Conventions are spaces where fans share their passion, celebrate pop culture, and display incredible craftsmanship. Cosplaying takes immense time, skill, and effort. However, maintaining a welcoming and safe environment relies on every attendee understanding basic boundaries and floor etiquette.
Whether you are attending your first convention or have been going for years, keeping these core principles in mind ensures everyone has a positive experience.
1. “Cosplay Is Not Consent”
The phrase “Cosplay Is Not Consent” remains the cornerstone of convention etiquette.
Wearing a costume is never an invitation for unwanted physical contact, unsolicited advice, or inappropriate comments. Every cosplayer is a person participating in a hobby, and their body and personal space must be respected at all times.
2. Asking Permission for Photos and Video
Photographs and video recording are a huge part of convention culture, but they must always be done respectfully.
- Always Ask First: Before taking a photo or recording video, clearly ask for permission. A simple “May I take your picture?” is all it takes.
- Wait for a Response: Do not take “stealth” photos from a distance or shoot over someone’s shoulder while they are talking to someone else. Wait until they give verbal, physical confirmation, or strike a pose.
- Respect the Answer: If a cosplayer says no, nods negatively, or indicates they are busy, thank them and move on. Cosplayers may be rushing to a panel, dealing with a costume malfunction, overheating, hungry, or simply exhausted.
3. Respect Personal Space and Physical Boundaries
Costumes can be delicate, heavy, or obstruct a creator’s vision and movement.
- Never Touch Without Asking: This applies to the cosplayer, their costume, their wigs, and their props. Never put an arm around a cosplayer’s shoulder, touch prop weapons, or adjust parts of their outfit without explicit permission.
- Give Extra Room in Crowded Halls: Large wings, armor pieces, and wide ballgowns require extra clearance. Be mindful in busy hallways or vendor rooms so you don’t accidentally step on extruding pieces.
- Posing Together: If a cosplayer agrees to take a photo with you, keep hands off waistlines, shoulders, or hips unless they invite a specific pose.
4. Keep Comments Constructive and Character-Focused
Compliments are always welcome when given respectfully.
- Focus on Craftsmanship and Effort: Compliment the hard work that went into the build.
- Avoid Comments on Bodies or Appearance: Never comment on a cosplayer’s body shape, skin tone, height, or physical features. Keep all feedback focused strictly on the character design and costume execution.
- Keep Opinions to Yourself: If you feel a costume is inaccurate, unfinished, or not to your personal taste, keep it to yourself. Unsolicited criticism destroys the supportive atmosphere conventions strive to build.
5. Recognize When Cosplayers Are “Off Duty”
Cosplayers spend hours on their feet in heavy or restrictive outfits.
- Respect Break Areas: If a cosplayer is sitting on the floor, eating in a food court, or repairing a costume, they are “off duty.” Don’t interrupt them for photos or lengthy conversations during these moments.
- Mind the Restrooms and Changing Spaces: Restrooms and changing rooms are private spaces. Never ask for photos here..
6. What to Do If You Witness Inappropriate Behavior
A healthy convention community relies on attendees looking out for one another.
- Support the Cosplayer: If you see someone being crowded, touched inappropriately, or made to feel uncomfortable, ask if they are okay or would like help stepping away.
- Report to Security or Staff: If an individual refuses to respect boundaries or engages in harassment, locate convention staff, venue security, or event safety teams immediately. Most modern conventions have strict codes of conduct and dedicated response protocols for floor safety.
By following these simple guidelines, you help keep conventions fun, safe, and inspiring for creators and fans alike.