Myth: You need to make your cosplay to be a cosplayer

The only requirement is that you enjoy cosplay. Your cosplay can be 100% bought off the shelf at a costume store and it still counts as cosplay. There is no rule, no guideline, no minimum requirement to how much you need to make or alter a costume yourself in order for it to be a cosplay. 

And no, making a cosplay yourself does not make you better than someone who bought theirs.

Myth: Cosplay is only for younger people

You can cosplay at any age. Whether you're 8 or 88, you can do it! 

Myth: You need to have the body or looks of the character you're cosplaying

No matter your body size, skin color, gender, ability, disability, or any other physical attributes, you can cosplay whoever you want. It's also very important to stress that body-shaming of any kind is never acceptable. 

Cosplay is about what you like, not what you look like.

Myth: You have to dress sexy to be a cosplayer

No... Just, no. Sure, a lot of characters have outfits that perhaps show some skin but showing skin is not a requirement to be a cosplayer nor is it ever a requirement to be a well-known or even professional cosplayer. 

However, if those are the type of characters or outfits you want to cosplay, go for it. Nobody should ever be pressured into either showing more skin or showing less skin than they're comfortable with. Cosplay whoever you want (within the limits of venue dress-codes).

It's also important to stress that cosplay is not consent. Just because a cosplayer is showing some skin, does not mean you are allowed to touch or even cat call, flirt, or otherwise verbally assault. 

Myth: If you are going to wear a cosplay, you need to know everything about that character and their source media

You can cosplay a character and know literally nothing about that character. Many people choose their cosplays based solely on clothing, armor type, or even skills, techniques, and materials needed in a cosplay. Having zero knowledge of the character or its source is ok! On the same note, don't assume that just because a cosplayer dresses as a character they are experts on the subject matter.

Cosplay is not restricted to "true fans" and gatekeeping a cosplay behind an arbitrary level of appreciation is not appropriate. It's fine to get excited about the apparent shared interest, but no one needs to pass a "pop quiz" to be allowed to wear a cosplay.

Myth: You need to have a lot of money to cosplay

An amazing cosplay can cost as little as nothing at all. Cosplay on whatever budget you have. There are many wonderful cosplays made from clothing the cosplayer already owned, thrift-store finds, borrowed pieces, and even simple cardboard and glue.

Myth: You need to have a social media presence in order to be considered a cosplayer

This is incredibly untrue. Social media presence completely irrelevant to being a cosplayer. Cosplayers with a strong social media presence are simply more likely to be seen by non-cosplayers or novices, it has nothing to do with their "validity" as a cosplayer. 

In fact, some of the most skilled cosplayers will have little to no online presence, whatsoever. Additionally, many cons will choose their cosplay guests and contest judges with complete disregard to online presence.

Myth: You need to make new cosplays regularly

No. Cosplay isn't some subscription that you have to renew annually with a new cosplay. Have one cosplay that you've worn for the last 10 years? Perfect. 

Myth: Some cosplays are "Off Limits" because someone else already did that one.

No matter what some people may believe, a dedication to a particular cosplay or character does not give them ownership of the concept. Cosplayers can not decide what another cosplayer is or is not "allowed" to wear. Don't worry if you encounter another cosplayer dressed as the same character, focus on your shared love of the source rather than comparing yourself to them or the quality of their work.

The only exception is a ban on Bad Ideas that wouldn't be OK in or outside of Cosplay. Don't alter your skin-tone to better match the character unless the character is inhumanly colored. Don't cosplay a nudist faithfully outside of appropriate venues. And don't bring realistic looking prop weapons or modern military cosplays to areas that would assume it was real, in case they respond accordingly.