Whether you’re headed to a convention or attending a popular movie premiere, finding the right fabrics for your cosplay costume design is essential to proper execution. Stretchy materials are the most widely-used for costume design, as these offer more wiggle room when taking measurements and comfort when wearing. If you’re making your own cosplay outfit, consider including these four flexible fabrics.

The Top Fabrics for Cosplay

1. Neoprene

Neoprene is the top base material choice if your costume design requires armor or underwater aesthetics. Made from a synthetic rubber, neoprene comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and thicknesses. With a sponge-like quality, this fabric allows you to move freely while still offering you the durability needed for outdoor or cold-weather activities.

2. Stretch Vinyl

If you’re looking for a material to give your superhero or warrior costume leather-like elements, stretch vinyl can meet your needs. This material comes in several shades and coats, including shiny, semi-shiny and matte. Because it’s stretchy, it can easily be used as belts, headpieces, and accessories for boots.

3. Metallic Spandex

For a cosplay outfit with ultimate shine and flexibility, select metallic spandex as a bulk fabric for your design. This material is ideal for full body suits, as well as tiny metallic details you may want for belts, buckles or accents. Additionally, metallic spandex won’t lose its stretch, so you can get plenty of wear out of a costume made with this fabric.

4. Stretch Velvet

For elegant costume designs fit for a king or queen, stretch velvet can offer you both comfort and refinement. This fabric can also serve costumes that require more form-fitting or body pieces, like mock corsets, or can add a regal touch when used as trim for dresses and shirts. Keep in mind, however, because of how stretchy this material is, it’s not recommended to be a base for large clothing items, such as entire skirts or capes.

If you’re an avid participant in cosplay and ready to take your costume design to the next level, visit Spandex House in New York, NY. For more than 25 years, they have offered the most popular cosplay materials in bulk, whether you need something durable like neoprene or flexible like spandex. To learn more about how Spandex House can help you complete your next sewing project, visit them online or call (212) 354-6711.