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base
What does base mean?
A purchased item of clothing that a cosplayer heavily modifies as the starting point for a character costume, rather than sewing from scratch.
"I used a thrifted trench coat as the base and repainted the buttons."
Origin
Crafting jargon; 'base' as foundation, used in the modding/replica scene.
Frequently asked questions
What is a base in cosplay?
It's a ready-made garment used as the foundation for a costume, which the cosplayer then modifies instead of sewing everything from scratch.
Why start from a base?
It saves time, money and skill, since altering an existing piece is easier than constructing a whole garment.
What makes a good base?
A close match in shape, color or cut to the target costume, often thrifted or bought cheaply so it can be freely modified.
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