Cosplaying has become a popular hobby for many anime fans. It’s a great way to show your love for your favorite characters and express your creativity. However, for beginners, choosing the right anime character to cosplay can be overwhelming. In this guide, we’ll provide some suggestions for the best anime characters to cosplay as for beginners. These characters are not only iconic but also have relatively simple costumes and makeup that are easy to replicate. So, grab your sewing machine, put on your creative hat, and let’s dive into the world of cosplay!
Choosing the Right Anime Character to Cosplay as
Factors to Consider
When choosing an anime character to cosplay as, there are several factors to consider. These factors can help you make an informed decision and ensure that you have a fun and memorable cosplay experience.
Character’s Popularity
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an anime character to cosplay as is their popularity. Popular characters are often well-known and beloved by fans, which means that you’ll have a larger pool of people to share your cosplay with. Additionally, popular characters often have more resources available for cosplayers, such as tutorials, patterns, and prop replicas.
However, it’s important to note that cosplaying as a popular character can also mean that you’ll have to deal with a lot of competition. You’ll need to make sure that your cosplay stands out from the crowd, whether through your attention to detail, your unique interpretation of the character, or your ability to bring the character to life through your performance.
Character’s Costume Design
Another important factor to consider when choosing an anime character to cosplay as is their costume design. You’ll want to choose a character whose costume is both visually appealing and feasible for you to create. Some characters have complex or intricate costumes that may be difficult or expensive to replicate, while others have simpler designs that are easier to pull off.
It’s also important to consider the materials and tools that you’ll need to create the costume. If you’re new to cosplay, you may want to start with a character whose costume uses materials that are easy to work with, such as fabric or foam. You’ll also want to consider the level of detail required for the costume. If you’re new to cosplay, you may want to start with a character whose costume is relatively simple, and then work your way up to more complex designs as you gain experience.
Character’s Personality
Finally, you’ll want to consider the character’s personality when choosing an anime character to cosplay as. You’ll be embodying this character for the duration of the cosplay, so it’s important to choose someone whose personality resonates with you. You’ll also want to consider how the character’s personality will affect your performance. For example, if you’re cosplaying as a hyperactive character, you’ll need to be able to maintain that energy throughout the convention.
Additionally, you’ll want to consider how the character’s personality will interact with other convention-goers. If you’re cosplaying as a beloved character, you’ll likely receive a lot of attention and recognition from other attendees. However, if you’re cosplaying as a more obscure character, you may need to be more proactive in seeking out interactions with other cosplayers and convention-goers.
Tips for Selecting a Character
Choosing the right anime character to cosplay as can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect character for your cosplay:
- Start with Characters You Already Know: It’s easier to cosplay as a character you’re familiar with. You’ll have a better understanding of their personality, appearance, and style. Plus, you’ll have a personal connection to the character, which can make your cosplay more meaningful.
- Choose Characters with Simple Costumes: If you’re new to cosplay, it’s best to start with a character that has a simple costume. Look for characters that don’t require elaborate or expensive materials. Characters like Naruto, Sailor Moon, or Goku are great choices for beginners because their costumes are relatively simple and easy to make.
- Consider Characters with Diverse Cosplay Styles: Another factor to consider is the diversity of cosplay styles for the character. Some characters have many different variations of cosplay, which can give you more creative freedom to express yourself. Look for characters that have different variations in their costumes, such as different outfits or accessories, so you can experiment with different styles.
Overall, choosing the right anime character to cosplay as depends on your personal preferences and skill level. Start with characters you already know, choose characters with simple costumes, and consider characters with diverse cosplay styles. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect anime character to cosplay as.
Popular Anime Characters to Cosplay as for Beginners
Male Characters
Cosplaying as male anime characters can be a fun and rewarding experience for beginners. Here are three popular options to consider:
- Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto)
Naruto Uzumaki is a popular character from the anime series Naruto. He is a young ninja with a bright orange jumpsuit and a headband with the symbol of the Hidden Leaf Village. Naruto is known for his determination, hard work, and positive attitude. To cosplay as Naruto, you can wear a yellow shirt with black pants and a orange jumpsuit. You can also wear a headband with the symbol of the Hidden Leaf Village.
- Monkey D. Luffy (One Piece)
Monkey D. Luffy is a popular character from the anime series One Piece. He is a young pirate with a straw hat and a red shirt with black pants. Luffy is known for his optimism, courage, and strong sense of justice. To cosplay as Luffy, you can wear a straw hat, a red shirt, and black pants. You can also wear gloves and a belt with the symbol of the Gum Gum powers.
- Natsu Dragneel (Fairy Tail)
Natsu Dragneel is a popular character from the anime series Fairy Tail. He is a young wizard with a red and black outfit and a blue scarf. Natsu is known for his passion, loyalty, and strength. To cosplay as Natsu, you can wear a red and black outfit, a blue scarf, and a pair of wristbands. You can also wear a pair of boots and a belt with the symbol of the Fairy Tail guild.
Female Characters
Cosplaying as female anime characters can be a fun and exciting experience for beginners. Here are three popular female anime characters that are great for beginners to cosplay as:
Sakura Haruno (Naruto)
Sakura Haruno is a main character in the popular anime series Naruto. She is a member of Team Kakashi and is known for her pink hair, strong will, and determination. Her outfit consists of a short skirt, a halter top, and a pair of thigh-high boots.
Yukihira Soma (Food Wars!)
Yukihira Soma is the main protagonist of the anime series Food Wars! He is a teenage boy who dreams of becoming a top chef and attends the prestigious Totsuki Culinary Academy. His outfit consists of a black jacket, a white shirt, and a pair of black pants.
Asuna Yuuki (Sword Art Online)
Asuna Yuuki is a main character in the anime series Sword Art Online. She is a skilled player in the virtual reality game Sword Art Online and is known for her beauty, strength, and intelligence. Her outfit consists of a white dress with a hood, a pair of black boots, and a silver belt.
Each of these characters has a unique and distinctive style that can be easily replicated with some simple costume pieces and accessories. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cosplayer, these characters are great choices for your next cosplay project.
Other Characters
If you’re looking to branch out from the most popular anime characters to cosplay as, there are plenty of other great options to choose from. Here are a few suggestions:
- SpongeBob SquarePants (SpongeBob SquarePants)
- SpongeBob SquarePants is a beloved cartoon character with a distinct style that’s easy to recognize.
- His yellow sponge body, brown pants, and red backpack make for a simple yet iconic cosplay costume.
- SpongeBob’s cheerful personality and goofy antics are also easy to embody, making this a great choice for beginners.
- Elsa (Frozen)
- Elsa from Frozen is a powerful and independent character that many people admire.
- Her signature blue and white dress with the long cape and braided hair make for a stunning cosplay costume.
- If you’re comfortable with sewing, you can create your own version of the dress and make it even more unique.
- Iron Man (Marvel Comics)
- Iron Man is a popular superhero character with a sleek and high-tech look.
- The red and gold armor with the mask and repulsor rays make for a striking cosplay costume.
- You can add LED lights to the armor to make it even more impressive and lifelike.
Overall, these characters offer a fun and unique alternative to the most popular anime characters, and they’re great choices for beginners who want to try something new.
Essential Cosplay Accessories for Beginners
Clothing and Costume Accessories
Cosplay is all about creating a complete character transformation, and clothing and costume accessories play a crucial role in achieving this goal. Here are some essential clothing and costume accessories that every beginner cosplayer should have in their cosplay toolkit:
Shoes
The right shoes can make or break a cosplay. Choose shoes that match your character’s style and are comfortable to wear. High heels, boots, and sneakers are popular choices for cosplayers.
Socks
Wearing the right socks can help you feel more comfortable in your cosplay and can also add to the overall look of your costume. For example, if you’re cosplaying as a princess, you might want to wear fancy, decorative socks.
Gloves
Gloves can add a touch of elegance to your cosplay and can also help protect your hands from cold temperatures or rough materials. Choose gloves that match your character’s style and color scheme.
Belts
Belts can help cinch in your waist and create a more defined silhouette. They can also add a touch of flair to your cosplay, especially if you choose a decorative belt that matches your character’s style.
Ties
Ties can be used to create a more formal look or to add a pop of color to your cosplay. Choose ties that match your character’s style and color scheme.
Hats
Hats can add a fun and playful touch to your cosplay. Choose hats that match your character’s style and personality. For example, a top hat might be a great choice for a Victorian-era cosplay, while a baseball cap might be more appropriate for a modern-day cosplay.
Wigs
Wigs can help you achieve a completely new look and can also be used to cover up bad hair days. Choose wigs that match your character’s hair color and style. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might even try dyeing your own hair to match your character’s hair color.
Props and Weapons
Cosplay is not just about dressing up as your favorite anime character, it’s also about bringing their world to life with the right props and weapons. Here are some of the most essential props and weapons every beginner cosplayer should have in their collection:
Swords
Swords are one of the most iconic weapons in anime and manga. They come in various types, such as katanas, wakizashis, and nodachis, and are often associated with samurai and other warrior classes. When choosing a sword, consider the style of your character and the type of sword they wield. Some popular anime swords include:
- Zangetsu from Demon Slayer
- Wielders of the 10 Courts from Nan to Isou
- Gintoki Sakata’s Shin-Sakatagawa** from Gintama
Staffs
Staffs are another popular weapon in anime, often used by mages, wizards, and other magical characters. They come in various sizes and styles, such as staves, wands, and canes. When choosing a staff, consider the style of your character and the type of staff they wield. Some popular anime staffs include:
- Natsu Dragneel’s Dragon Fire Fist** from Fairy Tail
- Merlin’s Crystal Staff** from The Seven Deadly Sins
- Gray Fullbuster’s Ice Sword** from Fairy Tail
Bows
Bows are a popular weapon in anime, often used by archers and hunters. They come in various styles, such as longbows, recurve bows, and crossbows. When choosing a bow, consider the style of your character and the type of bow they wield. Some popular anime bows include:
- Katana’s Katana Sword** from Sword Art Online
- Kyon’s Bolt-Action Rifle** from Suzumiya Haruhi no Yuuutsu
- Black Star’s Gravity Sword** from Tsubasa Chronicle
Guns
Guns are a common weapon in modern anime, often used by soldiers, police officers, and other law enforcement characters. They come in various types, such as pistols, rifles, and shotguns. When choosing a gun, consider the style of your character and the type of gun they wield. Some popular anime guns include:
- Kira’s Plasma Gun** from Death Note
- Makishima’s Philosopher’s Thoughts** from Psycho-Pass
- Roy Mustang’s Flame Sword** from Fullmetal Alchemist
Lightsabers
Lightsabers are a iconic weapon in the Star Wars universe, but they have also appeared in other anime series such as One Piece and Boruto. They are energy swords that emit a beam of light, and are often associated with Jedi and Sith. When choosing a lightsaber, consider the color and style of your character’s lightsaber. Some popular anime lightsabers include:
- Luke Skywalker’s Green Lightsaber** from Star Wars
- Darth Vader’s Red Lightsaber** from Star Wars
- Naruto Uzumaki’s Sage Mode Sword** from Naruto Shippuden
Armor
Armor is a protective gear worn by warriors and knights in anime. It comes in various styles, such as plate armor, chain mail, and leather armor. When choosing armor, consider the style of your character and the type of armor they wear. Some popular anime armor includes:
- Gintoki Sakata’s Yorozuya Armor** from Gintama
- Kotomi Ichinose’s Sailor Fuku Armor** from Clannad
- Kaneki Ken’s Masked
Tips for New Cosplayers
Cosplay Etiquette
- Be Respectful to Other Cosplayers: It is important to be respectful and kind to other cosplayers, regardless of their experience or skill level. Avoid being negative or critical, and instead offer support and encouragement.
- Don’t Touch Other People’s Costumes: It is important to remember that costumes are a personal expression of the cosplayer, and should not be touched without permission. This includes props and accessories as well.
- Ask Before Taking Photos: Taking photos of other cosplayers is a great way to capture memories of the event, but it is important to ask before taking a photo. Some cosplayers may not want their photo taken, and it is important to respect their wishes. Additionally, if you are taking a photo of a cosplayer, it is polite to ask for their consent before posting the photo online.
Cosplay Preparation
- Start Early
- As soon as you have decided on the character you want to cosplay as, start preparing as early as possible. This will give you enough time to gather materials, create the costume, and practice your performance.
- Pro tip: Begin by creating a cosplay checklist that includes all the items you need to purchase or make, such as fabric, accessories, and props.
- Create a Budget
- Cosplaying can be expensive, so it’s important to create a budget that includes all the costs associated with your chosen character. This will help you avoid overspending and ensure that you have enough funds to complete your costume.
- Pro tip: Look for sales and discounts on materials and accessories to help keep your costs down.
- Research the Character’s Backstory
- It’s important to understand the character’s backstory and personality in order to accurately portray them. This will also help you create a more authentic and believable performance.
- Pro tip: Read the manga or watch the anime to learn more about the character’s history and motivations.
- Make Adjustments to the Costume as Needed
- As you begin to create your costume, you may realize that certain parts don’t fit properly or need to be adjusted to match the character’s design. Don’t be afraid to make changes as needed to ensure that your costume looks and feels right.
- Pro tip: Use fabric scraps or other materials to make last-minute adjustments to your costume, such as adding or removing layers.
FAQs
1. What is cosplay?
Cosplay, short for “costume play,” is a hobby where people dress up as their favorite characters from movies, TV shows, video games, and anime. It’s a fun and creative way to express one’s love for a particular character or franchise.
2. Why should beginners choose anime characters to cosplay as?
Anime characters are a popular choice for cosplay because they often have distinctive and visually striking outfits and hairstyles. Additionally, many anime series have a passionate fan base, making it easy to find others who share your interest in the character you’ve chosen to cosplay as.
3. What are some popular anime characters for beginners to cosplay as?
Some popular anime characters for beginners to cosplay as include Naruto Uzumaki from Naruto, Sailor Moon from Sailor Moon, and Goku from Dragon Ball Z. These characters are iconic and easily recognizable, making them great choices for those new to cosplay.
4. How do I choose an anime character to cosplay as?
When choosing an anime character to cosplay as, consider the following factors: your personal style, the difficulty of the costume, and the availability of materials. It’s also a good idea to consider which characters you are most passionate about and feel you can bring to life through your cosplay.
5. What kind of materials do I need to make a cosplay costume?
The materials you’ll need to make a cosplay costume will depend on the specific character you’re cosplaying as and the type of costume they wear. You may need fabric, wire, cardboard, foam, paint, and other craft supplies. You can also purchase pre-made costumes or costume parts from cosplay stores or online retailers.
6. How do I create a cosplay costume from scratch?
Creating a cosplay costume from scratch involves several steps, including researching the character and their costume, sketching out a design, gathering materials, and constructing the costume. It’s important to take your time and carefully plan out each step to ensure a successful finished product.
7. Can I cosplay as a character from a live-action movie or TV show?
Yes, you can cosplay as a character from a live-action movie or TV show. Many people enjoy cosplaying as characters from Western media, such as Harry Potter or The Avengers. However, it’s important to keep in mind that anime characters are a popular choice for cosplay due to their distinctive and visually striking outfits and hairstyles.
8. What is the best way to prepare for a cosplay event?
To prepare for a cosplay event, start by choosing a character you’d like to cosplay as and gathering materials for your costume. Next, create your costume and practice any makeup or hairstyles you’ll be using. Finally, make sure to get plenty of rest and arrive at the event early to give yourself time to get ready and take photos.