What Is Cosplay? Meaning, History and How to Start

What does cosplay mean?

Merriam-Webster defines cosplay as the activity or practice of dressing up as a character from a work of fiction such as a comic book, video game or television show. The word blends “costume” and “play”, and it is used both as a noun (“her cosplay won the masquerade”) and as a verb (“he cosplays Deadpool every year”).

Cosplay is more than wearing a costume. Most cosplayers also take on the character’s pose, expressions and attitude for photos, performances and meet-ups, which is the “play” part of the word.

Where did the word cosplay come from?

Encyclopaedia Britannica credits the term to Japanese writer Nobuyuki Takahashi. After attending the 1984 World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) in Los Angeles, he described the costumed fans he saw for Japanese readers and shortened “costume play” to kosupure. The term travelled back into English in the 1990s along with the global popularity of anime and manga.

When did fans first wear costumes to conventions?

Fan costuming is older than the word. At the first Worldcon in New York in 1939, science-fiction fans Forrest J Ackerman and Myrtle R. Douglas (known in fandom as Morojo) arrived in “futuristicostumes” inspired by pulp magazine art and the 1936 film Things to Come; Douglas designed and made both outfits. Costume masquerades became a regular part of science-fiction conventions from the following year.

What are the most popular types of cosplay?

• Superhero cosplay – Marvel and DC characters such as Spider-Man, Deadpool and Batman.
• Anime cosplay – characters from series like Attack on Titan, My Hero Academia or virtual singer Hatsune Miku.
• Game cosplay – heroes from Genshin Impact, Final Fantasy, Zelda, Cyberpunk 2077 and more in our game costumes.
• Film and TV cosplay – from Star Wars to The Boys in our movie costumes.
• Kids’ cosplay – smaller versions of favourite heroes in kids costumes.

How do I start cosplaying?

1. Pick a character you genuinely like. Enthusiasm shows in photos more than perfect accuracy.
2. Collect reference images from several angles so you know every part of the outfit.
3. Plan the full look: costume, wig, shoes, make-up and any props.
4. Measure yourself accurately before ordering – see our cosplay measuring guide.
5. Check your event’s rules, especially for props – see prop and weapon rules.
6. Do a test wear at home so you can fix comfort issues before the big day.

Frequently asked questions

Who invented the word cosplay?

The word is credited to Japanese writer Nobuyuki Takahashi of Studio Hard, who coined “kosupure” after seeing costumed fans at the 1984 World Science Fiction Convention in Los Angeles.

Is cosplay only for anime fans?

No. People cosplay characters from films, TV, comics, video games, books and anime. Superhero, fantasy and game characters are among the most popular choices at conventions.

Do I have to make my own costume to cosplay?

No. Many cosplayers buy a ready-made or made-to-order costume and personalise it with a wig, make-up, shoes and props. Handmade and bought costumes are both part of the hobby.