Introduction to Sailor Moon Cosplay
Sailor Moon, the iconic magical girl created by Naoko Takeuchi, has been a beloved character for cosplayers worldwide since her debut in 1991. Cosplaying as Sailor Moon or any of the Sailor Scouts can be an exciting and rewarding experience. This guide will walk you through the process of creating a Sailor Moon cosplay, from selecting your character to putting the final touches on your costume.
Choosing Your Sailor Scout
Before diving into costume creation, decide which Sailor Scout you want to portray. While this guide focuses primarily on Sailor Moon (Usagi Tsukino), many of the techniques can be applied to other Scouts as well. Consider factors such as your personal connection to the character, physical similarities, and the complexity of the costume when making your choice.
Essential Components of a Sailor Moon Costume
A typical Sailor Moon costume consists of several key elements:
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Bodysuit or leotard
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Pleated skirt
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Sailor collar
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Front and back bows
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Tiara
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Gloves
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Boots
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Choker
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Brooch
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Wig (if needed)
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Accessories (e.g., earrings, transformation items)
Let's break down each component and discuss how to create or acquire them.
Creating the Bodysuit
The bodysuit forms the foundation of your Sailor Moon costume. You have two main options:
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Sew your own: For experienced sewists, creating a custom bodysuit offers the best fit and control over materials.
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Purchase a pre-made bodysuit: This option is ideal for beginners or those short on time.
If you're sewing your own, consider using the Crystal Lake Skating Pattern by Green Pepper, which is recommended by many cosplayers for its clean, single-seam design.
For those purchasing a pre-made costume, crazecosplay.com offers a complete Sailor Moon Tsukino Usagi School Uniform Cosplay Costume that includes the top, skirt, and two bowties. This can serve as a great base for further customization.
Crafting the Pleated Skirt
The pleated skirt is a signature element of the Sailor Scout uniform. If you're creating it from scratch:
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Choose a fabric that holds pleats well, such as a polyester blend.
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Measure your waist and decide on the desired length of the skirt.
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Cut a rectangle of fabric that is 2-3 times your waist measurement in width and your desired length plus seam allowances.
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Mark and press pleats at regular intervals.
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Sew the pleats in place at the waistband.
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Attach the waistband and add a closure (e.g., zipper or elastic).
If you've purchased a pre-made costume, you may need to adjust the length or pleating of the included skirt to match your desired look.
Sailor Collar
The sailor collar is a distinctive feature of the costume. To create it:
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Cut two pieces of fabric in the collar shape, one in white and one in the Scout's signature color.
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Interface both pieces for structure.
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Sew the colored piece to the white piece, leaving the neck edge open.
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Turn right side out and press.
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Attach the collar to the bodysuit, ensuring it lays flat.
Bows
Sailor Moon's costume features two large bows - one at the chest and one at the lower back. For each bow:
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Cut two large circles of fabric (the size will depend on how puffy you want the bow).
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Sew the circles together, leaving a small opening for turning.
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Turn right side out and stuff lightly for volume.
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Create the center of the bow by wrapping a strip of fabric around the middle and securing it.
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Make the tails of the bow from long strips of fabric.
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Attach the bows to the bodysuit at the appropriate locations.
Tiara
The tiara is an essential accessory for any Sailor Scout. You can create your own using these methods:
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Styrene method: Follow Kapalaka's tutorial to craft a durable tiara using styrene sheets.
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Worbla method: Use thermoplastic material like Worbla to shape a tiara that can be painted gold.
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Purchase a pre-made tiara: Many cosplay shops offer ready-made tiaras for various Sailor Scouts.
Gloves and Boots
For gloves, you can either purchase white elbow-length gloves or make your own from stretch fabric. To add the iconic bands at the top:
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Cut strips of colored fabric to match your Scout's color scheme.
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Sew or glue these strips to the top edge of the gloves.
Boots can be more challenging. Options include:
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Modifying existing boots with fabric covers.
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Creating boot covers to wear over shoes.
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Purchasing custom-made cosplay boots.
Choker
The choker is a simple but important detail. To create one:
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Cut a strip of fabric in your Scout's color, about 1-1.5 inches wide and long enough to fit comfortably around your neck.
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Add interfacing for structure.
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Fold the edges under and sew.
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Attach a closure (e.g., velcro or snap) at the back.
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Add any necessary embellishments, such as a heart-shaped charm for Sailor Moon.
Brooch
The transformation brooch is a focal point of the costume. You can:
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Craft your own using polymer clay and paint.
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3D print a brooch if you have access to a 3D printer.
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Purchase a pre-made brooch from cosplay suppliers.
Ensure that the brooch is securely attached to the front bow of your costume.
Wig Styling
Unless your natural hair matches your chosen Scout, you'll likely need a wig. For Sailor Moon's iconic odango hairstyle:
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Start with a long blonde wig (about 40 inches for Sailor Moon).
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Section off the top portion of the wig for the odangos.
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Create the odangos by wrapping hair around foam balls or styling into tight buns.
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Secure the odangos with wig caps, pins, and styling products.
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Style the remaining hair into long pigtails flowing from the odangos.
For other Scouts, adjust the wig style and color accordingly.
Accessories
Don't forget the finishing touches:
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Earrings: Create or purchase earrings that match your Scout's design.
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Transformation items: Depending on your Scout, you may need additional props like Sailor Moon's Moon Stick or Sailor Mercury's computer.
Makeup and Final Touches
Sailor Moon characters typically have a fresh, youthful appearance. For makeup:
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Use a light foundation to create a smooth base.
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Apply subtle contouring to enhance your features.
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Use pink blush for a healthy glow.
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Create large, anime-style eyes with false lashes and white eyeliner on the lower waterline.
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Choose a pink or red lip color.
Posing and Character Portrayal
To truly embody your Sailor Scout:
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Practice iconic poses from the anime and manga.
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Memorize your character's transformation phrases and attacks.
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Study your Scout's personality and mannerisms to incorporate into your performance.
Care and Maintenance of Your Costume
To keep your Sailor Moon cosplay in top condition:
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Follow care instructions for each component, especially for delicate items like the wig.
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Store the costume properly to prevent wrinkles and damage.
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Make any necessary repairs promptly to prevent further wear.
Joining the Sailor Moon Cosplay Community
Cosplaying Sailor Moon can be even more fun as part of a group:
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Connect with other Sailor Moon cosplayers through social media and cosplay forums.
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Attend anime conventions and cosplay events to showcase your costume.
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Participate in Sailor Moon cosplay gatherings or photoshoots.
Conclusion
Cosplaying Sailor Moon is a rewarding experience that allows you to bring a beloved character to life. Whether you're crafting every piece by hand or starting with a pre-made costume from crazecosplay.com, the key is attention to detail and a passion for the character. Remember, the most important aspect of cosplay is having fun and expressing your love for the series. With this guide, you're well-equipped to transform into your favorite Sailor Scout and fight for love and justice!
By following this comprehensive guide, you'll be well on your way to creating a stunning Sailor Moon cosplay that will turn heads at any convention or cosplay event. Remember to always prioritize comfort and personal expression in your cosplay journey. In the name of the moon, happy cosplaying!
