Most of the following definitions I came up with myself, based on discussions I have seen online. Comments, questions, suggestions, additions and corrections are {welcomed}!
accessory n. Items that are worn to complete the costume, but are not clothing. Examples are shoes, gloves, earrings, etc. [See also props]
anime costumes n. Costumes based on characters from Japanese animated series or film.
blind stitch n. A type of stitch used, especially on waistbands and hems, that is almost invisible on the exterior side of the garment. Usually done by hand.
closet costume n. A costume made out of garments, props, accessories, etc. that the costumer already has, such as in their closet. Requires little or no alterations to any of the pieces. Typically not allowed in competitions that judge quality of garment craftsmanship. [See also ghetto cosplay]
cosplay n. 1. The combination of the words "costume" and "play" coined by Nov Takashasi upon viewing costuming in 1984 Los Angeles. Inspired the Japanese pop culture phenomenon. 2. The state of wearing costumes (e.g. "involved with cosplay"), especially of anime, manga, and video game characters.
cosplay v. To wear a costume of a character. -- cosplaying v.
cosplayer n. The person who wears the costume. [See also costumer]
cosplay drama n. Conflict directly related to costumes. (e.g. Two people who are upset at having both worn the same costume.)
cosplay parent n. 1. A parent of a child who cosplays. 2. A parent who cosplays with or without their children.
costume n. Clothing, props, accessories, etc. that are worn to represent something, usually a character.
costume v. To make a costume. (e.g. "I costume as a hobby.")
costume contest n. A competition that judges costumes, usually based upon construction, creativity and/or theme. [See also masquerade]
costumer n. The person who makes and/or puts together the costume. [See also cosplayer]
crossdressing n. Wearing clothing characteristic of the opposite gender. [See also crossplay]
crossplay n. A subset of cosplay where the cosplayer dresses as a character of the opposite gender. [See also crossdressing]
ghetto costume n. 1. A costume made out of garments, props, accessories, etc. that the costumer purchases for the costume via retail markets (i.e. not a costume shop or costume commission), requiring minimal, if any, alterations. Seen as a creative challenge. 2. A costume made poorly and/or with poor quality materials, such as Chii ears made from a styrofoam cup with scrap pink paper attached to the bottom. Typically done for fun or a joke. [See also closet cosplay]
hall cosplay n. When a costume is worn around the hallways and general rooms of a convention, usually not for any competition and not on a stage or in a skit. Not restricted by as many guidelines and rules as stage content costumes and mostly considered to done for fun.
j-pop and j-rock costumes n. Costumes based on Japanese performing artists, usually involving elaborate costumes and theatrical make-up.
lolita n. Japanese pop subculture fashion trend with inspirations from Victorian clothing. Elegant gothic refers to darker colors and possibly a longer, more adult look. Sweet or country refers more to lighter colors and a more child-like look. Primarily worn by teens and young adults.
manga costumes n. Costumes based on characters from Japanese comic books or graphic novels.
masquerade n. An event held at many conventions that may judge costumes and/or skits. [See also costume contest]
original costumes n. Costumes designed by the costumer, rather than following a specific character's design. Usually based upon existing characters (e.g. a fan-version Sailor Senshi) or ideas (e.g. an original lolita dress). May or may not be able to compete in costume contests.
pattern n. A flat piece of material (usually made from tissue paper or muslin) that marks out the shapes needed to be cut out of fabric to construct a specific garment. Can be customized for a specific size or garment, or can be a more generic grouping that can complete a set number of variations of items for a set number of different sizes. Major commercial pattern makers include: Simplicity, McCall, Butterick, Vogue, and Folkwear.
piece-meal costume n. Costume created using base pieces (such as skirts, pants, and shirts) via retail markets, that are altered to more accurately match the character being cosplayed. The final piece is such that it could not be obtained directly through retail.
props n. Items carried by the cosplayer to complete or enhance the costume. Examples are swords, flowers, and plushies. [See also accessories]
scratch costume n. Costume created with fabric and sewing, either by hand or utilizing a sewing machine. Uses few or no pre-constructed pieces purchased via retail.
serger n. A machine sometimes used in the construction of garments with multiple threads and loopers. Can edge woven fabric to keep it from fraying, and stitch stretchable fabric. Some can even stitch lace and beads to fabric edges.
sewing machine n. A machine sometimes used in the construction of garments which stitches together pieces of fabric using a needle and thread from the top that locks with a thread from underneath the fabric to complete a chain. Ranges from very basic machines to computer-controlled models.
skit n. A performance created by cosplayers using characters in costume on stage, usually during a masquerade competition. May or may not be judged for an award.
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