Cosplay (Costume Play): What It Means and How to Get Started
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If you’ve spent any time in fandom/convention spaces, you’ve probably heard the word cosplay. But if you're new to the hobby, you might be wondering what it actually means.
The word cosplay comes from the phrase costume play. At its simplest, cosplay is the hobby of dressing up as characters from movies, video games, anime, and other pop culture sources. Some people also like to pose or act like the character, while others focus mainly on building the costume itself.
Cosplay has grown into a HUGE global hobby over the years, but getting started is often much easier than people expect, even though it can look intimidating to start!
If you’re curious about cosplay or thinking about trying it yourself, here’s a look at what the term means, where the hobby came from, and how people get started.
What Is Cosplay?
Cosplay is short for “costume play.” It refers to the hobby of dressing up as characters from movies, video games, anime, comics, and other forms of pop culture. Cosplayers recreate costumes, hair/wig styles, and makeup to represent their favorite characters, often wearing them at conventions, photoshoots, or fan events.
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What Does Cosplay (Costume Play) Mean?
The term cosplay comes from the words costume and play. It was popularized by Japanese journalist Nobuyuki Takahashi after attending the World Science Fiction Convention in the 1980s.
He used the word to describe fans dressing up as their favorite characters and embodying them for fun. The name caught on, and today the word cosplay is used all over the world.
For some people, cosplay means building detailed costumes that look just like the ones seen on screen. For others, it can be as simple as putting together an outfit inspired by a character they love.
There really isn’t a single correct way to do it.
The Early History of Cosplay
A lot of people assume cosplay started in Japan (I did for a long time!), but then I learned from Yaya Han’s book that fans in the United States were dressing up at conventions long before the word “cosplay” existed.
One of the earliest documented examples happened at the very first World Science Fiction Convention in 1939. Two science fiction fans, Forrest J Ackerman and Myrtle R Douglas, attended the convention wearing futuristic costumes inspired by pulp science fiction magazines.
At the time they called their outfits “futuristicostumes.” Other fans loved the idea, and dressing up quickly became a tradition at science fiction conventions. Costume contests and masquerades eventually became regular events at conventions across the United States.
Japan later developed its own cosplay culture around anime and manga conventions, and the term “cosplay” eventually became the word used worldwide. But the idea of fans dressing up as their favorite characters at conventions actually goes back decades earlier.
What Characters Do People Cosplay?
Cosplayers take inspiration from all kinds of pop culture. Some of the most popular fandoms include:
video games
anime and manga
comic books and superheroes
fantasy and sci fi movies
popular TV shows & movies
cartoons and animated films
Toys & dolls
Some people stick to one fandom they love, while others cosplay characters from many different series depending on what inspires them.
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Do You Have to Make Your Own Cosplay?
Definitely NOT. A lot of beginners assume that cosplay means sewing an entire costume from scratch. That’s not the case.
There are several different ways people approach their costumes.
Buying a cosplay
Some cosplayers buy full costumes online or from specialty shops. This is a good option if you want something ready to wear or if crafting is not your thing (although I’ve found that most store-bought cosplays look better if you do a bit of tailoring or alterations to improve the fit).
Thrifting and modifying pieces
This is one of my favorite approaches! Instead of making every piece yourself, you start with clothing from thrift stores and modify it to look closer to the character. A jacket, dress, or pair of boots can often become part of a costume with a little creativity, paint and glue.
Closet cosplay
Closet cosplay means creating a character look using items you already own. It is a fun way to experiment with characters without spending much money.
Building the entire costume
Some cosplayers enjoy making everything themselves, from sewing garments to building armor or props. These projects can take a lot of time, but they are also very rewarding.
Most cosplayers end up using a mix of these methods depending on the costume.
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Where Do People Wear Cosplay?
Cosplay is most commonly seen at fan conventions. Events like Comic-Con and Fan Expo are filled with fans showing off their costumes and celebrating the characters they love.
But conventions are not the only place cosplay happens anymore.
Many cosplayers also share their work online through photography, videos, and tutorials. Social media has helped cosplay grow into a global community where people can share ideas, learn new skills, and connect with other fans.
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How to Get Started With Your First Cosplay
If you’re interested in trying cosplay, the best approach is to keep things simple at first.
Choose a character you genuinely like. That makes the process much more fun and motivating.
Look for characters whose outfits can be recreated with everyday clothing or simple modifications. Many great cosplays start with basic pieces that are upgraded over time.
You also do not have to finish everything immediately. A lot of costumes evolve gradually as people add better pieces, props, or details.
Most importantly, do not worry about perfection. Everyone starts somewhere, and part of the fun of cosplay is learning along the way.
Cosplay Is About Creativity and Community
At the end of the day, cosplay is about celebrating the characters and stories you love. Some people build incredibly detailed costumes, while others enjoy buying pre-made costumes or putting together simple looks inspired by their favorite characters.
All approaches are part of the hobby.
I personally love building cosplays by starting with thrifted pieces and upgrading them over time. It keeps the process creative and accessible, especially if you are just starting out.
If you have ever thought about trying cosplay, the best way to begin is simply to pick a character and give it a try. You might be surprised how quickly one costume turns into several!
Cosplay FAQ
Is cosplay only for conventions?
No. While many people wear cosplay to conventions, plenty of cosplayers also create costumes for photoshoots, online content, or just for fun.
Do you have to make your own cosplay?
No. Many cosplayers buy costumes, thrift clothing, or modify existing pieces. Making everything from scratch is only one of many approaches.
Why is it called cosplay?
The word cosplay comes from “costume play.” The term was popularized by Nobuyuki Takahashi after attending the World Science Fiction Convention.
What was the first cosplay?
One of the earliest known examples of fans dressing in costume at a convention happened at the 1939 World Science Fiction Convention when Forrest J Ackerman and Myrtle R Douglas attended wearing futuristic costumes.
