Cosplaying is one of the most fun ways to show off your creativity and love for the Pokémon franchise. Thanks to the abundance of Pokémon and gym trainers across games, series, and more, there are so many characters to choose from and dress up as. Cosplaying and dressing up as Pokémon characters has even become so popular that official accounts and sources have provided inspiration and tips for outfits. However, you may be wondering how to make your look stand out when you’re at cosplay events or conventions where others might be wearing Pokémon or trainer cosplays as well. Whether you want to stay faithful to the design or amp up the look with your own creative touches, here are some tips for taking your cosplay to the next level:
Props
Props are a simple yet effective way to elevate your cosplay and make your character more recognizable. Pokémon, fortunately, has so many different props for you to play around with, from Poké Balls, bags, gadgets, and other signature items. If you’re going as a trainer, the iconic Poké Balls are a no-brainer for an appropriate prop, and they’re easy to buy and make on your own. They can also clue in people more unfamiliar with the franchise that you’re cosplaying as a Pokémon character, as the trainer outfits can seem like ordinary clothing to the untrained eye. Other simple props can also add more personality, like a simple fake rose for James’ cosplay, adding to his dramatic flair. You can carry around stuffed toys of your character’s main Pokémon. If you don’t mind getting crafty, you can even try your hand at creating detailed Pokémon puppets for a more life-like approach!
Colored contacts
While eye color may not seem as important as other details, changing it up to match the character you’re portraying can make for an extra touch of fun and tie your look together. Wearing colored contacts can help you refine the details of your cosplay, allowing you to match your Pokémon or trainer of choice more faithfully if you have a different eye color. There are also various types of contact lenses that can provide a subtle shift or a more vibrant pop. The Air Optix Colors have a wide range of muted to brilliant colors to enhance light or dark eyes with a natural effect, and the Dailies Colors feature color enhancement and a unique eye-defining outer ring for bigger and brighter eyes. Ensure you get a prescription from a professional before buying colored contact lenses so you can wear them safely and comfortably at an event or convention.
Wigs
Wigs are one of the easiest and most effective ways to truly embody a character, whether you’re cosplaying a trainer or even a personified Pokémon or gijinka. You can find pre-made cosplay wigs from cosplay shops. Stores like Uwowo Cosplay or Cossky may have some Pokémon wigs for your character of choice. You can also have them custom-made by skilled commissioners specializing in cosplay wigs. If you want more control of the wig’s appearance or can’t find a specific one for your character, you can start with an unstyled wig in your character’s hair color. Learn basic wig styling techniques like cutting, spiking, or braiding to achieve the perfect look. It’s also worth noting that your styling techniques may differ depending on the type of wig. Costume wigs can either be made of human hair or synthetic. Human hair wigs are usually pricier than synthetic ones, but they can be easily styled using regular tools and methods you would use on your own hair. They also work if you want more of a natural vibe instead of a costume-like one. Synthetic wigs are much cheaper and can suit a bolder cosplay look but will require gentler styling and heating techniques to avoid damage.
Source: Pokemon
