“Cosplay” is something that any nerd or geek has likely engaged with or at least heard about at some point or another. However, with its increasing popularity come more and more questions about why people cosplay and what they gain from the process and experience. Let’s take a moment to look further into this!

What Is Cosplay?

Cosplay is a portmanteau for “costume” and “play”. It is quite simply a process in which people dress up as their favourite characters - generally from a host of video games, comic books, anime, manga, films, and television programmes. People engaging with cosplay tend to purchase their outfits from cosplay stores or may go DIY and create the entire ensemble themselves.

Where Do People Cosplay?

If you’re standing in queue at a fast food outlet and a bunch of people dressed as Link from Zelda, Sailor Moon, and other popular characters suddenly pile in to make an order, or if you’re on public transport surrounded by a host of Batmen, Spidermen, and Wonderwomen, chances are that there is some sort of cosplay event on nearby. Perhaps the biggest events that people choose to cosplay at are Comic Con.

The Benefits of Cosplay

Getting a cosplay outfit together generally takes commitment, time, and money. So, why do people go through all of this? Here are just a few of the benefits that come hand in hand with a little cosplay!

Escapism

Some people revel in the opportunity to put themselves in someone else’s shoes for the day. While many people will simply dress up as a character, some will take on the character, spending their day portraying another person. It’s like an extended acting session or a mode of performance art!

Expressing What You Love

When you choose a character, you are showing everyone your appreciation of that character. Your costume can give others at an event an insight into your interests and preferences.

Social Aspects

Cosplay events bring people with a comparatively niche set of interests together in one close setting. This gives people the opportunity to socialise with others on a similar wavelength to them, making friends along the way. The cosplay community is constantly expanding.

Attention

If you have a great outfit, you’re bound to get a whole lot of attention. There’s something extremely satisfying about someone asking to have their picture taken with you. At cosplay events, you can be showered with attention and praise all day long.

When you look at the different benefits that come hand in hand with engaging with cosplay, it’s not all too surprising that increasing numbers of people are getting involved! Who knows, maybe this could prove to be your latest interest or hobby!