Cosplay is an exciting and expressive hobby that allows fans to bring their favourite characters to life. However, creating a full costume can quickly become expensive, especially when factoring in materials, props, accessories, and travel to conventions. The good news? There are plenty of creative and effective ways to save money on your next cosplay project without compromising on quality or impact.
The best ways to save money on your next cosplay project include planning ahead, reusing old costumes, buying materials second-hand or in bulk, learning basic DIY skills, and focusing on key character features. These strategies help you stay on budget without compromising the quality or impact of your costume.
At The Sword Stall, we know that budget-friendly cosplay can still look incredible. Here are our top 10 tips to help you save money and make the most of every penny.
Plan Ahead and Set a Budget
One of the most effective ways to save money on any cosplay project is to plan early and set a clear, realistic budget. Rushing to complete a costume just before a convention or event often leads to last-minute purchases, premium shipping costs, and settling for overpriced materials. When you start planning months in advance, you give yourself the advantage of time—time to hunt down the best deals, wait for sales, compare product reviews, and even practice new crafting techniques.
Begin by selecting your character well ahead of time. Once you’ve made your choice, break the costume down into components such as clothing, props, wig, makeup, footwear, and accessories. Assign a budget to each category based on your overall spending limit. For example, you might allocate more to a signature weapon or a custom wig, and less to basic clothing that can be thrifted or reused.
It also helps to create a spreadsheet or use a budgeting app to track costs as you go. Include expected prices and actual spend to see where you're over or under budget. This gives you flexibility—if you save money in one area, you can put those funds toward another.
Planning ahead also allows time for DIY approaches, which are usually cheaper but require more effort. Instead of buying a completed prop, you might have time to build it from EVA foam, saving money while adding a personal touch.
Overall, a structured plan and a clearly defined budget are your first line of defence against overspending—and the best way to keep your cosplay project fun and stress-free.
Reuse and Repurpose Old Costumes or Clothes
Don’t underestimate what you already have in your wardrobe or cosplay stash. With a little creativity, old outfits, accessories, and boots can be repurposed for new characters. A white blouse, a brown belt, or a pair of combat boots might work for several characters with minor adjustments.
Look at your previous costumes and think about how they could be updated or combined. Swapping out details or modifying colours can create an entirely new look without starting from scratch.
Buy in Bulk or Share Materials with Friends
Foam, fabric, paint, and glue are all common cosplay materials that can add up quickly. Instead of buying everything individually, see if you can split costs with friends who are also building costumes.
Joining a local cosplay group or online global community allows you to team up for bulk purchases. You might even be able to swap materials, which is great for small bits you don’t want to buy in large quantities.
Learn Basic DIY Skills
Learning basic do-it-yourself (DIY) skills is one of the most valuable and cost-saving steps you can take as a cosplayer. While commissioning costumes or props from professional makers can be convenient, it often comes with a hefty price tag. By developing your own crafting and sewing abilities, you can recreate high-quality costume pieces at a fraction of the cost.
Start small—basic hand stitching, fabric cutting, and glue gun work are accessible skills that can already take your cosplay to the next level. Over time, you can move on to more advanced techniques such as pattern drafting, armour building with EVA foam, or weathering and painting effects. These skills allow you to customise every element of your costume, making it more accurate and tailored to your own fit and comfort.
The internet is a goldmine for tutorials and resources. Platforms like YouTube and TikTok offer step-by-step video guides for everything from sewing cloaks to crafting realistic prop weapons. Reddit communities and cosplay forums are great places to ask questions, share progress, and learn from more experienced creators. Many of these resources are free, making them ideal for those on a tight budget.
Additionally, DIY doesn’t just save you money—it gives you full creative control. You’re not limited by what a seller offers or how long a commission might take. If you want to tweak a design, try a different colour, or add a personal flourish, you can do so easily when you’re building the costume yourself.
Ultimately, investing time into DIY skills empowers you to bring your vision to life while cutting costs. The pride that comes from wearing something you’ve made with your own hands is just an added bonus.
Use Affordable Alternatives for Expensive Materials
One of the biggest misconceptions in cosplay is that you need to use expensive, high-end materials to create an impressive costume. In reality, many professional-looking results can be achieved using budget-friendly alternatives—especially if you’re willing to get creative and put in a bit of extra effort.
For instance, EVA foam is a firm favourite among budget-conscious cosplayers. It’s inexpensive, lightweight, widely available, and incredibly versatile. While premium thermoplastics like Worbla offer a smooth finish and flexibility, EVA foam can be heat-formed, layered, and sanded to create detailed armour and props that look just as impressive—without the premium price tag.
Likewise, when building weapons or structural props, there’s no need to use heavy or costly materials like wood or metal. PVC piping is an excellent stand-in for handles, staff cores, or sword hilts. It’s sturdy enough to hold its shape, easy to cut and paint, and far more affordable than traditional alternatives.
Craft foam, hot glue, cardboard, and papier-mâché are other commonly used materials that can replicate more expensive components with surprising effectiveness. With some layering, shaping, and finishing, even humble supplies can create realistic textures and effects—think dragon scales, metallic armour, or leather-like belts.
Acrylic paints are another budget-friendly staple. They’re easy to use, mix well, and offer vibrant colours that can be used across a variety of surfaces. To maximise the durability and visual impact of your materials, be sure to prime and seal them properly. For example, sealing EVA foam with a few coats of Plasti Dip or PVA glue before painting ensures a smoother, longer-lasting finish.
Shop Second-Hand
Second-hand shops (or charity shops), car boot sales, and online marketplaces like eBay, Vinted, and Depop are treasure troves for cosplayers on a budget. Look for pieces you can dye, paint, or modify to match your character.
You’d be surprised how often vintage coats, belts, or shoes fit perfectly into a costume with minimal alteration. Shopping second-hand is also more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Go Digital for Patterns and Templates
Instead of buying physical kits, many cosplayers save money by purchasing or downloading digital templates for armour, props, and accessories. Etsy, Gumroad, and Cosplay Archive are popular platforms for digital patterns.
With access to a printer and basic tools, you can cut out the pieces yourself and follow along with tutorials. It’s a cost-effective option that often includes updates or support from the creator.
Join Cosplay Communities for Swaps and Advice
Cosplay might seem like a solo hobby, but it truly thrives on community. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned builder, joining cosplay groups—online or locally—can be one of the most cost-effective and helpful steps you take. These communities are filled with like-minded individuals who share their experiences, offer practical guidance, and often provide opportunities to save money.
Online platforms like Reddit (particularly r/cosplay or r/cosplayprops), dedicated cosplay forums, Facebook groups, and Discord servers are rich with free resources. You’ll find everything from step-by-step tutorials and downloadable patterns to budget-friendly material recommendations and detailed product reviews. Many veteran cosplayers enjoy mentoring newcomers and are happy to answer questions about where to source affordable supplies or how to replicate a complex design on a budget.
Beyond advice, many of these groups organise gear swaps and buy-sell-trade threads. Cosplayers frequently sell or give away wigs, costume parts, foam offcuts, and fabric remnants that no longer serve their current projects. Swap meets, whether virtual or at conventions like London MCM Comic Con, are great places to pick up discounted or gently used items that would otherwise cost much more if bought new.
In addition to tangible savings, community involvement can prevent costly mistakes. Before investing in a specific brand of wig, a new material, or a prop-making tool, you can ask others for honest opinions and firsthand experiences. This kind of real-world feedback helps you avoid wasting money on products that don't live up to their promises or aren’t suited for the type of build you’re doing.
Some groups even pool their buying power to order materials in bulk and split the costs, which can be a game-changer for large-scale projects. Others collaborate on builds or share rental costs for studio space or equipment.
Prioritise the Most Recognisable Features
When you’re cosplaying on a budget, focus on the key elements that make your character instantly recognisable. That might be a specific hairstyle, a signature weapon, or a distinctive cloak.
By putting your time and money into these standout features, you can simplify the rest of the costume. A well-made prop or detailed headpiece can draw attention away from a basic outfit.
For example, The Sword Stall offers a wide range of affordable swords and fantasy weapons that can elevate your cosplay without breaking the bank.
Create More, Spend Less: Cosplay Smarter
Saving money on cosplay doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or creativity. With a little planning, smart shopping, and a willingness to learn, you can craft costumes that look amazing and stay within your budget.
At The Sword Stall, we believe that every cosplayer deserves access to affordable, high-quality props and accessories. Explore our collection today and find the perfect finishing touch for your next budget-friendly cosplay masterpiece.
