Starting cosplay can be pretty intimidating with how it all costs. There’s a lot of options though so you can make it fit with your budget. To decide what’s the way that’s right for you it’s important to stop and ask is it cheaper to make or buy cosplays? It can really depend from cosplay to cosplay but ultimately the claim is making cosplays can be cheaper. However a yes or no answer doesn’t quite work since it isn’t really a one size fits all. Let’s assess the different cost aspects with making and buying cosplays.
Cost for Buying Cosplays
Buying cosplays can actually be really expensive. A lot of Halloween stores or cosplay shops charge a minimum of $60 per costume. Keep in mind this is from stores that mass produce costumes and they’re often made really cheaply. You definitely don’t get the same level of quality than if you had something custom made or done from a smaller business. When you commission cosplays or shop more quality made costumes off places like Etsy you could be looking at $150 minimum per costume. Getting a quality costume can be very expensive for sure. Is it truly more expensive though? In ways yes however you’re also limited in availability too. Shopping for cosplays means you’re at the will of inventory availability. So not every costume will be able to be purchased and will have to be made. That was the case with my vault dweller cosplay since armor isn’t a common purchasable unless done via Etsy or commissions.
Cost for Making Cosplays
Making cosplays can be cheaper than buying. Things like paint can be less than 2 dollars a bottle and EVA foam rolls are less than $20 each typically. Worbla can be a little more expensive but you’re still look at well under $60 per roll. Fabrics also can be very affordable at under $20 per yard. Collectively they can leave you with a cheaper cost than even the low quality $60 cosplays.
Now if you’re new to cosplay this won’t feel like the case. Deciding to make cosplays means investing in quite a bit of equipment that can also be very expensive. Things like sewing machines, dremels and more can be over $60 each. Thus the upfront cost can be very hefty and make it seem as though making cosplays are more expensive. However once you get past that upfront cost you’re definitely looking at spending less. So long term it can definitely be cheaper.
Keep in mind though making cosplays will cost you far more of your time. Making cosplays requires spending anywhere from hours to months just making the cosplay where as buying doesn’t.
Which is Cheaper?
Well making in the longer term is definitely cheaper. However if you’re not looking to make a new cosplay every month or it’s more short term than buying could be the better choice. Ultimately it’s up to you in regards to what you want to do. Both ways are perfectly valid ways to being cosplayers it just means assess what fits your needs the best.
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