If you’ve ever worn a costume for any length of time, you know that it’s extremely easy to get over heated. Especially when you’re wearing a costume made of synthetics that don’t breathe, layers, full-face makeup, a wig, a hat, gloves, and/or heavy footwear. Add to that, you’re in a venue with 30,000+ people – probably in the summer – and you’re rarely going to be a comfortable temperature.
When I first began cosplaying, I somehow didn’t think about sweating as an issue. Perhaps because until then, I’d only ever worn costumes for Halloween, and I’m Canadian. I learned fast and hard that while cosplaying I’m uncomfortably sweaty before I even get to transit, and that’s only a 10-minute walk from mine.
Literature, iFantastic, and I have found the little plastic battery operated fans from the dollar store are tiny miracles. We bring a fan each, a spare fan (they’re from the dollar store – they’re not built to last), and spare batteries. These alone have kept me from overheating to the point where I became nauseous.
Hand held fans are also excellent to have as they’re silent and can be used during Q&A’s or panels without disturbing anyone.
Any time that you can remove a hat, gloves, shoes, or any layers like a cape or armor – do it! Lots of people walk around in their “down time” without their full costume on for many reasons. If someone really wants your picture, they shouldn’t mind waiting a minute for you to put your bits back on.
Any costume that’s tight or clingy may show sweat marks, and an easy way to combat that is to either use the specifically designed pads for use under your arms (you can get them at the drugstore), or you can use ultra thin panty liners to absorb sweat. The panty liners are good to use anywhere cause they’re small and oblong shaped. Both products have the same light adhesive backing and they won’t damage the fabric while absorbing sweat, and are thin enough to be invisible through clothing. They can also be removed and changed throughout the day for maximum comfort.
To help keep my makeup from actually melting off my face, I use excessive amounts of Ben Nye Neutral Set translucent setting powder (and a cream makeup base). I apply it heavily with a powder brush, making sure to pat/tap the powder firmly into the cream makeup. I add extra setting powder under my eyes (‘cause I’m creasy), and around my mouth, as I know it’s a “high sweat area”. After the setting powder is absorbed by the makeup (about 5-10min) it magically allows me to sweat profusely without my makeup moving. I’m able to take a tissue or a piece of soft toilet paper – SOFT is key – and I can ever so gently blot my face to remove beads of sweat, without removing or disturbing any makeup.
Have you had any issues with overheating in costume? How do you combat the discomfort and sweating?
As I heard one Master Level Cosplayer remark at CostumeCon 32:
“If you’re cosplaying and you’re comfortable, you’re not doing it right”!
It Takes A Village To Cosplay!
Earla Alara
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