t have to wait for the holidays anymore because of cosplay parties. The main idea of such events is to act out anime characters in real life. However, it isn’t very easy to find a suitable anime character to portray, much less the costume that comes with it.
Where to Get Costumes
Fortunately because of the blooming anime industry, it’s not really a problem to look for a shop that sells anime costumes. Although the trend originated in Japan, there are already specialty shops in other countries that offer the same services. Whether you decide to buy it online or at a shop, always keep in mind the variety and customization services.
How to Select a Good Character
Before even thinking about going to a shop, it’s always much better to know what you’re looking for first. Here are several points you need to consider when choosing a character:
- Venue. This is very important when choosing the type of costume since some costumes can be very difficult to wear on outdoor settings.
- Theme. Although it is classified as a cosplay party, there are still other variations. For instance, Halloween parties require scary outfits in contrast with fantasy-themed ones. Check with the organizer if you aren’t sure of the theme and then find a list of characters that would most likely qualify.
- Body Type. The good thing about cosplay is that men can be feminine while females can be masculine. Despite this, it is very important that in terms of cross-dressing, round body-types aren’t suitable to play the male. Choose a character with the closest body-type as possible.
- Physical Limitations. The concern here isn’t as much as the other three. However, it is good to take note of details such as hair color and complexion when choosing. Aim to be closest to original as possible.
Choosing the Costume
Once a character is chosen, the next problem would be the costume. If you plan on buying ready-made ones, it is very important to choose from a large shop where a lot of varieties are displayed. Custom-made shops are better if you want a costume that fits perfectly.
First and foremost, decide whether you are going to wear the exact same costume as the anime character you want to portray. There are times when it’s better to improvise since some elements of the costume can be very expensive. Assign an exact budget to follow to avoid purchase of extra accessories.
The next thing to do is to find the right size. If one shop doesn’t have them, find one that has it. Try not to be worried about looking fat on the edges. Extra proportions can always be fixed with a little sewing. If there are accessories involved and aren’t included on the set, find alternatives. The trick is to choose one that is closest to the original color even though it’s not the exact same design. The ornaments should be less attention-grabbing than the costume itself since they are only meant to accentuate the whole outfit.
