Saturday, July 18, 2015
Summer provides a unique set of challenges to cosplayers trying to beat the heat while wearing a full costume. It can be hard, to say the least. Of course this is easier with lighter and more seasonally appropriate costumes, but if you're like me and end up wanting to make a full cloak in the middle of July then your fabric choice can really make or break you!
You'll want fabric that's:
- Thin
- Breathable: Meaning it has a loose/open weave, thus allowing for air to reach you and cool you down. The most natural fiber fabrics can achieve this, apart from wool.
- Light Color: Preferable to dark colors because it'll reflect more heat, but this is only applicable for light colored costumes.
- Accurate: Or as accurate as you can get while still taking care of yourself! Meaning it has the drape/color/finish that you want.
- In Budget: Don't go spending a ton of money if you can avoid it! Always look for coupons or sales if you can!
Batiste
Batiste is a cotton or linen blend, that's very lightweight and incredibly soft, while still being very opaque. It's usually used as more of a lining fabric or lingerie. For more formal sewing it's frowned upon to make a garment completely from lining fabric, however for the sake of a costume, if it looks right, then go for it!
Cotton
Cotton is probably one of the most popular fabrics. It's incredibly diverse with many different styles and versions. It's very widely available and easy to care for. It can be a bit more formal than linen and slightly less cool, but doesn't wrinkle quite easily.
Chambray
Chambray is a type of lightweight cotton fabric. Its made to mimic the look of denim, a rough, woven texture while remaining soft and light. It's a more formal cotton fabric, however it primarily comes in shades of black, blue, and grey. It's great for imitating the appearance of denim or rougher fabrics.
Fresco
Fresco is a wool suiting fabric. While wool is typically used for winter clothes as as it's too hot for summer weather, fresco is made in a different style. It's woven from multiple strands of yearn, and the loose weave allows it to be breathable and light. As a more formal suiting fabric it's typically more expensive than others, though good for summer formal and office wear for characters that have business style attire.
Linen
Linen is absolutely great for summer. It's incredibly light and breathable, while still being sturdy. Its also pretty widely available and fairly inexpensive. It's very soft with a nice drape. Some can have a rougher and woven appearance that works for more rustic costumes. Unfortunately, linen wrinkles. You can iron it, but for more formal wear it's not always the best choice. A blend with cotton or rayon can help negate the wrinkling of just linen alone.
Rayon
Rayon is a man-made fabric, from processing natural fibers, and isn't classified as completely natural or synthetic, instead has pros of both! It's incredibly diverse and can mimic the appearance of more formal silk or rougher of linen and cotton. Lightweight and breathable, that's less likely to wrinkle than cotton or linen. It's lightly harder to care for and typically needs dry cleaning.
Silk
Silk is also a very versatile choice good for summer. It's one of the most formal natural fibers and suitable for fancier costumes. It's able to drape or to keep more constructed shapes depending on the weave. Silk can vary from thick, tightly woven versions not so good for summer, or lighter weave ones which are more breathable. It's slightly more expensive, though it has the advantage of not wrinkling easily. A strong, yet delicate fabric.
Shear Fabrics
Tulle, chiffon, and netting are all great sheer, lightweight fabrics to use in the summer. They're incredibly thin, which allows for maximum air to flow through and has a great drape. It also looks very beautiful over formal costumes. Don't use these for bits you don't want to be seen through! Organza is also a sheer fabric. Modern organza is mainly synthetic fabrics, so it traps heat just a little bit more than the others, but it's still thin enough that it doesn't really cause a problem.
And finally:
- Try to avoid synthetic, thick, or constricting fabrics and dark colors.
- Limit the layers and lining of your costume has if possible. Remember, none of this is necessary.
- Honestly, the final call is always up to you. Go with whatever you're the most happy with and have fun!
