The sandtrooper I wear I wear without a helmet. Now Jango I do wear a helmet, but am a little on the short side for it.
Costumes at cons, more acceptable?
- Thread starter Kommissar
- Start date
well, for my 2c on this can of worms.
the height/weight thing is more important than the race thing.
(yes in my mind it is a degree of controlability)
for overwight guys, and this even includes anyone not fit, batmans (spandex versions) supermans spidermans etc are all OUT.... unless you look amazing, you will look bad, and wont do yourself, otherpeople or the costume any favours.
but beingly slightly too big for some costumes is ok (for the most part we aren't professional actors and can't work out 24/7) I for one am bigger than nathan fillion, but other than making sure my shirt isn't tight i can do mal 'ok' in my mind
as for VERY overweight people, i wouldnt go for storm troopers etc, only because well.... to me it would just look like a michellin man.
but being that over weight i'd consider ok for like a racoon city soldier (as for some reason in that kind of 'group' on screen there is a fat guy with heavy weapons)
a really fat guy, could also pull off a hulk, depending on how it was done (and how fat)
for women it is harder, but it is really common sense isn't it
don't do slave leia, don't do anything tight or overly fitted.
and IMO, most importantly, if you ARE 150kg guy, or 110kg girl, and you want to be spiderman or elektra sit down, say dragon*con 2011 i WILL BE, go see a dietician and get a trainer, losing weight really would be the cheaper part of the costume.
and when the con comes around even if you haven't made it to what a regular person would consider skinny enough for that costume, i'd put a fraking huge amount of money on YOU being happy with how you look.
as for race... probably given more towards where i live in australia, we don't really have 'black' people like in america, the few aboriginals around don't look 'african american' the africans immigrants we have alot of don't either as they are BLACK. so both would as out of place to halle berry's storm as a white person.
Also, the last 2 cons i have been too the only 'black' people i saw were indian, and the same issue applies.
so my firefly groups zoe is white.
she is tall, has curly hair, and is amazon warrior woman cut.... and to me that outweighs being black.
that character is about height strength and 'presence' not race.
there are characters where race would matter, where race defines the character a little more. Mr T is black..... but who cares if batman isn't white
afterall, do you have to be asian to cosplay most anime or videogame characters?
the height/weight thing is more important than the race thing.
(yes in my mind it is a degree of controlability)
for overwight guys, and this even includes anyone not fit, batmans (spandex versions) supermans spidermans etc are all OUT.... unless you look amazing, you will look bad, and wont do yourself, otherpeople or the costume any favours.
but beingly slightly too big for some costumes is ok (for the most part we aren't professional actors and can't work out 24/7) I for one am bigger than nathan fillion, but other than making sure my shirt isn't tight i can do mal 'ok' in my mind
as for VERY overweight people, i wouldnt go for storm troopers etc, only because well.... to me it would just look like a michellin man.
but being that over weight i'd consider ok for like a racoon city soldier (as for some reason in that kind of 'group' on screen there is a fat guy with heavy weapons)
a really fat guy, could also pull off a hulk, depending on how it was done (and how fat)
for women it is harder, but it is really common sense isn't it
don't do slave leia, don't do anything tight or overly fitted.
and IMO, most importantly, if you ARE 150kg guy, or 110kg girl, and you want to be spiderman or elektra sit down, say dragon*con 2011 i WILL BE, go see a dietician and get a trainer, losing weight really would be the cheaper part of the costume.
and when the con comes around even if you haven't made it to what a regular person would consider skinny enough for that costume, i'd put a fraking huge amount of money on YOU being happy with how you look.
as for race... probably given more towards where i live in australia, we don't really have 'black' people like in america, the few aboriginals around don't look 'african american' the africans immigrants we have alot of don't either as they are BLACK. so both would as out of place to halle berry's storm as a white person.
Also, the last 2 cons i have been too the only 'black' people i saw were indian, and the same issue applies.
so my firefly groups zoe is white.
she is tall, has curly hair, and is amazon warrior woman cut.... and to me that outweighs being black.
that character is about height strength and 'presence' not race.
there are characters where race would matter, where race defines the character a little more. Mr T is black..... but who cares if batman isn't white
afterall, do you have to be asian to cosplay most anime or videogame characters?
DarthJag
New Member
I worked security at a con her in Phoenix back in may and it was my first. I have always been fascinated with costuming and have pondered doing it myself however I havent mostly due to that if I am going to do it I want to do it right. I kinda agree with others as I wouldn't want to tarnish the image of whom I am trying to emulate with either a costume that isnt half way decent or one that I dont belong in. I saw a couple of slave Leia's there that almost all but killed it for me. Now dont get me wrong I am all for being who you are and comfortable with yourself but in that environment I think there is a little bit of a fine line when it comes what costume one decides to wear and if they can pull it off or not.
PAULFIERCE
Well-Known Member
AMEN! Brother! The worst I seen was a Family dressed up as planet of the apes. Dad was an ape, and the daughter and mom were the "human slaves".. and the mom was dressed hella nasty and the daughter was like 12!!!
now that is sad.
cayman shen
Master Member
There's a looooong thread here titled, I think, Too Fat For Vader? in which the whole body type/race thing is hashed over. It's pretty interesting to see people's take.
On topic, yes, I think it's becoming more acceptable to be in costume. Instead of people thinking costumers are loser freaks, I think people see it as silly buy kind of endearing...within reason. I guess it depends on how tolerant the non-costumer in question is of geek culture.
On topic, yes, I think it's becoming more acceptable to be in costume. Instead of people thinking costumers are loser freaks, I think people see it as silly buy kind of endearing...within reason. I guess it depends on how tolerant the non-costumer in question is of geek culture.
punisher
Sr Member
"could someone of that physique really be a believable soldier for the empire?"
REALLY??? :lol does it matter? Im sure after the con they get beamed back up into space...
I think youve forgotten the main reason people costume.Just for FUN.
I mean come on, costuming because you RESPECT a fictional character? really?....... REALLY? I dont see how that's possible. Its like respecting the color blue. :lol Its not like everyone at a con is going to be in a movie, I say let anybody wear anything and for all to have a great time!
Bizarro Lois
Sr Member
I am personally a firm believer in dressing to suit your body type. I am 5'5" and heavy set. Sometimes I will pick a character that I don't necessarily resemble, but it will be one that doesn't wear a skimpy costume, so my weight isn't as big a problem. For example, I threw together a quickie Shaak Ti costume one year. She was rather slim in the movies, but her costume is mostly dark colors and has a lot of loose fabric covering her. So I think I looked OK as her, as opposed to going as Aayla Secura.
My favorite costume that I've ever done is Ma Hunkel, aka the Red Tornado. I'm not as tall as she should be, but the Golden Age comics show her as being bulky, so it worked out well. When I look at my pictures, they're a great match to the comic art.
Because of my weight and facial features, I still like characters with masks or lots of makeup. I think my next big project will be the First Appearance version of Iron Man, and I want to add some height. There are some characters that I don't think would ever work for me, because I just don't have the face for them even if I was thin. I will probably never dress as Wonder Woman, but Mary Marvel would be a good match someday.
As for the question of race, I sometimes think it looks silly when costumers do non-masked characters that are blatantly the wrong race. I would have no problem with someone using makeup, as long as it's in good taste(ie, a caucasian woman as Storm from the XMen). An African American Batman seems like it would be an easy makeup job, since only a small amount of skin is visible. Anime characters seem like an exception to the race question, because so many of the characters are very stylized.
As far as how others pick their costumes, I am always happy to see people as characters that suit them and are well-made. Obviously they should pick what makes them happy, but the ones that look good are what make me really appreciate the hobby.
My favorite costume that I've ever done is Ma Hunkel, aka the Red Tornado. I'm not as tall as she should be, but the Golden Age comics show her as being bulky, so it worked out well. When I look at my pictures, they're a great match to the comic art.
Because of my weight and facial features, I still like characters with masks or lots of makeup. I think my next big project will be the First Appearance version of Iron Man, and I want to add some height. There are some characters that I don't think would ever work for me, because I just don't have the face for them even if I was thin. I will probably never dress as Wonder Woman, but Mary Marvel would be a good match someday.
As for the question of race, I sometimes think it looks silly when costumers do non-masked characters that are blatantly the wrong race. I would have no problem with someone using makeup, as long as it's in good taste(ie, a caucasian woman as Storm from the XMen). An African American Batman seems like it would be an easy makeup job, since only a small amount of skin is visible. Anime characters seem like an exception to the race question, because so many of the characters are very stylized.
As far as how others pick their costumes, I am always happy to see people as characters that suit them and are well-made. Obviously they should pick what makes them happy, but the ones that look good are what make me really appreciate the hobby.
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WookieeGunner
Well-Known Member
To answer the OP, I'm not sure it's more acceptable as much as more prevalent. I've been costuming at conventions for over a decade and a half and I never felt I was "looked down upon" by con-goers.
Now as to Kommissar's can of worms. Let me start off by saying I am one of those perverbial 400lb cosplayers (my typical weight bounces between 440 and 450). To me, I feel it is more respectful of the costume by doing it right. My rule of thumb is that I won't do a costume I wouldn't want to see someone else my size in. So, when considering doing a custom Batman my plan was to use Motorcycle Leather and boots with hidden lifts to hide my girth instead of Spandex. On the flip side, when I wear my Henry VIII costume, I wear tights because that is more accurate than wearing trousers.
Now that being said, I would much rather see a 200 lb girl in a Slave Leia that is built for her so it fits properly then a hot girl in a corset that is three sizes smaller than she should be wearing and half her boobs are spilling out over the top of her corset because there's just not enough room for both of them. If you put effort into tailoring your costume for your body shape then I say "go for it". Heck, Kommisar, I've seen the effort you put into your 40k stuff and I'm sure a Space Marine outfit made for your wife by you would look better than most of the Space Marine outfits worn by guys on the internet right now.
Now as to Kommissar's can of worms. Let me start off by saying I am one of those perverbial 400lb cosplayers (my typical weight bounces between 440 and 450). To me, I feel it is more respectful of the costume by doing it right. My rule of thumb is that I won't do a costume I wouldn't want to see someone else my size in. So, when considering doing a custom Batman my plan was to use Motorcycle Leather and boots with hidden lifts to hide my girth instead of Spandex. On the flip side, when I wear my Henry VIII costume, I wear tights because that is more accurate than wearing trousers.
Now that being said, I would much rather see a 200 lb girl in a Slave Leia that is built for her so it fits properly then a hot girl in a corset that is three sizes smaller than she should be wearing and half her boobs are spilling out over the top of her corset because there's just not enough room for both of them. If you put effort into tailoring your costume for your body shape then I say "go for it". Heck, Kommisar, I've seen the effort you put into your 40k stuff and I'm sure a Space Marine outfit made for your wife by you would look better than most of the Space Marine outfits worn by guys on the internet right now.
Mr Fett
Sr Member
I fully respect any size costumer who makes and wears a costume just because they enjoy it, but on the other hand, certain size people just don't look right for the character they are portraying. Example, I've seen Vaders with the full costume on who didn't even hit the 6' tall mark.
The general consensus with honestly most other Star Wars costumers I've ever talked to about this very topic you brought up is that when you see 300-400 pound Stormtroopers, Biker Scouts, Snowtroopers, etc.....these characters are supposed to be military infantry type units, and in real life you'd never ever see infantry troops that weigh 300-400 pounds. As mentioned in my first paragraph, yes they are respected for costuming, but no they don't look like the (space) military character they are trying to pull off.
Now, characters with robes like jedis and Tuskens have far more forgiving leeway for heavier people than armored costumes like the Troopers I mentioned above, so those are normally better looking on larger framed costumers.
The general consensus with honestly most other Star Wars costumers I've ever talked to about this very topic you brought up is that when you see 300-400 pound Stormtroopers, Biker Scouts, Snowtroopers, etc.....these characters are supposed to be military infantry type units, and in real life you'd never ever see infantry troops that weigh 300-400 pounds. As mentioned in my first paragraph, yes they are respected for costuming, but no they don't look like the (space) military character they are trying to pull off.
Now, characters with robes like jedis and Tuskens have far more forgiving leeway for heavier people than armored costumes like the Troopers I mentioned above, so those are normally better looking on larger framed costumers.
tetsuyacasshern
Sr Member
For someone who isnt of stellar physique i still do batman
and power rangers
and power rangers
Bottom line, wear whatever you want, however, be prepared to take scathing abuse if you're a fat Leia, a stormtooper wearing Keds or a Spiderman not wearing a cup. If random finger pointing and laughter from onlookers don't bother you, I say go for it.
Take pride in what you wear. Don't take shortcuts. And by all means, if you can't tell if you're the right body style for a costume, send me a picture of yourself. You won't find anyone to give you more realistic feedback than me! :lol
Take pride in what you wear. Don't take shortcuts. And by all means, if you can't tell if you're the right body style for a costume, send me a picture of yourself. You won't find anyone to give you more realistic feedback than me! :lol
RebellionBarbie
Active Member
You wanna be a 600lb Batman or a 300lb Slave Leia, go for it, no one is going to stop you, I personally am not offended by such things. But don't believe for a second that you can demand that people respect or accept your appearance in costume, or that the anonymous users of the internet forum your picture gets posted on are going to feed white lies to you about how great you look. Don't be surprised when you wind up as a demotivational poster or as the butt of jokes in media interviews at cons because as pitiful as it sounds, there are indeed people who go simply to take pictures of people who they don't like on the outside and put it on the internet. Don't expect that EVERYONE is going to accept who you are, or respect what you're doing, because that's unlikely to be the outcome. Sure, it would be great if we could all just accept each other for what we look like on the outside. But that's not the way reality works. People judge others by their outward appearance, whether you think that you should personally be excluded from this phenomenon or not. It happens, it's harsh, but it's the way the world works.
OldKen
Master Member
I must quote anyone that quotes such wise words! Seriously though I totally agree... do what you want but don't cry later because others aren't nice.
jtmtmtl
New Member
I personally love seeing the overweight stormtroopers and other types of bad quality cosplayers. Seems like they are the ones that have the best time at the cons. I mean dont get me wrong, seeing screen accurate costumes rock, and wearing one can make you feel like a total rockstar with all the pictures, but I get a kick out of seeing people, good or bad costumes, having good time.
I have to agree. If you like what you're wearing, Then who cares what some others think. Put it like this. They don't have the guts to dress in costume and or enter a masquerade competition. I've been costuming for years mainly Fantasy stuff because I don't have the money to shell out for a good Vader or Stormtrooper outfit. I did a Homemade Vader years ago at a con in Baltimore. I had fun at it. But I really had a blast when I did The Joker from Batman The Dark Knight Returns. I'm 5'6" and weigh around 140 lbs. Eventhough I wasn't the right hieght for him, I had experience from when I played him for a short time at our Six Flags Park( Which is now closed) I used to work there during October for Fright Fest and I got to wear my own outfit about 95% of the time. I really didn't care what the guests think. I had a blast doing it.
Whether there is a thousand people dressed as a trooper or just a few, it's all about how you feel in the costume and the pride you carry while wearing it. You wear it for yourself first - and to wow others second.
This is such a fun (and often times expensive) hobby, but the emotional rewards of proudly wearing a costume are priceless!:thumbsup
This is such a fun (and often times expensive) hobby, but the emotional rewards of proudly wearing a costume are priceless!:thumbsup
For someone who isnt of stellar physique i still do batman
and power rangers
:thumbsup That works for me.
That's the kind of good costuming effort I expect to see at conventions.
There is another phenomenon too for costuming.....
The hot built chick that would look good dressed even as cabbage woman. :lol
They get tons of eye attention of course with guys drooling over them.
Of course ten million pictures all over the internet after the con in the convention babe threads in all the nerd forums. Yes I look.
I often wonder if they even know anything about the characters they dress as. Or as most guys would say... who cares! They're hot!
Well I do care a little for some reason.
Hey Supergirl.... What's your Kryptonian given name????
Uh...???
Yeah yeah I know, just be glad girls even go to cons. :lol
In response to the OP, I have to say that I think the acceptability of costuming is different between different cons. Now, I mainly go to anime cons, but I've been going to them for 9 years in several states. The only con that I ever felt out of place in a costume was at a con in Texas. Every other con I've been to was more of the opposite, I felt less at home NOT in costume. I think it's really a regional or even a convention thing. Every one I go to has a vastly different feel to it, whether it is how it feels in costuming, or the general vibe of the place.
Now onto the suitability of the costume: I believe that you should know your limits, but have fun with what you do. If you believe you can pull of something, go for it! It really helps to have supportive friends who are honest with you to make decisions on costume choices.
If someone is wearing something that shows all the wrong parts of them because it's too small, I just look past it. It's a fixture at cons just as much as the most common costume. I don't make fun, and I don't believe others should either, the person in question is probably just as proud of their costume as you are of yours.
And the race issue? I don't think it's an issue at all. People can make any costume they like, and that suits me just fine. It sounds a bit elitist to say that someone of a different race can't be any character they want, that they'd be "doing it wrong". Who makes the rules about making a costume about a cartoon character, or a movie character?
I think that people need to take a step back most of the time and realize how serious they're being about our beloved (ultra) geeky hobby.
Now onto the suitability of the costume: I believe that you should know your limits, but have fun with what you do. If you believe you can pull of something, go for it! It really helps to have supportive friends who are honest with you to make decisions on costume choices.
If someone is wearing something that shows all the wrong parts of them because it's too small, I just look past it. It's a fixture at cons just as much as the most common costume. I don't make fun, and I don't believe others should either, the person in question is probably just as proud of their costume as you are of yours.
And the race issue? I don't think it's an issue at all. People can make any costume they like, and that suits me just fine. It sounds a bit elitist to say that someone of a different race can't be any character they want, that they'd be "doing it wrong". Who makes the rules about making a costume about a cartoon character, or a movie character?
I think that people need to take a step back most of the time and realize how serious they're being about our beloved (ultra) geeky hobby.
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