A Costumer's Guide to Conventions

Reposting my first paid published article. Enjoy!

Introduction

As fun as planning, drafting and creating costumes are, it’s so satisfying to put on your finery and show it off to like-minded people. Getting asked to have your picture taken is also gratifying. To spend a day or weekend surrounded by others who enjoy so many of the same things as you builds a sense of camaraderie, as does knowing you can start a conversation with a stranger about your passions without seeming out of place. When approached well, conventions can be a huge source of joy.

It’s also important to keep in mind the downsides of con going. To remain oblivious to the hazards of crowds, chaos and insensitive attendees is to keep ourselves open to unpleasantness. If we’re aware, then we can avoid most of these pitfalls and have a good time. Costumers, with their creations that they’ve invested time love and resources into, should be especially mindful.

Pre-Convention Research

Not all cons are alike. Some may be cozy enough to fit into a single hotel, while others are large enough to become temporary cities. Many come with their own histories and culture, in addition to the quirks of the region where it’s hosted. These details are important to learn as they may affect your choice of costume, and the quantity of items you bring.

First things first, look at the location of the con and know what season it’ll be held. Look up the weather patterns of that time and place. A convention run in southern Florida in the middle of summer is the wrong place to wear a fur lined Tudor gown. Similarly, if you have a creation that takes forever to dry or is prone to water staining, you should not wear it in a rainy location.

If possible, do ask people who attended the con in previous years what the indoor climate is like. It may be stifling outside, but indoors, the management might love keeping the air slightly above freezing. Or they might be known to hesitate in repairing the ventilation systems. To sweat or shiver throughout the weekend is a mood dampener, and will likely harm your costuming fun.

It is also vital that you read the rules of the convention’s policy to costumes and props. Many do not permit overly suggestive clothing, and have strict rules as to what sort of “weapons” are allowed on the premises. Prop weapons bear some form of obvious marking denoting that is in fact not genuine. Orange barrels and garish colors help ensure that you won’t get into trouble. To be extra sure, look for a member of con security and have them examine your things. You may have your props peace bonded (temporarily fastened to your costume) for safety purposes.

For cons that are vague as to what is or is not allowed, contact an official with your thoughts, and describe what you are hoping to bring. You should also try and look into local laws to see what is considered indecent or dangerous. Though you may have heard of or seen people in previous walking around in attire and holding items that clearly breaks these rules, please don’t be tempted to follow suit. Trying to do this may get you reprimanded or removed from the con.

There also may be rules about costumes with offensive content. Some cons have rules asking costumers not to wear overly revealing or suggestive clothing. Other places specifically ask against costumes of a controversial or gruesome nature. Not all places are consistent with enforcing these rules (I once saw a person remove her skirt in a crowded hall, revealing translucent undergarments,) but it’s better to err on the side of caution. There’s no need to risk being asked to leave the convention.

Costume PreparationIts satisfying to debut a new costume or several to a crowd of potential admirers. In the planning phases, it can be tempting to add ever more details, accessories, and glamor to your costumes. Unfortunately, reality doesn’t always comply with our visions.

In making new clothes for the con, it’s important to budget the amount of time you can devote to sewing. Add more than you think you need. It’s not fun realizing that you only have a month before the con to finish and outfit, and you’ve only made the petticoat thus far. Costuming should be a joy, not a source of stress.

If life gets in between you and the needle, try to aim for a smaller goal. New accessories or embellishment can help to enliven an old favorite. Depending on the era, class and particular design, a costume may be open to a large array of little changes or additional pieces.

Whether you’ve had it for years or hours, try to determine how well your costume can manage the convention. Some outfits pack more easily than others, need little ironing, or are fairly light. High maintenance costumes probably aren’t suited to hours or days of wearing. The more time spent ironing, mending or removing spots means less time devoted to the convention.

Similarly, costumes that require extensive undergarments or strict corsetry may not be the best choice for a full day on your feet. (**Gautier-Dagoty) Try to assess how much stamina you have, and figure out how many pounds of clothing you can comfortably wear for a long duration. Even if you feel that you can manage a heavy costume, make sure that the weight is evenly distributed on your body, rather than hanging off a couple of points. Sore shoulders and bruised hips are better avoided.

Even if you plan on standing for much of the weekend, it’s still a good idea to figure out how you will be able to sit in your costume. Farthingales, panniers and bustles can take up a lot of space, and not all designs are collapsible. (**DieModeIII158) Check to see if the pattern or kit you wish to use says that the garment can be safely compressed. Do the same for any wires you plan on using.

Make sure you can maneuver in tight spaces, or adapt accordingly. Very wide skirts may have to be left off or plumped up with petticoats in order to move through aisles of chairs or booths. Trains may have to be pinned up or left off entirely to avoid getting stepped on. For the especially crowded conventions, narrower costumes without trailing hems may be the most convenient, sparing you the worry of torn or dusty skirts.

Another, more crucial detail is making sure you can use the toilet. A full bladder is a terrible time to realize that there’s a design error in your costume. Please make a point to understand the mechanics of your costume, what needs to be moved aside and how. Take any modern undergarments you plan to wear into consideration as well, for they might interfere with the job at hand. For example, panties and bicycle shorts might not be the wisest thing to have beneath drawers and a long corset. If possible, practice in advance so you're not battling with both clothes and bodily functions at the same time.

Please don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes. Chances are the floors are not sprung or padded, and though you may plan to spend most of the convention seated in panels or workshops, it’s better to be prepared. Aim for shoes that soften the impact of your steps. If you feel a jolt every time your heel hits the ground, think about switching shoes or getting comfortable inserts. This is especially important if you have a history of bad knees or ankles. You don’t want to get to the point where just standing makes you want to cry.

Making do with limited space

Many people who attend conventions come from far enough away that they pack bags to last them through the weekend. Since most of us can’t take the whole of our closets with us, it’s good to plan what you want to bring along. Being moderate with packing also has the benefit of saving space for those who enjoy trips to vendors.

There are a variety of simple ways to fit a convention’s worth of costumes into your suitcase. One of these is to stick to one era, or those with similar underclothes. Foundation garments can take up a lot of space, and are not always easily compressed to sit inside a bag. The outer costumes may be bulky as well, but hopefully comprise of fewer layers.

An even more straightforward method to saving room is to bring only one costume. This is not to say that you have to settle for being dull or one-note. It can be considered a chance to give a costume you’ve worked hard on and adore even more days to be admired. If you choose this route, packing multiple changes of underwear is highly recommended to keep yourself and the outfit clean. Ironing the costume between wearings will also help keep the clothes fresh for the duration of the con.

For those who want variety under this approach, consider packing a costume that lends itself well to a wide range of accessories. Shawls, aprons, hats and other pieces can spice up your look. (**A lithograph plate…) Outfits that can be altered with a filled in or exposed neckline, or interchangeable bodices, also help in this vein.Hair Care

It may not technically be part of your costume, but how your hair looks has an impact on your costume. Bed-head and a ball gown, for example, do not go well together. If you have products or equipment that helps tame your hair, don’t forget to bring them. This however, is only part of the battle.

Speaking from experience, it’s not a good idea to attempt a new hairstyle the day of the event, particularly if it’s complex. The better approach is to try it out in advance and determine how much product or pins it needs, if it can be done without help and if hair pieces are needed. More importantly, a trial run tests how much time and patience is needed for a particular look.

Another thing a test run of a style may help with is to determine a potential for tangles. There are much more enjoyable things at a convention than undoing a head’s worth of sailor’s knots. Styles that favor long and loose hair, as well as ones that encourage a frizzy look, are particularly prone to snarls. If you do choose a more risky hairdo, make sure to bring combs and products designed to remove knots.

There is some hair that refuses to go down quietly. Sometimes, the only way to keep it from turning into a puffball is to cover your head. Fortunately, caps are acceptable for a wide variety of periods, places and classes. A little bit of research should be able to tell you what sort of headwear is suitable for your costume. Once again, trying the headwear in advance will help determine if it will stay in place for hours or minutes.

Another option is to purchase a wig and style it to your liking. Prices vary depending on length, quality and material. Very cheap wigs like those meant for Halloween are not recommended. You may get exactly what you pay for, and the piece might not last more than one wearing.

Other considerations include how comfortable it is to wear, how easily it can be transported, maintenance and ease of styling. Hair pieces require an investment in time, if not money, and should be factored into the timeline allotted for creating the overall costume. If the convention is a week away, a simpler option may be best.

Self-Care

Neglecting self-care is infamous at many conventions. One, New York Comic Con, has gone so far as insist its attendees shower, apply deodorant and bring food and water. Being in close proximity to dozens of others makes individual scents more prominent, and the excitement of the weekend may cause matters like meals and rest to fall by the wayside.

Health and hygiene is important. Not only is a convention much more enjoyable when all are sated, rested and sweet-smelling, it’s nicer for costumes as well. If its wearer looks half dead from poor eating and from napping in corners instead of a full night’s sleep, the overall appearance of the outfit is diminished.

For those who can’t bear even the thought of missing a fun panel, screening or event, try to decide in advance what you want to see. Use the gaps in your schedule to plan when to bathe and nap. Do not under any circumstances try to overnight the convention. The act of sleeping in a car or tucked away place in the event space may keep you close to the action, but it’s a terrible idea. Not only will you wake up wrinkled and mussed without access to a shower, sleeping exposed leaves you vulnerable to harm.

Food and water should not be treated carelessly either. Headaches and stomach pangs take away from enjoyment. Carrying a beverage and some snacks can go a long way in keeping your day pleasant.

What’s In a Kit?

It may behoove you to have a bag of useful items as you travel the convention floors. Costumes can snag, tear, get dirty and more. The wearer might find herself in powerful need of a mundane item she forgot to take. A simple kit can smooth away a lot of little problems.

For clothing care I recommend taking:

Pins, both straight and safetyNeedlesThread (I recommend a small spool each of a small range of colors, rather than a massive bag of different thread hues)Travel scissors (if going to the convention by plane, check airline restrictions in advance)Stain pen (for when you can’t find a bathroom or don’t wish to wrangle with lines)

Travel iron (if the place you’re staying doesn’t offer any)

For the costumer I suggest bringing:

Writing pad and pen

Camera

Spare batteries

Deodorant

Refillable water bottle

Hand sanitizer (lots of people close together is a great way to catch a cold)

Snacks (I recommend apples, granola bars, hard pears and oranges. I find the last to be a mood booster as the smell wafts in front of the face. It’s also good for handling thirst.)

Photographs

Once you are out on the convention floors in your costume, there is a chance that others would like to take a picture of you in your finery. Similarly, you may want to shoot some photographs yourself. Make sure you have enough film or space on your digital camera before the con. Have a spare set of batteries or charge the ones you have in advance. Missing the chance to capture a great outfit is an exercise in frustration.

Other camera related vexations revolve around etiquette. It is very good form to ask permission before snapping an image. Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, people will forget. Errors are human and happen from time to time. When you can remember, ask.

In a similar vein, it’s not always easy to find a clear spot in a packed hall. There are occasions when the window of time to photograph costume is tiny and needs to be done right away. Still, whenever possible, try to step into a place away from foot traffic when taking pictures to limit inconvenience fellow con goers.

For the sake of showing off your costume to its fullest advantage, consider poses. This can be particularly fun for those who are portraying a specific person or character. If for example you’re dressed as a courtesan, a flirty look may suit, whereas a dancer might want an action shot. Try practicing in front of a mirror to see what looks best.

Conclusion

Convention going can be overwhelming for the inexperienced. There is a lot to take in and make sense of, and for costumers there are additional challenges. Not all creations are suitable for a weekend of crowds or activity. Some matters may be forgotten until too late, causing great inconvenience.

Careful research and planning can go a long way to heading off unexpected pitfalls and making your overall experience richer. Dressing in costumes appropriate to the weather and indoor environment is a major factor, as is keeping practical considerations in mind. With the right preparations, a person can come away with a weekend full of great costume memories.

Mask with a dramatic hat and cape make for a classic yet eye catching costume.