/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

Shiny satin is the bane of SM cosplays, and I have been following the scene for a good decade.

In none of the materials, manga or otherwise is the fabric shiny enough to be satin. I am not really sure why people assume it is. You only need to look at PGSM to see the fabric matte-ness Takeuchi envisioned.

Hell even in Seramyu the costumes are only occasionally shiny, when it would be more than acceptable considering its a theatrical stage adaptation.

Satin also has a terrible drape and stiffness that do not do the pleats justice.

Some Tips:
The chest thing is actually a thin armor plate that goes over the fabric of the leotard. Most people make it out of fabric or omit it but having it distinctive is a nice touch.

The skirt is usually the hardest part of an SM cosplay to get right and the first thing people like to criticize (along with the bow). My advice is LESS pleats are better than too many. Go with a BOX pleat that tapers more narrowly at the base and sort of fans out a bit. With the right stiffness of fabric you can get a nice anime-like rigidity and profile. Making the skirt long to cover your ass and thighs just looks dumpy and probably means you should pick a different cosplay. You *should* have a leotard bottom that hides more than a bather suit would, as well as SHEER TIGHTS to make your legs look like butter and really complete the look. The highest heel on the shoes that you can feel comfortable in will give your overall legs and stature the boost it needs to stand up the longest legged characters to come out of Japan.

Pic related, mysterious origin that's been around ages but is by far my favorite SM cosplay. Everything here is right.