Cosplay 101: Shopping for materials

So you know whom to cosplay already, you're in for a good start but still quite a long way to go.

After choosing which character to cosplay, have at least one full body image of that character- colored image. This will be your reference when buying materials. Know what you need before stepping out of your home. Make a list- this will save you a lot of time, headache and money. 

The materials you'll look for will of course depend largely on your chosen character so don't expect me to give specific materials here.

Anyway if you live in the Philippines like I do, the place to go would be Divisoria. The prices there are unbelievable- well, not really :D As cliche as it may sound, buying in bulk would be very much preferred as you can save a lot, so if you have other cosplayer friends, it would be best to shop for materials together- it's also fun!

Most of the materials for costumes (wigs, fabric, rubber sheets, weapons, wings, hair color)- whatever it may be, can be found in Tabora (street in Divisoria) just ask around, the place is popular. However, if you wish to look around then feel free to do so. The malls there (168 mall, Divisoria mall, and Tutuban mall, Primeblock mall and I forgot the other one)  are also dependable when cosplay shopping.

There is a wig boutique in Tabora (at the 2nd floor of primeblock mall), the wigs there are type A (first class) and the prices are just right, it's a good shop. Most of the shops there sells and commission accessories too, but do not pay in full immediately. Also check the quality of their work, and ask how they plan to do your accessories - the materials, the stitching/gluing together, etc. Because for them anything is doable, but the quality might not be at par at what you'd expect it to be.

There are also lots of fabric in the next street ( I forgot the name of the street though) and the building across Tutuban mall's main entrance. Oh btw, there are also affordable wigs at Landmark department store.

If you're looking for a doujin or original character cosplays or novelty clothes or even boots and shoes, you could always try in thrift stores. Also, you have to distinguish which would fit you. Don't forget to haggle! 

Hmmmm, if you feel like you're too rich to go to these places, then you could try going to Department stores and boutique stores of Trinoma, Landmark, SM Megamall, SM Makati, Market! Market!

For make up and body paint, buy those products which you have already tried and tested because your skin might get irritated with things you just buy on the sidewalk.

If you're looking for contact lenses, make sure to buy it from a trusted optical or a trusted shop/ person especially if you're just ordering it from the net. Eyes are very sensitive and precious, you don't want to be a case of cosplayer gone blind right? There are a lot of opticals in Carriedo btw, but few have wild colors like red.

Have fun shopping!

Related pages:
Cosplay 101: Choosing the character; Shopping for materials; The Photoshoot; The Performance