Find inspiration for cosplay ideas from Otakon 2016, a recent anime convention held in Baltimore, Maryland. Fans of all ages flocked to the Baltimore Convention Center in full gear, with costumes ranging from anime and comics to the realms of sci-fi and video games. Breathe life into your go-to cosplay favorites or create new ones by mixing in fabrics like latex, stretch PVC or veggie leather. Let the fun begin!
Instagram user @ayunanana created a perfect black and gold look from Teen Titans. Use latex sheeting or stretch PVC to create a long sleeve, mockneck top, and team with gloves, goggles and shorts. Stretch PVC is the perfect material to use if you’re looking to create form-fitting skirts or dresses and bring your favorite anime character to life.
Faux leather fabric is also a favorite for every DIY fanatic. Cosplay queen Yaya Han crafted an exquisite Scarlet Witch costume, complete with a boned corset and luxurious quilted leather leggings. The artist is known for creating detailed costumes for beloved characters from many different fandoms.
@dbrooksphoto82 nailed her Wonder Woman cosplay, complete with a red leather corset and gold accents. We’re feeling this Full Metal Alchemist photo from @kissysensei on Instagram. The Ed cosplay looks so realistic and cool with two toned leather pants. Fans of the first person shooter video game, Overwatch, came dressed to kill this year. Cosplayers included leather in their looks with everything from tunics to luxe leggings.
Although this was Otakon’s last year in Baltimore, the convention will be moving to Washington, DC next summer. Let the good times roll with some of these unique, playful cosplay ideas. Bring your favorite cosplay to life with some of our favorite fabric options, including latex, stretch PVC and veggie leather. Get a head of the game and plan your cosplay for Otakon’s 24th year, August 11-13, 2017 in DC.
Written by Jade Nicolette
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Red Stretch PVC
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I like that you didn’t just focus on anime but also included comics and video games like Overwatch to show how versatile these fabrics are.
The tip about using stretch PVC for form-fitting skirts and dresses was really useful, since a lot of anime costumes rely on that smooth, tight silhouette.
I appreciate the mix of materials you suggested like latex, stretch PVC, and veggie leather, since each one solves a different design challenge in cosplay.
The idea of pairing latex or PVC tops with accessories like goggles and gloves really helps complete the overall character look instead of just the outfit.
It was cool to see how Instagram creators like @kissysensei and @ayunanana were used as real examples instead of just generic costume descriptions.
Ending with planning tips for Otakon 2017 ties everything together nicely, especially after showing so many fabric-driven costume ideas from 2016.
The Scarlet Witch costume description really emphasizes how important tailoring and boning are when working with heavier fabrics like faux leather.
The note about Otakon moving from Baltimore to DC adds a nice bit of context, especially for anyone planning ahead for the next convention.
Seeing Yaya Han’s Scarlet Witch mentioned with the boned corset and quilted leather leggings really shows how much structure good faux leather can provide in cosplay builds.
The Wonder Woman example from @dbrooksphoto82 made me rethink red leather corsets, especially paired with gold accents for that classic comic look.
Using stretch PVC for a long sleeve mockneck top is a great call, since it keeps that glossy superhero look without sacrificing movement.
Mentioning Overwatch cosplayers using leather for tunics and leggings felt spot on, since those designs really benefit from structured yet flexible materials.
I liked how you highlighted the Teen Titans black and gold look from @ayunanana, especially the suggestion of latex sheeting for that sleek mockneck top and gloves combo.
I hadn’t considered veggie leather before, but your examples make it sound like a solid alternative for detailed pieces like corsets and fitted armor looks.
That Fullmetal Alchemist Ed cosplay with two toned leather pants stood out to me too, and it’s a great reminder how fabric contrast adds depth to a costume.