Cosplay 101: Packing for Conventions || MangoSirene
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ม.ค. 2025
- Cosplay 101: Packing for Conventions
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Packing for a convention... Easier said than done, right? Making sure your cosplay arrives at the con safe and sound is no laughing matter, and we've all been there: you know, rushing around at the last minute, throwing things into a suitcase in blind panic. Or, worse: opening your suitcase at the con only to find that half our accessories broke, or shampoo exploded all over your costumes. (I've seen both happen. It's not fun!) Hopefully this episode of Cosplay 101 gives you a few new ideas for packing up your costumes!
** PRINTABLE PACKING LIST **
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Pro-tip: do not pack your tacky glue and hairspray in a poorly sealed bag and throw it in your suitcase along with your cosplays and then subject it to air travel. Nothing better than cutting your suitcase open with a knife because it was glued shut. -___-
Aww, did it ruin your cosplays?
Oh my XD Tacky glue gluing shut a suitcase, must of been horrible for you! Hopefully it never happens to me when I'm able to fly or drive to cons with fully fledged cosplays, so I'll take that tip into consideration.
Yicks!
Oops!
and hair spray explodes when it reaches a certain amount of pressure
That build a bear box idea is pretty neat. I'll have to remember that.
When it comes to carrying large props (especially weapons) on public transport, I always cover them with plastic bin liners and try to make sure the shape is obscured. I also never refer to weapons as weapons, I either call them my prop or I name them because you don't want to cause alarm to other travellers and get arrested for carrying dangerous things on public transport.
My mother came up behind me while I was checking in a suitcase at the airport and went "Why's the suitcase so light? Oh are those your weapons?" and then immediately realized what she said. Thankfully I don't think the lady heard us but we had a good laugh.
Oh gosh, i've never been on an airplane but there was an moment when i was packing and my mom came in and saw stuff scattered on my floor,she pointed at a bowtie (bow was missing, its tie on, it was just the string part.) and she goes "Is that a choker? Are you into bdsm?" and i had to explain i had two parts for my bowtie. I'm doing a homestuck cosplay, Lil Cal for my con which is this upcoming saturday im nervous cause a famous cosplayer i know is gonna be there!
pro tip dont be that one person that scatters their cosplay and luggage all around the hotel room only to leave no space for others to put their stuff
+Rei's Waifu Oh man. So true. Even if you aren't cosplaying, throwing things everywhere is a such a hassle to everyone else. >.< If you have to pile things at least keep the pile on top of your suitcase/bags, but leaving a mess for everyone else to deal with (including the hotel's cleaning staff) is not great. At all.
especially when your friend is cosplaying kaneki and his kagune prop takes up half the room Dx
Rei's Waifu Ooooooooo wow! Yeah...yeah that's a little intrusive of space lol.
+Rei's Waifu Not only the room, the THE BATHROOM AS WELL!! D: I understand people are rushed to get their cosplays on and get out the door to a photoshoot or just enjoy the con. I'm rushed too! But people who leave all their makeup, hairspray, ect all over the bathroom counter are just being inconsiderate. It's hard to bring these things up to friends I room with. I don't want to be the one nitpicking when no one else seems to care. But coming back to get ready for dinner or the rave, only to find the counter and sink STILL trashed from the morning, is so annoying. DX
xWideEyedWonder
i feel you. since i room with all friends i love it's hard to tell them to move their stuff(and i don't) everyone has their makeup scattered everywhere while i have my suitcase in the corner still unpacked(take one thing out put another back in) and like my makeup bags sitting on top of the toilet tank thing lmao
I have NEVER thought of a wig-stand like that! Hello early Christmas present...
I love the putting cosplays in separate bags!!! I am gonna have to try that out~
One thing I started doing, because I even forget to put things on the packing list, since i am extremely forgetful DX, Once a cosplay is complete I will gather everything needed for it and have it all together in a organized pile out of the way. So when I am packing I will just double check that it is all there and then pack it up. I find if I don't do this I end up for getting essential pieces for most cosplays I take.
Build a bear boxes...... For cosplay........ I have never heard a better idea 😄
I used the box my humidifier came in once for one wig and my sewing machine box for two wigs once
"Oh hey that's how I do it. Oh hey I do that too."
Great minds think alike Nina ;D
I'm leaving for a convention tomorrow so the timing in this video was perfect.
+Dancing Bookworm Good luck packing! I hope you have a great time this weekend~! ^O^
i was waiting for this video! I always use your cosplaying 101 videos since they're the most helpful like I used all thw tricks in your Hotel guildlines and was waiting for this one ;w; thank you!! ^^
Your hair! :D
Tip for flying is remember most airlines have their own weight and size limit of luggage for their free checked bags, so make sure you don't go over that and pack things carefully.
One thing helpful by looking at your video, can be using a marker to mark the bag where your cosplays are by which one it is and what day you will be wearing it. I love how you organized your stuff and that is a very smart way to pack so there are no mishaps.
I use an old kids makeup kit case to store/transport my smaller accessories, props, wigs, etc the hard plastic material, varying sized compartments, and overall compactness makes it a life saver for me I open it and everything is in a set spot so I'm not digging around a box hoping nothing is damaged anymore
We have a similar packing style! Great idea of separating cosplay items from normal/everyday ones. Doing that would've helped me stay more organized at the last convention I went to!
I use dry cleaner bags and pack all the parts except shoes and wigs in it. Each cosplays makeup goes in separate cheap toiletry bags, styled wigs usually go in five gallon buckets.
Thank you SO MUCH for the PDF!! I have 10 days until the con and being stressed with work and con-crunch //shutters// ... I have so many cosplays to finish and it will make things so much easier.
A/N: I watch your videos while working on costumes, you have a very relaxing and calming voice (I have anxiety so it's something I pay attention to.) Please keep up the good work.
maybe you could do a cosplay 101 vid on binders or cosplaying people from an other gender in general. and I really love your video's!
Thanks!! I'm going to Katsucon this year and It's the first one I need to pack for!
I love your videos! they help so much. and the quality in your videos has improved so much. keep growing.
For costumes made with layers like ball gowns, it is best to make a garment bag specifically for them and use strong wooden hangers for when you are needing to carry it.
You are a LIFE SAVER! Packing has been a major gripe of mine since I started cosplaying.
I went to my first ever convention this weekend with my friend! I had so much fun and it was really nice since it was a small convention and the panels only had a few dozen people in them (sometimes less than 10!). I realized I really want to do cosplay now, especially after seeing a few people acting out their cosplay such as someone dressing as America from Hetalia (I don't watch the show, but he scared my friend because he was so loud x3). You're really an inspiration, I can't wait to start cosplaying. Thanks for all these videos you've put out, they've helped me on many things I was so clueless on and didn't even know about! You're videos are amazing
this really helpful thanks for the tips of armor packing
I always make sure I'm packed three days before the con, and I usually have 4 bags in total (5 if I need separate suitcase/box for styled wig). One for my cosplays, one for regular clothes and anything else not cosplay related, my big makeup bag, and my con bag (a backpack for my wallet, con schedule, hairspray and anything I think I'll need while at the con itself), and I write my packing lists by bag.
It's kept me from forgetting anything important, and I'm happy to say I've gone quite a few conventions not forgetting anything thanks to how I pack.
We pack pretty similarly with how we do our packing lists, and packing them in order of wear! Only I need a larger suitcase for my shoes. I stuff them in a side smaller bag, but sometimes that can get tricky with things like Attack on Titan boots & five other costumes OTL.
Your Cosplay 101 series is honestly a lifesaver! Please keep these up, love ya!
honestly, i tend to have cosplays finished well before a con im wearing it to. it might be different if you are a 'professional' cosplayer, but i find it helps if i don't worry about which con i wear something to and just wear it to the next con after i get it done.
Lol love the line about finally having a use for that bag of bags! Also great contacts! Could you make a video about contacts?
Hey, Sirene! I just wanted to let you know that you have inspired me so much, you helped me learn how to make costumes and survive conventions. I have been cosplaying for 3 years now and I love it so much so far. I was hoping you could possibly do a Cosplay 101 about the basics of making armor for cosplay? I still suck at it XD (I totally understand if you're busy with other videos)
AHHH. Yes. I'll have 2 heavily spiked wigs for Colossal this year so the box idea was great. Also, I like the separate costumes in plastic bags! This is gr9 advice
This vid came out at such a great time. I just booked my first hotel stay at a convention in July and I'm super nervous about packing!! This helps a lot!!
I'm going to Katsucon for the first time this year and it'll be my first out of country con (and so FAR...). This video could not have come at a better time! Thanks for all that you do Nina :)
Keeping a checklist is a top idea even if you are only taking one cosplay even! So many times I panic of "Did I remember to bring my wig caps? My tights? My bobby pins!?" Or even having to turn the car around which only delays getting to the con.
I'm going to be going to my first Con where I'll b staying over night and not just driving back and fort her this fall, so this video REALLY helped me with knowing what/how to pack!
Thanks for the tips ! I always struggle with packing my cosplays.
I'm leaving for a con next friday so that video was just what I needed!
I should totally do the list, keeping things organized helps manage my ADHD. Though I'm preparing for Katsu and flying down with Paladin armor from VLD so I think I'll do the plastic bag trick. I also started packing three weeks in advanced while every item I need is still fresh in my mind.
For some semi-styled wigs I got some small tubs from the dollar tree and put them there
extremely helpful video 😁👏
you people FLY to a convention? I keep getting more surprised if how big America is.
Yea.. sometimes they dont have a convention where you live so you go to one in a near state.
Well, I'm going to GalaxyCon so I can just drive :)
I'm finally doing a con next month that involves a hotel and travel so these are the tips that will come in very handy. Gonna try and take one case and put everything in it, although I have no idea what to do regarding my one big prop since I don't really wanna carry it seperately
Great video! I got in the habit of packing all my costumes in my suitcase and have a small/medium sized duffle bag for my normal clothes and pajamas. Due to me being paranoid I usually put all my makeup and hairspray in a smaller bag such as a backpack. I also was gifted a makeup box with a handle to carry around, mine also has a lock so nothing will fall out or open during transport.
I usually pack as I go. Starting like a week ahead of time I pull out my travel bag and start packing finished cosplays. By a week before the con, I usually have all but one or two done, so I put the finished ones away, and keep out the unfinished ones. Then as I finish what I need I put them in the bag as well. I also like to keep in mind what cons I'm going to by distance. The further away from the con, the less bulky my cosplays are. (Usually I'll have one bulky cosplay as my main Saturday outfit, but everything else is thin and doesn't take up much room.)
thank you for making another of the cosplay 101 videos!!! i really enjoy them along with all the other videos on your channel, im a huge fan :D Hopefully i can meet you at youmacon 2016!!
Mango! This helps a lot c: I really enjoy this series
Hi mango! You are amazing and adorable. I had my first con Saturday and oh my your videos helped me out so much. So let's all love mango because she is amazing and adorable
Walmart carries pretty cheap garment bags ($3-$5) and I usually buy one of those for each cosplay, so that even after I get back they are still safe from dust and all the pieces, except for shoes, are always together.
YAY! I'm so happy you made this!!
Your voice is so calming
another tip! make your big props so they can be disassembled easily! screws work well but if you don't know how to use a drill bottle caps work great also!
I always like to check through my Cosplanner app to see all the pieces laid out on that list, so I can save time for con crunching haha. I also like to visualize myself in the cosplay and check from head to toe if I have everything: "Wig? Check. Hair accessories? Packed with the wig. Top for the cosplay? In my garment bag with the bottoms." etc. etc. Also, if I am the one driving to the convention and I have a free seat, I like to pin my wig heads to my seat with quilting pins, since they're heavy duty and will keep the wig head from moving around in my car.
I use a folding shopping cart for my cosplay items. all of my wigs go into the original bags they came in and then the bagged wigs are put into bag that was originally used for onions. 2 liter soda bottles are used as the wig stands. all hair accessories and jewelry go into a tacklebox. since I usually bring like 9 cosplays to the con I use three garment bags for three cosplays each plus I wear a cosplay to/from the con. shower items, underwear, undershirts, and makeup go into a bookbag. I load the folding cart in the following order: shoes, tacklebox containing jewelry and hair accessories, onion bag containig the wigs, props. cosplay costumes, and non cosplay items bookbag. and since I take amtrak Hiawatha and saluki/illini to the cons, I find one of the end car seats and place my items there.
The bag tip is genius, I hadn't thought of that! I normally pack everything that's ready a few days beforehand if possible, including things like underwear, pyjamas, and an emergency t-shirt and jeans just in case. Then everything I need to use on the day I leave (i.e shampoo, toothbrush, etc.) goes in the second I finish using it. So once I've dried my hair, my hairbrush immediately goes in my suitcase, so I don't forget those essential things. My packing list for my next con is 3 pages long already...I also roll up all my costumes if possible because it avoids creasing. I've heard of people using bin/trash bags for big props, too. Have you considered doing a con etiquette video (I don't think you've already done one, apologies if you have)? I think they can be really useful!
Thank You!!
You are a blessing!!
I need this for Otakon!!
I love watching your videos! I've been hoping you'll make a video about some of your first/easy sewing projects(?). I got a sewing machine for christmas and have really been wanting to jump in to cosplay projects. But, I don't know what I'm doing lol or where to start or how to practice.
I have a suit case that opens two ways (like there's two layers) and I tend to put cosplay on the bottom and regular clothes on top with my make up and such. I tried your tips just to go to a friend's house (we some how tend to cosplay together when we get together a lot) and I found it really helpful. I still tend to roll up my outfits though since they are not elaborate..
I like using garment bags for all of my costumes. That way I know they will keep their shape and that I'll have all the parts.
Okay this is such a fantastic video
I've been attending cons for about 3 years now? But I still learned some new things :D Bless! Also dang A+ for packing a bag just for this video; I made a packing video a few months ago and I waited until I had a con to film it because I was far too lazy to pack a bag for no reason cx
Omg I just saw your Sound!Euphionium poster!
i always write a checklist for what i need to pack the moment i start planning my trip to the con and during my research for my cosplay
yeees thanks I'll be leaving for my first con out of town and then this was uploaded perfect timing!!!
Cool to know Nina! I have not gone to a Con where I have to pack a suitcase of stuff yet which is great, but this is great to know when I do later on.
Oh, and Nina this is Kathy and I got your Tifa print on Tuesday and I was so happy to get it thank you! I have it as decoration in my dorm room. I hope you are doing well and go beat the Katsucrunch!! :)
P.S I hope you were encouraged by my note. :)
You and Dea should collab sometime
OMG MANGO !!! IM TOO EXITED FOR COMIC CON IN LONDON NEXT WEEKEND ... but I'm also rlly nervous this will be my first cosplay and con ... LIKE EVER ... I want to think I'll have the best ciel cosplay but I doubt I will ...
thank you this tips really helped me
Would you do a morning routine for conventions video
This is perfect timing for me. I'm actually going to stay in a hotel for the first time for a con leaving tomorrow. Thank you!
You've just given me an excuse for getting a new build-a-bear :P
Last may expo i was packed like 2 weeks in advance, because whenever I've done last minute packing I've left so many things out of my case ;-;
I'm that prepared for may expo this year (I've been buying things since July last year), that I've nearly finished all of my cosplays and props.
Just saving up all my spending money now.
My only tip is leaving all of my cosplays in the shipping bags they arrived in, I've found that doing this keeps everything together and separates them out from all my other cosplays.
Also save your boxes that your contacts come in, if they've arrived in a box, that way they're all in place and you'll know if there are any missing.
Amy: I love that you have a Yona costume and bow! I have one too! But mine is based on the anime rather than the manga
you gotta love them tubs
Fun tip, label wig bags with the costume(s) they are connected to!
holy crap your makeup looks amazing, what's the blush you're using here?
Sometimes to save space I will wear my cosplay (or small part of it like accessories) to the convention, and then wear the same one home. This really only works if its something simple or something that isn't easily damaged though. Most of my cosplays are simpler and don't require too much special care so this can be a good solution. Although you might get some weird looks if you happen to stop by a drive thru on the way there XD
i live soo close to a convention center so i dont need to stay in a hotel and i dont need to pack stuff
I’ve only gone to cons for a day, but I really wanna go for a weekend some day
Thanks for the tips!!!
Btw did you make the bow at 3:50 min.? If so, what did you make it out of?
+Liz Pinky Yes I did! It's made from an MDF base with added insulation foam to create dimension.
***** Awesome! Thank you!! ^_^
+MangoSirene If you have time in the future, could you please make a video on how to make the bow? or a bow like it?
+Liz Pinky yes I need to know!
when I go to hotels even if I'm not cosplaying, I always place items I need to get to in the drawers they have. I hate being in others way +its easier to find.... so I also know I'm not leaving anything in the hotel when I leave.
Any ideas, on the bowler hat, with tall pointy feathers ??
I use boot boxes for headdresses not attached to the wig lol
omg thank you so much! You realy helped me!
could you do a how to cut wig bases for ponytails I'm needing to do that for my kagami hiiragi cosplay.
You are so pretty! ^-^ Where did you get your contacts and what are they called?? The color is so beautiful!
+Melissa Angelo (Midnightprincess18) They're Super Pinky Violet lenses! I order from HoneyColor :D And thank you so much!
Definitely going to start putting each cosplay in a separate bag! Didn't even think to do that lol now hopefully my suitcase wont look like a baby alien has burst out of it...now to figure out how to transport a scythe x_x
One year I brought my laptop with for music and entertainment while in the hotel room, but I forgot the AC adapter... I did that same thing with my 3DS the next year, and that was when I was in a StreetPass frenzy and I missed out on getting so many because I forgot the damn charger! Lol I try to make lists now...
Could you do a Cosplay 101 on sewing wefts into wigs? I'm doing it for the first time for my ACen 2016 cosplay and trying to find good sources for doing it isn't impossible, but most of them don't go into enough detail for me to really understand it. Thanks! You rock!
Your way is the Right way !
Thank you for the tips I have a styled wig that I didn't have a clue how to transport to my next convention
What about extremely fragile medium sized props? (Sailor moon weapons, svtfoe wand,etc.)
I normally travel by car, depending on the car size you could hold it, have it go from the front of the vehicle lying over the middle glove compartment to the back, or wrap it in newspaper and set it on top of everything in the trunk.
Can you please make a Cosplay 101 on prop and armor making??
If you can be very scatterbrained like me then it helps to always keep your cosplay elements together throughout the whole building process and consistently run through a checklist to make sure you never lost something along the way.
I was on the way to a convention when I realized I forgot my arm cuffs and had to waste everyone's time and gas to go back and get them. Checklist checklist checklist, people.
this video was oddly sensual. I want to rub myself in oil.
Could you pretty please do a video on making patterns? That'd save my life :')
Here I am, 6 months away from my next con crunch, bored out of my mind, still doing cosplay research.
It really do be like that
I need specifiek super-tips for travelin in public transport with big costumes/lots of luggage xD
Working on perfectioning that art for year. But still havent mastered it fully xD
I got a huge prop (Kaneki's Kagune from Tokyo ghoul) which I got to travel on trains and the underground in London xD plan on using bubble wrap for the journey
Do you have link to that wig rack Malindachan made? I can't seem to find an image of it anywhere.
I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE WHO ORGANIZED EACH COPLAY IN A SUITCASE TBH LOL
idk why I'm watching this if all the cons happening in SG are all near me so I can just go back home when it's nighttime😂
I would leave advice, but I try to go to cons that are in my hometown or 2 hrs away!
Great video! Question though. What contacts are you wearing? They are really pretty and will need purple for my upcoming Yang and Yona cosplays.
She said in a separate comment that they're Super Pinky Violet from Honey Color.
hi nina!! i know this is a bit off topic,but i'll be in the masquerade at katsucon,and i was wondering how your experience was? ive been getting anxious about it,and i know you were in a skit last year,so i was just wondering about how everything went, thank you!
So which convention were you going to when you when you were filming the packing?