As a accredited media attendees for events like Star Wars Celebration and Fan Expo and as fans who have attended cons on multiple continents, I’ve had the privilege of observing the incredible artistry and dedication of cosplayers firsthand. While cosplayers bring beloved characters to life through creativity and hard work, this blog isn’t for them—it’s for the fans interacting with cosplayers. Whether you’re new to conventions or a seasoned attendee, understanding and practicing proper cosplay etiquette is essential to creating a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. This guide is here to help you navigate those interactions with kindness and respect.
Cosplay Is Not Consent
Costumes are a form of self-expression and art, not an invitation for inappropriate comments or behavior. It doesn’t matter how elaborate or revealing a cosplay is—comments about someone’s body or appearance can cross the line. Focus on the craftsmanship instead. Compliments like, “I love the detail in your armor!” are much better than remarks about how someone looks “in” their costume.
Remember, even if a cosplayer shares photos online or has a public presence, it doesn’t mean they owe you anything in person. Treat them with the same respect as you would anyone else.
Vice, in their article Cosplay Is Not Consent: Exploring the Dark Side of Adult Dress-Up, highlights the experiences of Vivid Vivka, a cosplayer and model who has faced both online and in-person harassment. She shared that “people forget there’s a person inside the costume,” explaining how lewd comments, inappropriate touching, or even being called derogatory names can make conventions uncomfortable for cosplayers. Her powerful statement, “Just because I am dressed up, doesn’t mean I aim to serve your fantasies,” underlines the importance of respecting personal boundaries.
Always Ask Before Taking Photos
Seeing amazing cosplays is one of the best parts of a convention, but snapping a photo without permission is a big no-no. This is a major tenant of cosplay etiquette: Always ask politely before taking someone’s picture. Many cosplayers are happy to pose, but they might need a moment to adjust or prepare. If they say no, respect their decision and move on.
Pro tip: Be mindful of the setting when making a request. Avoid interrupting conversations, meals, or when someone looks visibly tired.
Harassment at Conventions: A Need for Change
According to an article by Janelle Asselin in 2014 for the now-defunct BitchMedia, 13% of respondents reported receiving unwelcome sexual comments, and 8% experienced inappropriate touching or assault at conventions. Any number higher than zero is unacceptable.
As The Sexy Pikachu Effect notes, the objectifying nature of cosplay can lead some to treat cosplayers as fictional characters rather than human beings.
We aren’t interacting with a costume—we are interacting with a person. Cosplay is about creativity and self-expression, not an invitation for harassment. As a community, we must do better with our cosplay etiquette to ensure conventions remain safe and inclusive for everyone.
Respect Personal Space
Conventions can be crowded, but respecting personal space is essential. Keep a comfortable distance when talking to others—hovering too close can make people uncomfortable. This is especially important when meeting new people or waiting in line for an autograph or photo op.
If you’re in a packed panel or exhibit area, be mindful of how much room you’re taking up with bags or props, and always be courteous when navigating tight spaces.
Pay Attention to Social Cues
Not everyone at a convention is ready for long conversations or interactions. If someone gives short answers, avoids eye contact, or steps back, it’s a good indication they need space. Don’t take it personally—sometimes people are tired, overwhelmed, or simply not in the mood to chat.
Pro tip: No one owes you a conversation. Respect their boundaries and move on with kindness.
No Touching Without Consent
Whether it’s a person, a prop, or a costume, always ask before touching. Some cosplayers put hours—or even months—of work into their creations, and uninvited touching could damage their efforts or make them uncomfortable.
Even for casual interactions, a simple “Is it okay if I…” goes a long way in showing respect.
Keep Conversations Light and Fun
When striking up conversations, keep the focus on shared interests like fandoms, cosplay, or the convention itself. Avoid personal or intrusive questions unless the other person brings them up.
Great conversation starters include:
- “What inspired your cosplay?”
- “What’s been your favorite part of the con so far?”
- “Are there any panels or events you’re excited about?”
Steer clear of anything that might feel too personal or invasive.
Intent Doesn’t Matter—Perception Does
At conventions, it’s not your intent that matters when it comes to making others comfortable—it’s how your actions are perceived. What might seem harmless to you could be interpreted as unwelcome or even harassing by someone else. Always err on the side of caution and kindness.
As cosplay experts Have Camera, Will Cosplay advises:
“There is no grey area. If you are looking for loopholes or attempting to rationalize behavior that is outside of the above outlined, you are barking up the wrong tree. If there is a situation that is not outlined above that causes you to hedonistically calculate the cause and effect, then chances are it’s wrong. When in doubt, DON’T DO IT!”
Supporting Creators’ Choices
Cosplayers and creators express themselves in a variety of ways, and their choices—whether in costume, content creation, or personal expression on websites of their choosing including adult sites—are entirely their own. These choices should never be used as justification for judgment, harassment, or entitlement. No one is ever owed a cosplayer’s time, attention, or personal boundaries.
Cosplayers deserve to feel safe, celebrated, and empowered—whether they’re in costume or interacting with fans. Harassment, judgment, or entitlement have no place at conventions. Respect is not conditional; it is a baseline that we must uphold for everyone.
Introducing the Cosplayer Survivor Support Network (CSSN):
Cosplay conventions should be safe, inclusive, and accessible spaces for everyone, but sadly, harassment, stalking, and abuse remain significant issues. In this insightful video created by Chelle Belle Cosplay—a dedicated cosplayer and advocate for making cosplay accessible, safe, and fun for everyone—you’ll learn about the incredible mission of the Cosplayer Survivor Support Network (CSSN). CSSN is committed to supporting survivors, promoting inclusivity, and holding conventions accountable for fostering anti-harassment cultures. Watch Chelle’s video to discover how CSSN is making a difference, and visit cosplayer-ssn.org/ to learn more or get involved.
Setting an Example for the Next Generation
Conventions are family-friendly environments where many fans, including children, come to celebrate their love of fandom. As a parent, I attend conventions with my little girl, who loves to dress up as her favorite characters. She’s part of the next generation of fans, and every interaction she witnesses shapes her understanding of how people should treat one another.
When she sees cosplayers being celebrated for their creativity and treated with respect, she learns that these spaces are inclusive, supportive, and safe. But if she sees others being judged, harassed, or demeaned, it sends the opposite message—that such harmful behavior is acceptable.
It’s up to all of us to create a positive and welcoming environment where children can see respect and kindness in action.
Key Takeaway
Every con-goer deserves to feel safe and respected. Whether you’re admiring a cosplayer’s work, attending a panel, or simply walking the exhibit floor, remember to be mindful of others. Respect is the foundation of fandom, and it’s up to all of us to make conventions a welcoming space for everyone.
Learn more about navigating fan conventions with our guides to con survival successfully!
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for educational and informational purposes to promote respectful behavior toward cosplayers at conventions. Please note that individual conventions may have their own specific rules and codes of conduct regarding cosplay etiquette and attendee behavior. We encourage readers to review the official policies of the events they attend and follow all guidelines provided by convention organizers to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Many conventions have code of conduct on their sites like Popverse which handles New York Comic Con, Star Wars Celebration, GalaxyCon, FanExpo and San Diego Comic Con.
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