Hey Nina! Just a quick question here :) Do you always line your fabric when making a costume? If you don't always line your fabric then when do you know to do so? Thank you for your time! <3
I admittedly don’t line things as often as I should, which I think a lot of cosplayers relate to; usually we’re working up until the last minute trying to finish a project, and there isn’t always time to bother with lining if one can “get away” with not including it for that particular project. (For example: Sheik’s top probably could have benefitted from lining, but it didn’t need it, so I saved time during con crunch by not including one.) However, I make it a point to include linings for garments that truly need them, such as bodices/corsets, jackets, capes, and dresses. Something like Batgirl’s leather jacket would’ve been awful to wear without a liner so it was important to factor that into the construction time and plan accordingly!
Here’s an excellent guide on lining, including the drafting process and choosing fabric! A good rule of thumb: if the garment is made of irritating/uncomfortable materials, involves significant structure, or will show the inside at some point while being worn, it should be lined. Again, in cosplay, you can “get away” with skipping the lining process in some cases (i.e. you don’t always need to line pants or a top), but it’s good to get in the habit of including a lining layer whenever possible and practical to do so!