Cosplay 101

Photographs: Leonard Lee

(1) SPEND TIME ON YOUR COSTUME
That duct-taped mess you call an outfit won’t cut it in serious cosplay circles. “If you’re making your own stuff, know how to sew,” says Licata. “This includes knowing how to hem, drape and pattern. We will totally notice if you cover up mistakes with glitter.” The dynamic duo suggest taking summer classes at Parsons or attending “Sew Fast, Sew Easy” (sewfastseweasy.com) in the Fashion District; past teachers included Project Runway castoff Kenley Collins.

(2) NO ANIMAL-EAR HEADBANDS, PLEASE
You gotta be original if you wanna roll with cosplayers. “Beads, vinyls and wings get noticed,” says Licata. “You could be wearing a pillowcase but have on 18-foot-wide wings and you’ll be the doll of the ball.” For materials, she suggests another Tim Gunn fave, Mood (225 W 37th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves, third floor; 212-730-5003, moodfabrics.com), along with Paron Fabrics (206 W 40th St at Seventh Ave; 212-768-3266, paronfabrics.com) and Spandex House (263 W 38th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves; 212-354-6711, spandexhouse.com). “If you’re shopping in the Fabric District, don’t be afraid to haggle!” adds Davis.

(3) STICK TO THE SOURCE
“People can tell if you’re off on color right away,” says Licata. “And please don’t wear stripper shoes if the character doesn’t wear them.” Moreover, try not to pick a character that everyone else will pick(Pokémon, Naruto or anything on American TV); obscure inspiration awaits at Kinokuniya Bookstore (1073 Sixth Ave between 40th and 41st Sts; 212-869-1700, kinokuniya.com). “Choose something you love,” says Davis. “Creating a costume is a lot more enjoyable when you’re a fan what you’re making.”

(4) GENTLEMEN, HIDE YOUR JUNK
“If you’re doing something like the Power Rangers, get a dance belt,” says Licata. “It’s the padded-cloth jockstrap that male ballet dancers wear; it makes everything look smooth.” Burlier gents (basically anyone who’s gone through puberty) should try imitating characters from video games rather than anime. “A lot of guys in anime look like adolescents,” says Licata. “Meanwhile, a well-done Mario is always hilarious.”

(5) LADIES, DON’T BE SLUTS
Higher skirts do not equal higher marks. “Most of the judges [for cosplay costume contests] are like us,” says Licata, “and skin doesn’t impress us. However, the shorter your skirt, the more people will take your picture.” And remember, practice makes perfect: “Try to do a test run of your costume before you wear it out,” advises Davis. “You can work out any kinks and make sure everything and fits as it should.”

GEEK OUT! “KRAZY!: The Delirious World of Anime + Manga + Video Games”: Japan Society, 333 E 47th St between First and Second Aves (212-832-1155, japansociety.org). Tue–Thu 11am–6pm; Fri 11am–9pm; Sat, Sun 11am–5pm. Fri 13–June 14. $10, seniors and students $8, members and children under 16 free. Japan Society will also host a cosplay party Mar 28 5:30–8:30pm ($10–$15). R.S.V.P. required (call 212-715-1258); deadline is Mar 24.

“KRAZY!” >>
Japan Society has built an otaku playground, with 200 works of doe-eyed art, video-game stations and—heart be still—a manga pod.

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