Unlike the Convention Hacks chapter, this chapter specifically refers to the clothing and makeup aspects of your cosplay.

- Try to avoid using food or food products in your cosplay. Non-perishable food like crackers and coffee grinds can be used to add texture to your makeup, but there shouldn't be any sort of food in your costume. Food attracts bacteria and ants, so any sort of display food (a chef-like character with a tray of desserts for example) should be made using clay, foam, or other materials.

- Try using materials in your cosplay that are light yet durable. Cardboard and foam are really popular since they are cheap and come in varieties of texture and sturdiness. Try to avoid using paper or metal unless it's in small amounts.

- If you aren't good at sewing, try using hot glue as an alternative to needle and thread. I actually got this hack from the DIY community, but the premise is that you can stick two pieces of fabric together rather than using a sewing machine or learning how to do the stitches by hand. Personally, I only know how to sew up holes, so hot glue works really well for me.

- If you are cosplaying a character that is barefoot, try making flip flops with hot glue and clear tape. To do so, make an outline of a pair of flip flops on some parchment paper. Make sure you only outline the bottom part and that they are your size. Fill in the space within the outline using hot glue, making sure that there aren't any spots you have missed. Peel off the glue once it's dried and make the foot thingys using layers of clear tape.

- Most complicated parts of a costume (armor, jewelry, etc.) can be made using household objects. Watching channels like AWEme and Ellimacs SFX Makeup can show you how to make cosplays at a cheap price while still making them look decent.

- A good way to find fabrics, clothing, and prop materials  for a cosplay is to go to thrift stores. Places like Goodwill have all kinds of things and they're dirt cheap, so you don't have to feel bad messing up what you buy. Cosplays involve a lot of cutting, painting, ripping, gluing, etc. Therefore, it's better to do so on cheap clothes than your own clothes.

- If you're cosplaying for the first time or you're still a beginner at it, try sticking to characters that are either human/humanoid or have similar features to you. Not only is this less complicated and expensive, but it allows you to gain experience with costumes while still having a good looking costume. I still consider myself a beginner, so all of my characters have been human-ish for the sake of money, time, and overall confidence with my outfit until I obtain the skill to do more complex cosplays.

- Depending on how bulky or insulating your costume is, it may be more beneficial to you if you put on your cosplay at the convention. Yes, the bathrooms will be crowded since a lot of others have the same idea, but it will make your car ride a lot easier. My upcoming cosplay is all long clothes, but since my car doesn't have A\C I will be changing at the convention.

Leave some of your hacks in the comments!