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Picture this: thousands of people gathering in massive convention centers, each one transformed into their favorite fictional character. Spider-Man chats with Princess Zelda while a perfectly crafted Darth Vader poses for photos next to a group of anime characters. This isn’t a movie set or a theme park. Welcome to the fascinating world of cosplay, where ordinary people become extraordinary heroes, villains, and everything in between.
If you’ve ever wondered what all the excitement is about, you’re in for a treat. Let’s dive into this colorful universe that’s capturing hearts worldwide.
What Exactly Is Cosplay?
Cosplay, a lexical blend of the words “costume” and “roleplay”, is an activity in which individuals wear costumes, accessories, and props to represent a specific character from pop culture. Think of it as dress-up for grown-ups, but with a serious artistic twist.
But to a cosplayer (as people who participate in cosplay are known), it is a form of creative expression. Cosplayers usually get a great deal of satisfaction from either designing and making their own costumes, or searching for premade/ready-to-order costumes that they painstakingly researched and try to make as accurate as possible to whomever they are portraying.
Unlike Halloween costumes, cosplay focuses on bringing specific characters to life with incredible attention to detail. Favorite sources include anime, cartoons, manga, comic books, television series, rock music performances, video games, memes, and in some cases, original characters.
The Surprising Origins: Not Just Japanese
Here’s where things get interesting. Most people assume cosplay started in Japan, but the story is far more complex.
Cosplay grew out of the practice of fan costuming at science fiction conventions, beginning with the first documented instance at the 1st World Science Fiction Convention held in New York City in 1939. Forrest J. Ackerman and Myrtle R. Douglas attended the event dressed in “futuristi-costumes”.
The term “cosplay” was coined by a Japanese reporter named Nobuyuki Takahashi, who observed fans dressed as characters from sci-fi and fantasy movies at a Worldcon event in Los Angeles. The term cosplay was created in 1984 by Nobuyuki Takahashi. So while the practice began in America, the Japanese gave it its name and transformed it into the global phenomenon we know today.
From Underground Hobby to Global Sensation
Cosplay quickly caught on in Japan, where it became a popular pastime for fans of anime, manga, and video games. Yet the real explosion happened much later.
This activity rose to popularity in the late 1990s and received even more popularity due to the social media platforms after 2000. Cosplayers were able to share their creations with others through the use of social media sites such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Today, the numbers are staggering. The cosplay costume market was valued at approximately 4.6 billion USD in 2022 and continues to grow rapidly. This massive figure doesn’t even include craft materials, conventions, or merchandise, making the true economic impact much larger.
The Social Media Revolution: TikTok Changes Everything
TikTok’s algorithm has changed the game for cosplayers, making it easier than ever to share their creations with a wide audience. The ‘For You Page’ (FYP) acts as a powerful tool for getting noticed.
This means even new cosplayers can gain a massive following if their content resonates with viewers. The platform has democratized cosplay fame in ways previously impossible.
Cosplay on TikTok has emerged as a rising trend that has taken social media by storm. The short-form video format perfectly captures transformation videos, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes content that audiences crave.
Why Everyone’s Going Crazy for Cosplay
The appeal runs much deeper than just dressing up. For many participants, cosplay allows them to embody characters they admire, explore aspects of their personality, and express themselves in ways that they might not in their everyday lives. For some, it can be an empowering experience that allows them to break free from social constraints and embrace alternative identities.
Cosplay culture reflects young people’s need for self-expression, the pursuit of their ideal selves, and the desire to challenge mainstream norms. It is particularly popular among youth communities.
For many, it’s also about community. Cosplay on TikTok has not only impacted individual cosplayers but has also brought the community closer together. TikTok’s interactive features, such as duets and stitching, have enabled cosplayers to collaborate and create unique content, fostering a sense of camaraderie among them.
The Craft Behind the Magic
Don’t underestimate the skill involved. Many cosplayers develop and hone craft skills they previously did not have, including sewing, prop-making, makeup special effects, and wig styling.
There are better materials and techniques in the construction of costumes, so the quality of costumes is much better today. Advancements in 3D printing, foam building and the use of thermoplastics have made it easier for cosplayers to produce accurate outfits.
Modern cosplayers have access to tutorials, specialized materials, and communities that share techniques. This accessibility has raised the bar for costume quality while making the hobby more approachable for beginners.
Starting Your Cosplay Journey: Simple Beginnings
Feeling intimidated? Don’t be. For newcomers, adopting themed outfits or simpler costume elements can be a gateway to participate in the cosplay culture without committing to elaborate designs. Regardless of the effort put into the costume, the sense of community and admiration among cosplayers makes it a welcoming and exciting activity for all.
Absolutely, in fact the majority of attendees don’t do cosplay for the event. And if this is your first time, it may be for the best if you opt for comfort over creativity. You can start simple and work your way up.
Simple character choices like Clark Kent from Superman or characters with everyday clothing make excellent beginner options. The key is choosing someone you genuinely love, not just what looks impressive.
Convention Culture: Where Magic Happens
At the core, comic cons are about community and a shared celebration of enthusiasm. Whether you’re deeply fascinated by sci-fi universes, fantasy realms, or superhero sagas, comic cons provide communal spaces where fans can indulge in their interests alongside like-minded individuals. Think of comic cons as a sanctuary, a place where people can gather to revel in everything from rare collectibles to the latest blockbuster releases, all while forging connections over a mutual passion for fandom.
These events have evolved far beyond simple gatherings. This event is renowned as the largest comic convention globally and has seen its popularity soar over the years, attracting creators, actors, and industry professionals.
The atmosphere is electric, filled with photo opportunities, costume contests, and the chance to meet fellow fans who share your passions.
Diversity and Inclusion: Everyone Belongs
Modern cosplay celebrates diversity in ways that would surprise newcomers. Cosplay has also become more inclusive in recent years, with cosplayers of all ages, genders, and backgrounds participating in events and conventions.
This aspect of cosplay culture is especially significant for marginalized groups, such as LGBTQ+ individuals and people of color, who may use cosplay to challenge traditional representations of gender, race, and identity in media. By cosplaying as characters that defy conventional stereotypes, individuals can create new narratives and representations of themselves.
The community actively promotes acceptance and creativity over strict adherence to character appearance, making it a safe space for self-expression.
The Business Side: From Hobby to Career
Nowadays, cosplay has become a huge business where some people’s main source of income is their sponsorship deals, paid appearances at conventions, and merchandise.
She was one of the first individuals to turn cosplay into a full-time gig, making a living through cosplay by creating costumes, attending conventions, judging competitions, and working with major companies like JOANN Fabrics. Through her exceptional craftsmanship and dedication, she has inspired countless fans and contributed to the mainstream acceptance of cosplay as an art form.
Professional cosplayers now work with major brands, appear in marketing campaigns, and even collaborate with luxury fashion houses on limited collections.
Essential Etiquette for Beginners
Entering the cosplay world comes with unwritten rules. Ask before you touch a cosplayer. Sure, most people cosplay because they enjoy the attention, but you should always respect personal boundaries. Plus, many costumes took a lot of time and money to make, and it would be pretty uncool if you accidentally damaged it.
Cosplayers are not obligated to be “accurate” according to your preferred vision of a character, nor do they exist to fit your version of sexy. If a cosplay triggers your racist, transphobic, fatphobic, etc etc tendencies, the least you can do is keep those thoughts to yourself.
The golden rule applies: treat others with respect, celebrate creativity, and remember that everyone started somewhere.
Looking Forward: The Future is Bright
The future of cosplay looks incredibly promising. As geek culture continues to permeate mainstream media and entertainment, the demand for cosplay is set to skyrocket. We can expect more conventions, events, and gatherings dedicated to cosplay, attracting larger audiences and fostering a sense of community.
As cosplay on TikTok continues to gain momentum, its future looks bright and promising. The trend is set to become an even more integral part of the social media landscape, with collaborations, conventions, and brand partnerships reaching new heights.
Technology continues to push boundaries, with new materials, 3D printing capabilities, and virtual reality experiences expanding what’s possible.
Cosplay represents something beautifully human: our desire to transform, to play, and to connect with others who share our passions. Whether you’re drawn to the artistic challenge, the community aspect, or simply the joy of becoming someone else for a day, there’s a place for you in this vibrant world.
The next time you see someone dressed as your favorite character, remember that you’re witnessing more than just a costume. You’re seeing creativity, dedication, and pure love for storytelling made manifest. What character would you choose to bring to life?
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
