Leather can be a great material for cosplays. However it can be a bit expensive, requires separate techniques to craft with and there is the ethical questions behind it. So if you’re not comfortable crafting with it, you need an alternative. If you’re wondering what can you use instead of leather for cosplay, strap in for this list of options you have to choose from. Thankfully there is a variety of alternatives to work with.
Alternatives for Leather in Cosplay
There are two alternatives that work the best as a substitute for leather when crafting cosplays.
EVA Foam
If you’re a foamsmither, then this option is perfect for you. EVA foam can be created to look like leather by simply texturing and painting it. Depending on the thickness you use, it also has a level of sturdiness to make it on par with leather. However it will take work in order to actually getting it look like leather first.
How Do You Paint EVA Foam to Look Like Leather
These tips will help you paint EVA foam to look like leather
- Prep the surface before painting – Before you paint the foam, you need to prepare it by texturing it and sealing the foam to preserve the added texture. Use heat and crumpled foil to make your foam look more like leather. Then apply a flexible sealants like Modge Podge.
- Base color choice – Painting your base coat requires the perfect color. Evenly apply a dark brown paint. Some brands like Vallejo have sets for leather colors.
- Washing – Adding layers will give the foam depth and make it look more like leather. Create a thin wash of watered down black or dark brown paint to apply onto your foam once the base coat has dried. Then wipe or blot off the excess with a paper towel. This will leave paint in crevices and create a shadow.
- Highlighting – Use lighter browns to highlight. Either via an air brush, or better yet, consider dry brushing these colors on. You will only do this to raised areas to help better accent the texture.
- Weathering – Aging and distressing always helps to add realism to anything you paint. Using a reddish-brown color on prominent edges can help make the foam look more worn. You will want to seal it after all painting and weathering is finished.
Pleather Fabric
This alternative is cheaper than regular leather and can be sewn just like heavy duty fabrics. The look of the fabric however can sometimes be too shiny or the color too saturated. It also doesn’t always have the right texture and may not look quite right. It’s also far thinner and thus lacks the sturdiness of leather or EVA foam. However it’s substantially easier to work with than leather or EVA foam.
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