A comprehensive guide to anime cosplay accessories, conventions, and popular anime series, helping fans create authentic character costumes with essential props.
The following is a guest post from my bloggy friend Taylor McKnight on behalf of Cheap Little Cigars. Interested in having a guest post on my website? Click here for my guest post submission form.
Level Up Your Cosplay: 6 Must-Have Accessories for Anime Fans
Anime conventions are the perfect time to dress up as your favorite character. In this guide, you will learn what anime is, the best conventions around the world, and the perfect accessories for any anime outfit.
What Is Anime?
Anime is the name for Japanese animation. This art style is known for its exaggerated eyes, long arms and legs, and colorful hair. Most of these characters have special powers, similar to superheroes.
Anime is different from other cartoons in that it has a dramatic plot, closeups of expressions, and vivid colors. Anime has amassed fans around the world because of its complex storylines and characters. Anime is often termed “adult cartoons” cause a majority of them are not for younger audiences, except for the more popular ones like Pokemon or Yu-Gi-Oh!.
Anime to Know About
While there is a ton of anime out there some of the more common ones, other than Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh! are as follows:
- One Piece
- Attack on Titan
- Inuyasha
- Solo Leveling
- Zatch Bell
- Digimon
- Fire Force
- Hunter x Hunter
- Demon Slayer
Where to Watch
As the list mentions numerous anime to tune into above, you can find most of them on the app Crunchyroll. Crunchyroll is a strict anime app for those that love to indulge into the Japanese cartoon genre. If you do not have any luck finding an older series or movie on this platform you can usually almost always rely on Amazon Prime Video or Netflix. A quick Google search of the name of an anime along with the word, “streaming,” following it should do the job to pinpoint exactly what you will need to complete your mission of watching it.
Best Anime Conventions
Anime fans have access to some of the best conventions around the world. It gives them the opportunity to express themselves and to make new friends. People who love anime, cartoons, board games, card games, video games, and live-action role-players attend these events.
Some of the most popular anime conventions include:
- Ai-Kon
- Anime Expo
- Comic Fiesta
- Japan Expo
- Madman Anime Festival
- Sakura-Con
You might also find local anime conventions and events. There are hundreds of events that take place throughout the year in America and in other countries you could attend.
6 Perfect Accessories You Need
By this point, you probably have a costume in mind. Now, you just need the right cosplay props to pull the look together. The right props can make your costume come to life. They also encourage you to transform into any character.
1. Helmet
A helmet is one of the best places to start. Most anime characters wear a helmet to protect them from battle. The great thing about this prop is that you can easily make it from aluminum foil or EVA foam. There are guides online that can help you in creating a helmet that fits the proportions of your head and usually they can help gear you in the direction of whatever anime you choose to dress as. For example, Vinland Saga will have a more viking vibe to portray.
2. Wand
The details are important when it comes to cosplay. Carrying a wand is an ideal option for magical anime characters, such as Sailor Moon. You can buy a wand at any prop store. Or, you can make one from a wooden carving stick. Around Halloween these costumes are usually popular just in case you wanted to pick one up at an easily accessible time.
3. Headband
It is common for some anime characters to be part animal. In that case, you might wear a headband with rabbit, cat, or fox ears. This prop might include an animal tail or other accessories as well. You should attach additional fur to your costume to finish your character’s look.
4. Mask
Just like with a helmet, you can create a mask from foam. You can buy it at the prop store or mold one that fits your face. Use duct tape to keep the mask together. By using a blow dryer, you can manipulate the shape of the mask to outline the curves of your face. Remove the mask and allow it to dry overnight. The following day, you can paint and add details to your mask. A huge example of this is referencing the more popular Demon Slayer anime series that has seen skyrocketing rates this past year. This anime specifically is reaching its climax and end later this year or will it?
5. Cigar
There are many anime characters who are always smoking. One that comes to mind is Sanji Vinsmoke. You can live up to his name by having a cigar in your mouth. There is also Shiryu of the Rain or the Navy Officer, who smokes two cigars at the same time. These names can be found within the longest anime series to date called One Piece. One Piece represents numerous characters in many different places of life and is the perfect show to watch for some costumer inspiration. A cigar really is one way you can fully commit to the act of dressing as a role.
6. Cape
Fabric adds some texture to your costume. If you are still stumped on what props to use, a cape is a good place to start. You want to make sure that your cape comes with your costume. Or, you can go to the fabric store to find material in a matching color. Making sure you get high-quality or create high-quality props should be the priority to achieve your true costume goals.
