Costume and cosplay are terms that get thrown around a lot, particularly at conventions or in general among people who subscribe to more geeky interests. The truth is that, while they share some elements, they are very different things. Costumes are typically used for things like Halloween or to wear at a party, while cosplay is actually a unique form of performance art.
The concept of cosplay comes from Japan, but it exploded into popularity worldwide due to the rise of the Internet. The practice involves a person dressing up as a character from pop culture, whether that’s a movie, TV show, video game or Japanese anime series. This can be done as a hobby or even as a career. Cosplaying can include a lot of prop work, sewing, foam and thermoplastic fabrication, wig styling and special effects makeup. It also requires a strong attention to detail and the ability to act the part in order to fully embody the character.
A costume is simply an outfit that a person wears to resemble a particular character. The term can be applied to anything from a simple dress or hat to a full-on robe and everything in between. Costumes can be bought from stores or crafted by the wearer himself or herself.
Cosplay, on the other hand, is a form of performance art that requires a more thorough transformation into a character. It’s a way for fans to bond with one another and create a sense of community within their own fandoms. It’s not just about dressing up and acting the part, but actually living as a character for a day and participating in panels, skit performances and more.