THINGS I WISH EVERY COSPLAYER WOULD KNOW (a thread)

you do not need to match the character's body type, height, skin color etc to cosplay them. it's not a lookalike contest. pick things you love and run with it! (but please don't blackface it's racist and not acceptable)

you don't need to wear lenses if the character has different eye colors. you can if it's fun and safe but please keep in mind that not everyone is able to wear lenses for all different reasons. its unfair to criticize people for not wearing lenses.

screen accuracy is not the rule of thumb! not everyone has the same skillset as a master wardobe artist and animation clothing does not follow real life rules. being fabric accurate can also be crazy expensive! let people cosplay the way that is the most fun for them!

being in character all day can be fun, but please don't use that as a way to harass, disrespect, frighten or upset others. it is "costume and play" but the play shouldn't come at the cost of other's comfort.

take care of yourself at con! drink water, eat food. the day is very long and very hard especially if you are in an uncomfortable costume. you will feel far less irritable if you are hydrated and not running on fumes i promise! make time to look after your needs.

respect the fact that cosplay attracts everyone on the gender spectrum. someone who may be trans that does not "pass" by cisgender standards might look like they are doing "crossplay" and it is humiliating to be called out as the "female" or "male" swap of a character. please.

cont from last: unless someone declares their pronouns, gender and the gender of their cosplay just don't assume. ask. it's common courtesy and the decency costs you nothing.

you don't HAVE to con crunch! if you find yourself stressed days before the con and at wit's end, you can always let it go until the next con and wear something else. take care of your mental health if it affects you.

this is not something talked about often but you don't have to wear a new cosplay every day of the con. it's cool to slow it down and wear the same thing 100 times if you want. no one will look down on you for having only a few cosplays and not one from every single fandom!

cosplay is not consent! no one should do anything to you that you do not want. even if it's just putting their arm around you for a photo. if they don't ask, they are violating your space. if they are awful, find a friend or security, don't let anyone harass you when youre alone

you can save a lot of money on food at con if you bring snacks or sandwiches with you throughout the day. all con hall food is VERY expensive.

back to comfort - don't wear anything that makes you uncomfortable or you'll have a really hard day. whether its painful, too hot, too cold or you feel unhappy with how it fits you etc etc its not worth the suffering trust me!

i'm sure i have more, this is not an exhaustive list so if anyone has any positive tips feel free to add on!