A Fair-Ready Cosplayer Guide
As far as my experience goes, this is a list of things you need to care about if you’re going to ANY fair and planning on wearing your costume for 8+ hours and still enjoy the event:
RULE 1: MAKE IT SEASON APPROPRIATE
I mean, this is basic survival instinct: no summer costumes in winter and vice versa, no winter costumes in summer.
Appendix: If the con area is a covered space (inside a venue) consider that the amount of people there means it will be HOT and crowded: no costumes with HUGE props, and no long trails and long tails.
If the con is in summer but your costume is long sleeved, consider using light fabrics like linen and cotton instead of fake leather and velvet.
If you think you will be hot in your costume get a mini fan or a fan you can hide on yourself.
RULE 2: TRY ON YOUR COSTUME AT HOME FIRST
As soon as you finish it, try it on at home and try walking and going up and down the stairs and sitting. Try the wig on.
Every movement will be an example of what you will need to do at the con. If you can’t sit, adjust so you can do it (you can’t walk 8+ hours, you will need to consider EATING and going to the toilet comfortably in this costume).
Check the shoes: if they are slightly uncomfortable for the 10 minutes you’re wearing them, imagine after 6 hours. Get a gel inner sole or some patches in advance.
Check the wig: if it is not stable there are some special wig caps and wig laces that help stabilize it. Please consider this: after the first 4 hours even the most comfortable wig will try to eat your skull with excruciating pain. You are not running a marathon, you CAN and MUST take it off.
You can always put it back on for photos later :)
RULE 3: CELLPHONE AND POWER BANK
You will be with friends, or you will be alone, you might also have a cos-caddy who has all your stuff and helps with pictures, I DONT CARE. Add a hidden pouch to bring your phone and charger with you at all times. If you get lost or have an emergency you will need it and cannot depend on strangers for help.
If it happens: ask another cosplayer for help.
RULE 4: DRINK WATER. STAY IN THE SHADE
Have a bottle ready, check when you enter the place where you can buy water, check if it’s possible to enter with your own bottle and refill it.
There are some pills with magnesium and potassium you can have with water: vitamin and mineral drinks are good if you’re sweating a lot.
If you want to drink alcohol and it’s summer, no problem. Alternate a beer to a glass of water, mead and a glass of water, wine and a glass of water etc you got it.
It is not fun vomiting on your new Viking costume, Valhalla is not for the people dying of embarrassment.
Also take time to stay in the shade and put sunscreen BEFORE makeup. Trust me, you don’t want the line of the wig to be tattooed on your face in red :)
Even if you are careful, other people will not be careful, and they will step on your trail. If you want a trail nonetheless because your costume must have one, consider a way of picking it up and walk that is comfortable for you.
There are online tutorials on how to install rings that help pick the trail up and are hidden during photos
Big props are a hassle in the middle of crowds, and must be carried by hand aaaaall day. Unless… you find a way to bring them with you without keeping them in your hand. You need a free hand for the drink and another for the food :) you can hook them to a belt or something.
Ok, I think I’m done for now… this list obviously works for Ren faire, conventions, LARP days etc etc any place you want to wear a costume and actually ENJOY the event.
If you want to participate in the cosplay competition, you can disregard this guide. In competition you can get dressed right before and take the costume off right after…
✨Now go and have fun in costume! ✨
