Not everyone in cosplay is looking to become a master craftsman. Some people would prefer to just focus on modeling and dressing up, or maybe they have limitations where they have to buy some parts of the costume. That’s why the answer to “do cosplayers buy their costumes” is yes. Sometimes for whatever reason we opt for making the purchase instead of crafting a full build. But let’s dive deeper into why or when a cosplayer might make that choice.
Why Do Cosplayers Buy Their Costumes
There’s a few reasons for why a cosplayer might make the decision to purchase a costume:
- Time limitations – If you have to appear in a costume on a deadline that doesn’t leave you enough time to craft it, that’s when you might decide to make a purchase instead. Keep in mind, this shouldn’t be done if this is for a craftmanship competition deadline.
- Not interested in crafting/focused on modeling – If you’re only interested in modeling costumes and don’t want to craft, then you can absolutely just buy it. Cosplaying doesn’t require you make the costume.
- Limited equipment – You may not have the equipment or tools needed to craft the costume or a part of it. So instead you can buy what you need and it might end up a little cheaper than having to buy something like a 3D printer, sewing machine, etc.
- Not comfortable or interested in a specific technique to craft – While you may feel good about sewing costume pieces, you might not be comfortable or interested in learning foamsmithing for that armor build or one armor piece you need. You can then just purchase the part or full costume if the needed technique isn’t one you’re up for.
- Cost – There’s a possibility you can purchase a good costume for less than it would cost to make it. If you need to stay on a tight budget then this would be a good time to buy a costume instead.
- Availability – Whether a quality premade costume is just more readily available or things like the right fabric to craft it aren’t, this is a common reason a cosplayer might choose to buy over make a costume.
Where to Purchase
This is a quick list of where you can buy cosplays from.
- Amazon
- MicCostumes
- Etsy