As a novice cosplayer myself, I know how daunting it is to get going and keep going. Picking your first character is pretty easy, but what about the next character and the next and the next? But don’t worry: building a cosplay closet is a lot like building a regular closet in that you can get a few basics and build outfits from there. As I’ve started to think about which cosplays I’d like to do, I’ve noticed a few “costly essentials” that can be used in multiple costumes. Get a few of these, build up the costumes and you’ll have a closet full of costumes in no time!
Every girl should have a good latex bodysuit. From the sultry Catwoman to the badass Trinity, a black latex bodysuit can provide a base for a ton of costumes. Like a Little Black Dress, the bodysuit never goes out of style cosplay-wise. A lot of companies in Korea and China will make a custom bodysuit for affordable pricing and you could always check your local costume store.
Even if you don’t practice martial arts in real life, having a gi in your cosplay wardrobe is a great idea. Gi’s are comfy, light and can be used for a number of fighting game characters. Ryu from Streetfighter is wearing the basic white gi, but you’d have to get a fabric dye to make a cosplay for Streetfighters Ken, Tekken’s Heihachi and DragonBall’s Goku. Best to get one in white and one you could dye. You can usually find them from martial arts supply stores, thrift shops or eBay for decent prices.
Thigh high boots have been a mainstay in the world of female heroines, which makes them a perfect staple in your cosplay closet. If you can rock 5 inch heels all day, then you’ll love these, but if you plan to wear them on the convention floor for more than a few hours, I suggest lower heels. Good quality boots can be expensive, but they’re definitely an investment since you can wear them with so many costumes.
Ah, the trench coat. Just as much a essential in fashion as it is in cosplay. Guys can slip the coat on and become the 10th Doctor, Captain Malcom Reynolds or even Commissioner Gordon (for the mustachioed lot). Your best bet to find a solid trench coat is a thrift shop, and hopefully it won’t be too pricy. Of course, you don’t have to go with brown, there are tons of costumes that can be built around black and the standard tan trench coats as well.
I know I’ll be looking for a good black bodysuit really soon! What are some other cosplay essentials in your closet?
