Steampunk is a fashion and pop culture movement that brings Victorian technology and aesthetics into the present. It’s a subculture that appeals to people with an interest in retrofuturistic design and speculative fiction. Steampunk enthusiasts cast themselves as artisans, craftspeople who apply their knowledge of mechanical design to create articles from modern materials that have an air of authenticity about them. Although there are many different forms of steampunk, they all revolve around the same themes: science, machinery, engineering, invention, mechanics, steam power, clockwork mechanisms, and the nineteenth century Industrial Revolution. The majority of steampunk cosplayers wear Victorian dress or clothing inspired by it; however, some go for more contemporary looks like denim jeans or leather jackets. Regardless of what you choose to wear to your next steampunk event as a cosplayer, remember these helpful tips:
Stay hydrated.
You’re likely to be out in the sun and heat for several hours. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after your cosplay event.
Go for a walk if you’re feeling sluggish.
It’s important not to overheat when you’re cosplaying. If you’re feeling sluggish, take a walk in the venue of your event or outside for fresh air. Steampunk is about being inventive and resourceful and putting things together, so even if you don’t feel like doing anything else, at least take a break from wearing your costume and do something different!
Don’t forget your tools!
A good pair of goggles are a must-have for any steampunk cosplay. And you’ll want to make sure that you’re equipped with a lot of different materials and tools. A large variety of small tools, like pliers and wire cutters, can be purchased at most craft stores. If you’re looking for the perfect faux leather material, try a store that sells leather products or even go online! It’s important to remember that you don’t have to spend a lot on costume materials if you find them cheap; in fact, it’s best to get the cheapest ones possible so that you can upgrade later.
There’s more to steampunk cosplay than meets the eye.
Many people believe steampunk is simply cosplaying a Victorian character with modern props. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Steampunk is way more than just dressing up in nineteenth century clothing.
Steampunk enthusiasts are creative, artistic people with a passion for tinkering and inventing new ideas. They’re always coming up with new things or creating their own kind of technology that’s been inspired by the past. They love to see what they can do with today’s materials and combine them with today’s technology to create something completely unique.
It may seem like an easy task to become a steampunk enthusiast but it takes years of dedication and hard work just to learn how to make your own gears or metalwork. Most steampunk enthusiasts have skillsets that are hard-to-come-by in the world of ‘normal’ pop culture – from engineering to metalworking, chemistry, physics, and biology – so you’ll definitely want to spend time understanding these different areas before you try becoming one yourself.
Learn how to do corset fitting.
The corset is a piece of clothing that was worn during the Victorian era to achieve the desired hourglass figure. Today, steampunk cosplayers wear corsets for the aesthetic value and for the way it accentuates their natural curves. When you’re completing your costume, make sure you choose a pattern with a proper fit for your body type and size. In general, most patterns need to be altered to your body shape since not all bodies are created equal.
The final step: Add your finishing touches!
Make sure you add your finishing touches to your costume, such as a top hat, goggles, or other accessories. Steampunk is all about creating an intricate and detailed aesthetic with an emphasis on authenticity. Adding these finishing touches will help reinforce the idea that this is a real work of craftsmanship.
Take pictures and video to remember the experience
It’s easy to get caught up in the moment, so be sure to use your camera during the event to capture memories and share them with friends. It can also be helpful to take some time before your steampunk event to plan out what you’re going to wear, where you’re going to go, and how you’ll get there.
You might find that using props is a fun way of setting the mood. For example, if you’re doing a Victorian-era cosplay, you could use utensils like forks or knives as props that make it seem more authentic.
If you want your cosplay experience to last longer than a few minutes, consider taking pictures and video that will remind you of all the fun experiences from the day.
It’s important not to forget about safety when planning for your steampunk event. Be sure that people around you are aware of what you’re doing and know how they can assist if anything goes wrong.
