In this article, we’ll be talking about the armor pieces that cosplayers are always looking for. These add-ons range from superhero and movie-inspired armor pieces to video game fanatics creating entire outfits with them in mind. We’ll also touch on the different types of materials they are made from, where to start with making them yourself, and why cosplayers love using them!
What is Cosplay Armor?
Cosplay armor isn’t just about being heavy-handed. These pieces are usually worn over clothing or underneath it for an extra layer of protection. They are usually made by hand and out of a variety of materials. This allows for these armor pieces to be lightweight and still provide protection where it’s needed most.
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Superheroes are one of the most common armor inspirations, but they are only the beginning. Video game fanatics have also taken up this hobby, and it has become more popular than ever! Anime characters are another source for cosplay armor inspiration.
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What is Cosplay Armor Made From?
Cosplayers have begun using a wide variety of materials to make armor pieces. This includes wood, resin, fiberglass, PVC pipe and foam. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Wood
Wood is a great addition to cosplay armor because it can be shaped, sanded and painted easily, but it doesn’t offer much protection on its own. There are several methods for turning wood into armor pieces. The first involves using a lathe to lengthen and shape individual pieces of wood. Another method includes taking small, thin wood boards and gluing them together so they can be shaped easier than with one thick piece of wood.
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Resin
One popular option is resin armor. Resin is great because it comes in several different colors and can be painted easily. It is also durable and usually waterproof. The downsides are that it can be expensive to purchase pre-made, especially when buying the paints to paint the armor.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is an incredibly popular option for cosplay armor. Its lightweight, easy to use and affordable when compared to other types of armor. The downside is that it can be a mess to work with. If you plan on making your own cosplay armor from fiberglass, use a respirator mask for safety and to prevent inhaling any glass particles.
PVC Pipe
PVC pipe is one of the cheapest forms of cosplay armor pieces available. All you have to do is cut the pieces to your desired length, glue them together and paint for a finished look. One downside is that PVC pipe can bend easily or warp over time if it’s not taken care of properly after long-term use.
Foam
The most popular form of cosplay armor is foam because it offers great protection when paired with another material. Foam is durable, lightweight and can be shaped into any desired form. It also comes in a variety of colors, including metallic, to give your armor an extra depth that is hard to get with other materials.
When making cosplay armor pieces yourself, it’s important to wear safety gear. This includes safety glasses when working with resin or wood, so no shards lodge in your eye should the piece break. Respirator masks are also encouraged when working with fiberglass because inhaling any particles can cause lung damage.
What Type of Cosplay Armor is Available?
Cosplay armor has found its way into many different types of cosplays, not just armor-inspired outfits. One popular example includes a female cosplayer who has made her own corset out of foam pieces. Not only is it a unique take on the corset, but it also shows how versatile foam can be in making costumes and accessories.
Another well-known example is this Black Cat Armor by Jada Toys. It was originally created for Jada’s Disney Princess line of dolls, but cosplayers have taken it to a whole new level. It’s also important to note that this version of the armor is not the only one that exists. The original was made out of PVC pipe and then painted silver, but there are several companies who have recreated it in resin, wood and fiberglass as well.
How Do I Make My Own Cosplay Armor?
Cosplay armor is a great way to show your love for a character or franchise. It can also be a really fun project to work on. Here are some tips on how to make your own cosplay armor:
Step One
Choose the right materials. This is probably the most important step in making your armor. You’ll need something that’s strong and lightweight, so foam and Worbla are good choices.
Step Two
Plan out your design. It’s a good idea to sketch out your design before you start cutting and gluing. That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re doing, and you won’t have to waste any materials.
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Start with the basics. If you’re new to cosplay armor, it might be best to start with basic shapes that you can use as a framework for your design. Once you’ve mastered those, move on to more complex pieces.
Step Four
Use hot glue and foam board. Hot glue is great because it holds together really well but isn’t permanent, so if something breaks or needs repair, it’s much simpler to fix.
Step Five
Be aware of your body type and size. The armor should fit the wearer, not the other way around! Make sure you know what sizes you’ll need before you start cutting and gluing pieces together.
Step Six
Test out your new cosplay costume before wearing it for a convention or while taking pictures. This way, you’ll know if there are any last-minute adjustments you need to make.
Step Seven
Have fun with it! If you’re making cosplay armor for a convention or photoshoot, being in character is sure to help bring your costume to life. Have the confidence of your favorite character and have fun!
Step Eight
Keep outfitting yourself in cosplay armor a priority. It’s not unheard of for people to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on their costumes, and it can be difficult or expensive to replace pieces that fall apart. Keep yourself protected by revamping your cosplay costuming as much as possible!
The Bottom Line
Cosplay armor is a great way to make your favorite character come to life. Not only is it fun, but it can also be a really rewarding project. It’s important to choose the right materials and plan out your design before you start cutting and gluing pieces together.
If you’re new to cosplay armor, start with basic shapes and work your way up to more complex designs. Be aware of your body type and size when creating your armor so that it fits comfortably. Always test out your costume before wearing it in public! Keep making cosplay armor a priority by repairing any broken pieces as soon as possible. Have fun with it!
On a side note, if you are looking to collaborate with prominent cosplayers, you can get in contact with SnowDragon through Instagram.