How to commission a cosplay costume: what to send and when to start

Short answer: to commission a cosplay costume, write one brief with reference images from every angle, the exact version of the character, your measurements, what you already own, a budget and the date you need it in hand. Then send that brief to several makers, compare what each quote includes, agree progress photos and fittings, and only release payment once the costume arrives as agreed. Start as early as you can: the deadline you give shapes both the price and who can take the job.

Post your cosplay brief — free

What should a cosplay commission brief include?

A good brief answers the maker's questions before they ask them. Include:

1. Character and version. Name the source and the exact outfit (season, game skin, film or arc). Characters often have several designs.
2. Reference images. Front, back and side, plus close-ups of details such as trims, symbols and closures. Official art and screenshots are best. Mark anything that's unclear.
3. What's in scope. List every piece: garments, armour, gloves, boots or boot covers, wig, props. Say which ones you want made and which you already have.
4. Accuracy and changes. Do you want it as close to the reference as possible, or are you happy with practical changes such as a hidden zip, lighter armour or a more comfortable fabric?
5. Use. Photoshoot, convention day, competition or stage? A competition costume is judged up close, and a convention costume has to survive a long day of walking and sitting.
6. Budget and deadline. A range is fine. Give the date you need it delivered, not the event date.
7. Delivery. Your country, and whether you want to collect it.

Which measurements does a costume maker need?

The maker will tell you exactly which measurements they need, but most ask for a similar set. Have someone else measure you, wearing the underwear and padding you'll wear under the costume:

• Height, chest or bust, underbust, waist and hips
• Shoulder width, arm length, bicep and wrist
• Neck, back length (nape to waist) and front length
• Inseam, thigh, knee and calf
• Head circumference, if a hat, helmet or wig is included
• Shoe size, if boot covers are included

Send photos of yourself in fitted clothes as well (front, side and back). They help the maker see posture and proportions that numbers miss.

How long does a cosplay commission take?

Each maker sets their own timeline. It depends on their queue, the number of pieces, the techniques involved and how many fittings you need. Two things are true almost everywhere: makers' queues fill up before big conventions, and rushing costs more. Ask each maker for a schedule with dates for progress photos, any fittings, finishing and shipping. Leave a buffer for customs if the costume is crossing a border.

How do I choose a costume maker?

• Look at finished work similar to yours. Sewing, foam armour and 3D printing are different skills. Ask for photos of comparable pieces.
• Read the quote line by line. It should list every component, materials, revisions and shipping.
• Ask how they handle fit. Will they send a mock-up or ask for a fitting photo before final assembly?
• Agree what happens if something is wrong. Settle alterations, delays and returns in writing before you pay.

The guide to what a cosplay commission costs explains how makers price each of these.

What about armour, props and wigs?

These are often separate skills, and sometimes separate makers. Foam armour, 3D-printed armour and cast props each have their own trade-offs, set out in EVA foam vs 3D-printed armour. Props usually need a size and weight discussion and, for events, a check of the convention's prop rules, so see how to commission a cosplay prop. For hair, there's a separate guide to commissioning a styled cosplay wig.

How does payment work?

Agree the price, what it covers and the delivery date before anything is made. On The Spool List you post the brief once for free, makers quote, and you choose one. You pay the maker's quote with no buyer fee. Payment is taken upfront through Stripe and protected until you confirm delivery, and if something isn't as agreed you raise it in the app before you confirm.

A checklist before you send

• Character, version and reference images (front, back, details)
• Every piece listed, with what you already own marked
• Measurements and fitted-clothing photos
• Accuracy level and changes you'd accept
• Budget range, the date you need it in hand, and your delivery country

Send your brief to makers

FAQ

How far ahead should I commission a cosplay costume? As early as you can. Makers' queues fill before major conventions, and short deadlines usually cost more. Ask each maker for a dated schedule.

What if I don't know my measurements? Have someone measure you using the list the maker sends, wearing what you'll wear under the costume, and add fitted-clothing photos.

Can I commission only part of a costume? Yes. Many people commission the hardest pieces, such as armour or a prop, and make or buy the rest.

Can the maker change the design to make it more comfortable? Usually. Say which details must stay accurate and where practical changes are fine, such as hidden zips or lighter armour.

Do I pay a platform fee on The Spool List? No. Buyers pay the maker's quote with no platform fee; makers pay a commission on completed orders.