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Costumes and wings can transform you from an everyday person to a fantastical character from your imagination. Maybe you are going to a comic book convention, a themed party, or you just want to add a dash of whimsy to your day. Wearing your costume and wings well can leave you feeling transformed instead of awkward.
Those who have worn wings before know they can be troublesome, with straps digging in and costumes shifting with every move. This can leave a once fun experience very frustrating. With a few simple tips, you can feel and look good for just a few hours or an entire day.
Start with a good foundation
The most important part is how your underlayers fit. If your underlayers are not fitted correctly, unadjusted wings are not going to fix your issue. When doing cosplay every day or going to a party, looking good is just as important as feeling good.
Use an outfit that gives you a lot of range of motion. If your costume has a bodysuit or a dress, make sure that it is not too tight around your shoulders or your chest. These are the areas where wing straps will go, and they will inflict pressure on you with straps on top of that. If your costume has sleeves, make sure that the armholes are not too small. You will definitely have to move your arms a lot. This is especially true for wings with arm loops or if you just want to move your arms a lot while wearing them.
Think about what the fabric is as well. Good materials like cotton blends and athletic materials make for a good costume, while cheap materials can leave you as stiff as the materials themselves. If your costume has a lot of stiffer materials like faux leather or thick brocade, wearing something that is light, smooth, and protective is a good way to make up for it and prevent it from rubbing on your skin.
Understand your wing type
Wings are different from each other, and how you put them on will depend on how they are designed. Some wings have simple elastic straps that cross your chest. Other wings may have a full harness system that is set up to balance on your back and on your front. Some wings are designed to be used with a backpack type frame, while some smaller wings will just have a clip that attaches to your shirt.
Before putting them on, think about how the wings are built. Look for straps and connectors. If your costume and wings are from the same set, they are probably designed to work together. If you are customizing, you will probably have to come up with some sort of method to keep everything in place.
With wings that have shoulder straps, the tightness of the straps is very important. The straps should be just tight enough that you feel them resting on your shoulders, but loose enough that they do not slide up and down causing the wings to come off your back. Many wings come with adjustable strap systems, and you will probably have to spend some time to get the straps to the right length. When the straps are too long, the wings will hang too low and be constantly moving. When the straps are too short, you will feel constant pressure on your shoulders.
For harness style wings, the goal is to distribute the weight evenly. The main support should come from the straps that go around your chest and waist, not just from your shoulders. When adjusted correctly, harness style wings feel surprisingly light even if they look large.
Adjust for comfort and stability
After putting on your wings, do some basic comfort checks. Having a friend give feedback can help.
The wings should feel free to move with you, not hold you back. Stand in front of a mirror and look at how they sit. Are they centered? Are they tilted to one side? Small adjustments to the straps can fix most alignment issues.
Move around a little. Lift your arms. Bend forward slightly. Twist side to side. The wings should move with you without slipping or shifting. If you feel pinching or pulling, readjust the straps. Sometimes loosening one strap and tightening another can change how the weight is distributed.
Using the waist and chest straps is very important. These straps help anchor the wings to your body so that the weight is carried by your core rather than pulling on your shoulders alone. A well adjusted waist strap can make even heavy wings feel manageable.
Plan for long wear
When you wear your costume and wings for long periods of time, it is best to keep comfort in mind. A little preparation goes a long way in saving you from discomfort later.
You may want to add some padding to the straps. Cosplayers often use simple foam padding, or even some folded fabric, to help relieve pressure. This is helpful for heavier wings, or if you are just sensitive around your shoulders.
If you are a cosplayer who has some large or heavy wings, be sure to take breaks. Sit down, and let the wings rest on the back of a chair instead of letting them hang from your shoulders. If you are at a convention or a party, look for a spot where you can lean back against a wall. This type of support helps relieve some of the pressure off your body.
You may seem fine, but it is easy to know wearing a costume and wings is physically demanding. Your body has to work harder than it typically does to help support and balance the extra weight. Because of this, it is important to stay hydrated. This will help keep you comfortable and alert.
Work with your outfit's structure
Your wings may be easier to wear depending on the costume and how the costume is structured. If the costume includes a belt, you may be able to slide the wing straps through the belt. This stops the straps from slipping and helps secure the wings. If the costume is a corset style, the wings can add additional structure to the corset and may help secure the wings.
For winged costumes that have a cape, try to wear the wings over the cape. If the wings are worn under or behind the cape, be prepared to adjust the straps a lot. They may also need to be adjusted to be less tight, depending on how the wings are worn.
If your costume includes a backpack or bag, be sure that it does not clash with your wings. Some wings are made to be worn with a harness and are not designed for a backpack style. Instead of using a backpack that clashes with the wings, use a small crossbody bag or a belt pouch to avoid interfering with the wing harness.
Move naturally and confidently
Adjusting to your new look will be one of the most daunting parts of wearing wings. After all, they will affect your shape and the way you balance. It can be pretty tricky to avoid getting caught in your wings while walking, avoid sinking your wings while sitting in chairs, and avoid hitting people with your wings while you gesture.
Before you go out, try to take some time to practice getting used to the movement that comes along with your wings. Walk through doorways sideways if you need to. Learn how to sit so that your wings rest comfortably behind you. Practice turning in tight spaces. Once you get used to your new dimensions, moving around becomes second nature.
Statement costume and wings are a big attention magnet. If you are wearing them, people will be looking. Do not shy away from it. Be proud and confident. Stand tall, move with purpose, and enjoy the attention. The more comfortable you feel, the more natural you will look.
Protect your wings while wearing them
Wings can be very fragile if they have feathers, glitter, or detailed embellishments. Make sure to be aware of your surroundings. If your wings are big, be extra careful in tight spaces. If you are at a party or a convention, be cautious of everyone in the vicinity. One of your wings can easily hit someone in the face if you are not careful.
If you are going to be sitting for an extended amount of time or if you are going to be in a situation where you will be in a pretty tight area, you should probably retract your wings if you have adjustable wings. Certain types of wings allow you to fold them up using a hinge they have. For some others, the wings can be removed completely. Knowing how to adjust your wings on the fly makes the whole experience smoother.
If your wings get bumped or snagged, check them periodically for damage. A small tear or loose strap can become a bigger problem if left unattended. Carry a small repair kit with safety pins or a bit of tape just in case.
Store and transport with care
Wings are fragile, and how you store and carry them is at least as important as how they are worn. Improper transporting can lead to permanent damage, whether from inappropriate bending or items being packed on top of wings.
When traveling to conventions or events, use a garment bag or a large duffel bag that allows your wings to lie flat. If your wings fold, carefully use the folding mechanism. For wings that do not fold, consider carrying them separately or using a dedicated wing bag. Some cosplayers transport wings using a backpack frame and then remove them after they arrive.
When you store your costume and wings at home, try to store them in a safe place so that they will not get crushed. Ideally, this should be a closet where you have room to hang them. If hanging is not possible, you can place them in a box or on a flat section on a shelf, making sure that nothing heavy is placed on top.
Conclusion
Wearing costumes with wings at everyday cosplay events or parties should be fun, not frustrating. A good base and proper adjustments should allow you to wear the costume for a long time. Consider how your wings fit, how the weight is distributed across your body, and allow time to adjust to the movements they might affect.
Dressing up for a convention, a themed party, or just for fun can include costume and wings. Costumes help you embrace the entire event. When you are feeling confident, the magic of dressing up takes you to another level. Complete transformation is the essence of dressing up.