Cosplay Convention Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts for Newbies

Getting dressed up in costume at cons can make the experience even more enjoyable. However, it can also lead to undesirable behaviors from people who may not have attended before. This guide on cosplay convention etiquette has do's and don'ts for newbies so you can have fun without causing harm.

Cosplay Convention Do's

• Ask first for photos - Cosplay isn't consent, so it's important to always ask

  before you take someone's picture first. A lot of times, cosplayers won't want photos taken when they're eating or will want to ensure they look good before you snap the picture. This also avoids accidentally photographing someone underage.

• Respect personal space - While con floors can sometimes be packed and cramped, you should still try to be mindful of the space around you. Ensure you're giving people their space and aren't walking into each other.

• Practice good hygiene - Showering and wearing deodorant routinely during the convention weekend is a must. People are already sweating from overheating in costumes, don't add to the smells by skipping a much needed shower.

• Be patient - Part of conventions is waiting in line con. Will call, panels and more might require you wait a while before you can go in. Be patient, con staff is typically doing their best to get you in the doors quickly and safely.

• Have a plan - There's always so much going on at cons and lots of friends to say hi to. Try and have a plan or schedule so you can ensure you see and do everything you want.

• Follow con rules - Rules for a con are meant to ensure everyone can stay safe and have a good time. So always check the con's rules before you go and follow them.

• Bring a friend or handler - Using the buddy system or having someone to help you with your costume can ensure your safety, mobility around the con floor and a fun time. So ask a friend if they'd like to go with you to the convention.

• Be polite and kind - This should go without saying, but always be a kind person at a convention. This is applicable to convention staff, vendors, cosplayers and other attendees.

• Costest your costume - To ensure your costume fits well and you have mobility, its recommended to always test out your costume before the convention. That way you can make modifications and adjustments to ensure you're comfortable.

• Bring a repair kit - Accidents can happen at cons. Pack a repair kit with sewing needles, thread, glue and more so you can fix things from the con floor.

• Hydrate & eat - A full day or weekend at a convention can make it easy to forget to drink water and eat a healthy meal. Make sure to hydrate, have snack breaks and get some real food besides just the drive thru on the way home.

• Check the website - Conventions normally have websites with FAQs, panel schedules, show hours, rules and more. Be sure to check it out before the convention so you know all the information ahead of time.

Cosplay Convention Don'ts

• Don't harass others - Bullying, harassment or stalking is a great way to make a bad impression in the cosplay community. Remember to be polite and kind to other attendees and con staff.

• Don't block aisles - Conventions are often crowded, especially on the show floor. When stopping to talk or take photos, be mindful of the surrounding area so you aren't blocking aisles or booths.

• Don't critique others without asking - If someone wants feedback on their costume, they often will ask for it. So just because you notice something you don't like, doesn't mean it needs to be shared. Save critiques for when people ask for them to avoid accidentally tearing someone else down.

• Don't bring weapons - Cons have rules for what props you can and can't bring. The most common one is about bringing real weapons. So make sure not to bring anything that could be seen as a weapon or is one.

• Don't touch other's cosplays - You never know if a cosplay is fragile or not. Always ask before touching someone's costume. Remember, cosplay isn't consent. Even judges during a competition will ask before touching anything.

• Don't skip prop check - While waiting in line may seem boring, you need to stop and wait patiently to get your prop checked and tagged before going into the convention center. This is to ensure everyone's safety.

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Conclusion

Cosplaying at a convention can be a fun and exciting experience. Whether you're new to attending or have been at it for a while, theses' do's and don'ts for dressing up at a con can help ensure you and other cosplayers have a fun and safe time.

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Share Your Cosplay Tips and Stories!

Whether you're a seasoned cosplayer or just starting out, it's important to know what to do and what not to do at conventions. We'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences with cosplaying at cons, so please leave a comment below sharing your favorite thing about it.

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