Celebrating The Cosplay Lifestyle

For many, cosplay has become more than a hobby, more than something to do occasionally, like at conventions or opening night of a movie. More and more people are incorporating cosplay into their daily lives. Cosplay is defined as performance art where participants (referred to as Cosplayers) wear costumes and accessories, usually self-made, to represent a specific character. Did you know that cosplay has been around since at least 1908? It really started taking off in the 1990s.

There are clothing companies owned and operated by fans for fans that gain followers on a daily basis like Castle Corsetry, Elhoffer Designs, and Classy Looking Nerf Herder. It is even possible to find office clothes that are nods to fandoms. Most of these companies are run by women, which means they have functional POCKETS!!! If you are unfamiliar with the pocket issue in women’s clothing, I suggest you ask any woman in your immediate vicinity. Be prepared to be there awhile.

The Cosplay for Science gang Disneybounding as Wilderness Explorers from Disney/Pixar’s “Up”. (Source: Cosplay for Science)

Bell County Comic Con 2017 — War Machine by Anthony’s Cosplay Services

Cosplayers, whose fandoms are based on relatively current Earth culture, have an easier time cosplaying in day-to-day life without getting out looks or having to answer questions from those not in the know. No one would look askew at a Rose Tyler (Doctor Who) or a Dean Winchester (Supernatural) cosplayer. That doesn’t mean that those whose fandoms are fantasy/anime/futuristic/etc cannot cosplay everyday if they so desire. There is no law against doing that if it makes you happy. It might affect your job, but it’s not illegal. Often cosplayers who want to pay homage to their character without doing the whole costume have a few options. One is to wear clothing the same colors as the signature costume. Another to is to have jewelry or accessories that represent the character.

There is no right or wrong when it comes to cosplay (except blackface. NEVER do blackface). As long as you, the cosplayer, are happy and comfortable, then you are doing it right. Wear your cosplay or chosen colors or accessories with pride. Your coworkers may not know that your green jacket is worn in honor of Loki (Marvel). Wear a shirt covered in dots? That’s no dot. That’s a space station (Star Wars). Working as a temp at a new office job? Go dressed as Donna Noble (Doctor Who) or channel your inner Clark Kent (Superman). Going to the office as Diana Prince (Wonder Woman) or Peggy Carter (Marvel’s Agent Carter) can be double the fun as it’s both cosplay and vintage. Have fun with it! You never know who’s a nerd until they squee when they recognize your outfit.