When did Cosplay become a thing?

Dressing up as a character has been around for about 100 years, but the term "cosplay" - a combination of costume and play - first came into being in the mid 1980's in Japan. While cosplay was initially based primarily on Japanese anime characters, it has expanded into characters from movies, TV, and literature as well.

Is Cosplay just for kids?

Not at all! As a matter of fact, most cosplayers are adults. While in the US it is most popular to cosplay at a convention such as Comic Con or Star Wars Celebration, there is a district in Japan - known as the Harajuku District - where people do their everyday activities while in cosplay.

I'm heading to a convention. How early do I need to plan out my cosplay?

We recommend planning months in advance. You'll want to shop around for the costume that fits both in size and budget. Since you are possibly going to be ordering from China, you'll want to make sure you leave plenty of time for your costume to be made - often retailers make them as they are ordered - as well as ship from overseas.

Why should I shop online for my cosplay?

In order to get a screen-accurate costume, you'll probably want to order from a retailer that has access to the fabrics that will have you looking your best. Also, there aren't a lot of brick-and-mortar stores to choose from. If you decide to go with a store in China, that would add a lot to the cost of your costume to fly over there yourself!

Can I get a completely custom size?

Yes! Most cosplay costume stores give you the option to send in your exact measurements and they will make your outfit according to those. Some of them have that option available for any costume, and others only for the higher-end - and more expensive - choices. Either way, if typical sizing doesn't really fit you the way you'd like, there are plenty of possibilities for you.

Can I return my cosplay items?

That depends on the retailer. We definitely recommend checking out the policy before you buy to make sure you know their terms. Some of them make it easier - and cheaper - to return an item than others.

Are cosplay costumes expensive?

They certainly can be. Because of the desire to be "screen accurate" and to act the part - and not just dress up for a night - it can be an expensive hobby. However, it doesn't have to be. While some costumes can cost you over $1,000, there are plenty of good ones that will run you more in the $200-$400 range. If you don't care as much about the types of fabrics, you can possibly go cheaper as well. No matter which way you go, don't forget the extras such as shoes, props, wigs, or masks, that don't always come with the initial outfit.

How into this do people get?

You can dip your toe into the world of cosplay or you can go all out. How much or how little you do is completely up to you. For example, have you ever heard of the 501st? They are a group of cosplayers that spend hundreds - at least - on their screen-accurate Star Wars cosplay. In order to be accepted, your costume has to pass an inspection! They often have special luggage just for their attire as well. Once you're part of the group, you get to go do charity events with them to raise money.

EZ Cosplay vs Liking Cosplay for December 2025

Item: EZ Cosplay vs Liking Cosplay
Rating: 3.5
Author: Top Consumer Reviews

Ever wanted to become your favorite superhero or anime icon? Cosplay costume shops are where that daydream turns real - welcoming everyone from con regulars and Halloween die-hards to creators who've turned cosplay into a full-time job. Believe it or not, plenty of TikTokers now pay the bills by suiting up in spot-on looks and entertaining millions. Pro tip: give your lighting as much love as your costume details, because it can make or break a photo or video. Many stores even help with wigs, props, and quick alterations so your build looks polished from head to toe.

Cosplay shops take a lot of pressure off fans by handling the toughest parts. Instead of spending weeks trying to build an intricate armor set from the ground up, you can simply order a ready-made version that looks like it stepped straight off the screen. It saves a ton of time - and, honestly, not everyone can or wants to DIY every last detail. Plus, buying the base outfit lets you focus on the fun parts, like props, makeup, and photos, rather than sanding foam at 2 a.m.

Cosplay shops aren't all alike; some zero in on a single lane - imagine a superhero haven with more Spider-Man suits than you could sling webs at - while others cover the whole spectrum, from anime and video games to Disney royalty. Prices span the field too, with wallet-friendly picks alongside premium, screen-accurate replicas for serious collectors and pros. Many shops also take custom commissions or do alterations to nail the fit and details. It helps to know your niche and budget before you start browsing.

Customization runs the gamut - some shops only offer off-the-rack sizes, while others will build a costume to your measurements for a glove-like fit. The craftsmanship swings just as widely, from solid detail to pieces that look straight off the set. Prices and lead times usually track that spectrum, so it's worth checking reviews and photos before you commit. In the end, what you get depends on how much precision you want and what you're willing to spend.

When you're shopping online for your next cosplay masterpiece, keep these things in mind:

Quality and accuracy. Check out the product photos and customer reviews. You want to make sure your Mandalorian armor actually looks like beskar, not painted cardboard. Real talk: a well-made, accurate costume can be the difference between "wow, can I take a picture with you?" and "uh, what are you supposed to be?"
Sizing and customization. Look for stores that offer custom sizing or alterations. Nobody wants a wardrobe malfunction mid-convention. A perfectly-fitting costume not only looks better but is way more likely to hold up during those long days of posing and mingling.
Shipping and returns. Make sure that awesome costume will arrive before your big event, and check what happens if it's not quite what you expected. Cosplay events wait for no one, and you don't want to be stuck with a dud costume.
Customer service. A responsive support team can be a lifesaver when you're trying to figure out if that bodysuit will fit your unique shape. Good customer service can make or break your shopping experience, especially when you're investing in a pricey costume.
Price vs. Value. Remember, the cheapest option isn't always the best deal in the long run. A higher-quality costume might cost more upfront, but it'll last longer and look better in those Instagram shots.

Top Consumer Reviews has checked out and ranked the best cosplay costume stores out there. We've looked at everything from product quality to customer service to help you find your perfect cosplay match. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned nerd, we hope our reviews help you find the ideal store to bring your favorite characters to life - and who knows, maybe even launch your own cosplay career!

EZ Cosplay

Prices range from $99 to $499
Over 3,000 listed designs
Active on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram

EZ Cosplay is a popular online cosplay and costuming store founded in 2009, offering over 3,000 cosplay designs. They have a strong presence on social media and provide a wide variety of costumes and accessories, especially for anime. While their website can be overwhelming, they offer customizable sizes and reasonable shipping options. Despite some mixed reviews, the majority of customers have positive experiences. Overall, we rate EZ Cosplay as above average for its extensive selection and affordability.

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Liking Cosplay

Most costumes under $300
Ships to most destinations worldwide
Generous return policy for wrong items

Liking Cosplay has been providing custom cosplay pieces since 2008 and ships to over 230 countries. While they have a strong selection of Marvel items, other fandoms or types of media might not have as many options. Browsing can be challenging due to limited sorting features and low-quality images. However, their prices are reasonable, and they offer a generous return policy, especially if the mistake is theirs. Overall, Liking Cosplay prioritizes customer service but could improve in selection and site features. We give them a solid rating.

EZ Cosplay vs Liking Cosplay

2025 Cosplay Store Reviews

EZ Cosplay

Liking Cosplay

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