Cosplay has become one of the most popular trends in recent years, with people of all ages getting involved. One of the most popular elements of cosplay is the use of costumes-which can range from simple to extremely complex. In this article, we’ll take a look at one of the most popular cosplay accessories-the tail.
Tails can add a lot to your costume and help you create a more immersive experience when trying to roleplay. Cosplay tails can be made out of a wide variety of materials, so you’ll want to think about what sort of cosplay tail you’re attempting to make before you begin.
How to Create a Cosplay Tail
With all the anime, manga and video game characters with tails, it’s not surprising that many cosplayers are incorporating tail-like features into their costumes. But while most cosplay accessories are fairly easy to make at home, a full-sized tail can be a little more challenging.
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That said, there are a variety of tails that are popular with cosplayers. Some of the most popular types of tails include fox tails, wolf tails, and cat tails. While some cosplayers wear tails that are specially created, others create their own.
The Basic Makeup of a Tail
A tail consists of three basic parts: the base, the wire, and the fur. It is easy enough to make these on your own for cosplay purposes; however, there are people who sell pre-made tails, as well. If you would like a pre-made tail, there are a number of good online retailers that carry a variety of animal tails.
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Making a Tail
The base is the part of the tail that will go on your butt/lower back. It can be made from anything from corkboard to PVC pipe covered with fleece. If you are using a corkboard, you might be able to get it for free from a local store that makes wine bottle corks.
You will want to line the base with fleece and possibly add in some foam (stuffing the tail with high-loft batting can also help it to fluff up). It is best if this part of the tail has a curvature that matches your own anatomy in decreasing the likelihood that you will have problems sitting down.
The wire is what gives the tail its shape and makes it possible to move the tail around. If you are making a tail with a corkboard base, you can use floral wire or other pieces of wire that are used for flower arrangements. If the tail is going to be worn under your clothing, you might want to consider using a smaller gauge wire (20-22 gauge).
Fur is what gives the tail its luxurious look and feel. The majority of tails use faux fur, although some people do use real fur. If you are using faux fur, cuddle fabric is a popular choice (and relatively inexpensive). It comes in several colors and patterns; however, it can be difficult to work with since the fabric has a very little stretch.
Adding on extras
There are many different ways that people like to decorate their tails. Some of the most popular extras include spikes, tufts, and ears.
Spikes
Spikes can be made out of craft foam or something similar (such as spackling). They are attached to the tail using hot glue. However, you should make sure that they are securely fastened by checking them periodically when you are wearing the tail.
Tufts
Some cosplayers like to add on extra pieces of fur, called tufts, around the base of their tails. These create the look of tufted animal fur (such as a fox or cat). When using this technique, make sure that there is enough wire in your tail so that it will maintain its shape.
Ears
Ears are another popular way to decorate tails. The ears can be made out of craft foam or something similar (such as spackling). Many people like to use fake fur for their ears, although real fur is also an option.
Some cosplayers like to attach the ears with hot glue, while others prefer to use a special fabric adhesive. If you are using real fur to make your ears, another option is to sew the ears directly onto the tail base.
Additional Ideas
It is also possible to use a variety of materials and colors for your tail base. Some people like to use things such as plastic PVC pipes or even pool noodles.
The Tail’s Final Touches
When it comes to wearing your tail, you probably want to add some sort of padding or band around your waist so that the wire doesn’t poke you all day long.
Another popular option includes using a belt, although this tends to be less comfortable. A few cosplayers have also tried using some sort of harness to help support their tails.
Few Precautions to Keep in Mind
The last thing you want is for your costuming accessory to fall apart at a convention. So, before you start gluing and sewing, it’s a good idea to take a few precautions:
- Test that your cosplay tail can support your weight. People have been known to break their tails by sitting on them!
- Be aware of what other people might do with the tail (bending, pulling, stepping).
- Keep the cosplay tail out of direct sunlight, or it may become discolored.
- The cosplay accessory may also attract dirt and dust, so you should try to keep it clean.
- If you have a full-sized tail, you might consider adding some form of clip to help secure the tail to your costume.
The Bottom Line
Cosplay is meant to be fun and something that you enjoy. If you do not like the way your tail looks or feels, try another style or material. Also, take advantage of any opportunities that you might have to wear your tail around before the convention to make sure that it’s going to work for you.
There are tons of different cosplay tail tutorials out there. Just do a quick search on YouTube, Google, or DeviantArt, and you’ll find one in no time at all. Once you’ve got your cosplay tail set up, you can add it to your other cosplay accessories for a really immersive experience.
Remember that having a tail isn’t just about looking cute-it’s essential for making your cosplay look like the real deal. So, there you have it! I hope that you found this article helpful.
Side Note: If you’re interested in collaborating on a cosplay project, please contact SnowDragon on Instagram.