A dilemma always haunted me throughout my teenage life: do I like someone, or do I want to be like them? When it came to anime characters, the answer was both.

Over the summer break, I developed an obsession with Attack on Titan, an anime based on a manga series. I bought merchandise, rewatched the entire 4-season series, drew fan art—basically, did everything a fanatic would do. But unlike my previous fixations,  I didn’t stop there and ultimately made an appearance as a cosplayer at an anime convention.

The preparation process generally doesn’t require much skill, but some newbies might not know where to start or what to expect at the offline events. This step-by-step guide will give you the basics of cosplay. 

I. Pick the character

If you want to cosplay, you need to choose the character to dress up as. Some like to doll up as characters with extravagant, charming clothes, but for newbies, I’d generally recommend well-known, popular ones with easy-to-find costumes and props. 

For me, I picked Hange Zoe from Attack on Titan because personally, I wanted to put on a character that I really knew and liked.

In this process, you might also want to look into the physique of the character, like their height and body type. If necessary, you can make slight adjustments with elevator shoes, binders, shoulder pads and other props that you can easily get from online stores like Coupang. 

II. Purchase the outfits

You can find cosplay clothes from three main places: retail cosplay stores, secondhand stores and general clothing stores that take custom orders. Because I was on a tight budget, I decided to turn to an online thrift market.

I recommend resale purchases for beginners, especially because people often sell the outfits in a set with other props included, and sometimes, the wig as well. But for the hairpiece, you might want to separately purchase a meshed wig cap to cover your natural hair.

Some figures wear everyday styles that you can pull off with items in your closet. In this case, try not to buy extra pieces, since a lot of cosplay clothes come in low-quality materials that don’t last. 

III. Try it on!

Next, when you have all the necessary items, do a trial run at home—test the fit and check the time it takes you to prepare, so that you can avoid chaos on the day of the event. The wig can cause a bit of turmoil when you put it on for the first time, so try to master it as well.

IV. Go to the convention

Even though the convention marked the highlight of my cosplay journey, this may not necessarily apply to you. Many choose to take photos at home for self-satisfaction instead, and this path always remains open if you feel too shy to meet other people in costume.

If you choose to go to the event, though, people might ask you for photos—either together or alone. It filled me with joy when others approached me for a quick snap, but remember, you can always say no if you don’t feel like it. 

Don’t hesitate to ask other cosplayers for photos if you find anyone with a fabulous dress-up, as most of them enjoy the recognition and will feel flattered by the request. Always remember to stay respectful, though—never touch their costumes or props without permission, and thank them for the opportunity afterward.

Anime conventions often last for about five or more hours, so make sure you have an emergency plan figured out in case the costume gets uncomfortable. For my Hange outfit, I had to wear boots, which I knew would make my feet feel numb. So, I brought my Crocs to change into, which felt like a lifesaver. 

Cosplay definitely lies on the niche side of the hobby spectrum, and to be quite frank, the “normies” may look at you weirdly when they find out. But despite the drawbacks, the recognition from other enjoyers and the satisfaction that comes from seeing yourself become a loved character make it an incredibly delightful pastime.