Where to Get the Best Cosplay Costumes Online

Well that time of the year has come and gone, AX 2008. If you don't know what that means, it refers to Anime Expo 2008, the largest cosplay convention in North America, and located in Los Angeles, California. However, if you're reading this, you probably already know that. You might even have attended an anime convention before. One of the best parts about attending is cosplaying, however, a misleading aspect of anime conventions is that attendees seem to believe that they have to make their own costumes, not true! While homemade costumes are essential if you're looking to compete in costume competitions, they aren't necessary if you're simply there to geek-out and enjoy the convention. Furthermore, there are a number of excellent resources from which one can purchase a costume. From pre-made, to custom made, and just plain piecing a costume together, the internet has everything you could possibly need to prepare yourself for your next cosplay. These simple solutions are a quick and easy way to get a great costume for Halloween, costume parties, or the next anime convention.

First off, there are a number of online shops that sell pre-made costumes. These costumes are generally well constructed, but require some touching up and fitting to make them fit as they should. This really is little trouble for one used to fitting their clothes. Additionally, costumes at these shops are cheaper than getting a fitted costume, and are great for someone who wants to exercise a little creativity. These online shops also sell accessories like necklaces, earrings, and wigs, making cosplay shopping all the easier.

Cosplay Magic is one of the more popular cosplay shops. This does mean they have some of the most common costumes seen at conventions, but they also have some gems that few people know about. Additionally, Cosplay Magic is excellent about getting the latest costumes in stock, so this is an excellent place to look for new video game or anime character costumes. In fact, they have a whole page full of coming soon items!

Website: http://www.cosplaymagic.com/QQcosplay is similar to Cosplay Magic in that it offers pre-made costumes to buyers, along with accessories. They stick out in that they offer quite the number and variety of costumes. This site is definitely worth checking out, if only to take in the large number of costumes available. You're sure to find something here that isn't commonly seen at anime conventions, and especially not on Halloween or other costume party!! QQ costumes also sells shoes, and takes commissions!

Website: http://www.qqcosplay.com/Costume.htm

Moon Costumes is a basic costume site, but has a section dedicated to cosplay. While the variety is quite limited, it is a convenient and reliable place to find a costume in a pinch. Furthermore, Moon Costumes does a degree of customization that helps you get the right fitting costume for your cosplay experience. If nothing else, this is a great reason to give them a browse.

Website: http://www.mooncostumes.com/cat/301?pcat=Cosplay

Cosaru is an online shop in which you can purchase both pre-made, or custom made costumes. Cosaru does amazing work, the costumes are fitting, detailed, and gorgeous! The only catch is that you have to commission the costume with ample time before the event. This means you can't try and commission a costume a month before anime conventions or Halloween; chances are there are no more spots for commissions. However, if you can commission a costume in time, you're guaranteed one of the most amazing costumes you've ever laid your eyes on. Cosaru also sells accessories like wings, hats, ears, necklaces, and aprons (for that Lolita look).

Website: http://www.cosaru.com/

Other commissioners can be found on sites like Cosplay.com, and ebay. Additionally, pre-made costumes, accessories, and prop weapons can be found by searching ebay using terms like "cosplay," "anime costume," or the character's name your looking for a costume for. The problem with ebay is that most of the costumes come from China. Although they say they are custom, they are often off, and if you need changes or a refund, if takes almost a month to get it all taken care of. Furthermore, communication generally isn't easy, that is unless you can speak and write in Mandarin. Still, some of the sellers are worthwhile, so be sure to check the feedback. Additionally, look for sellers near you for quick shipping using ebay's location search feature.

Finding a cosplay costume online is easier than you think. You no longer have to find the time to make your costume yourself, and the aforementioned websites are great places to start looking for your next costume.