Cosplay vs LARPing vs Reenactments

What's the one thing Halloween, Cosplay, LARPing, and historical reenactments all have in common? Yup, costumes. They all involve people dressing up as characters or personas. Which might confuse some people on how they are all different.

"Isn't cosplaying just wearing Halloween costumes?"

"Is LARPing just cosplayers acting?"

"Are historical reenactments LARPing?"

"What about Renaissance Fairs?"

COSPLAY

Cosplay (costume play) is more than throwing on a Halloween costume. It's about the craft of costuming and re-creating the design of already-existing characters. Usually ones from movies, comics, cartoons, or video games. Cosplay is more of an art form focused on accuracy and/or creative exploration. Such as blending two characters or re-imagining a character in a different universe.

Cosplay involves less, if any, role-playing like LARPing. Although, there are definitely some cosplayers who take on the persona of the character they're dressed as. (myself included, especially when talking to kids) But it's not required or expected. Most cosplayers dress up for fun, but others take it more seriously. Either for social media status or cosplay competitions. Cosplay is closer to modeling than acting or role-playing. Competitions are basically fashion shows that sometimes have small skits mixed in.

If you're curious to know the history of cosplay, check out my previous post.

COSPLAY VS HALLOWEEN

Let's be honest, Halloween costumes are cheap, inaccurate, and tacky. They are mass-produced for everyday people, meant to last one night out of the year - rarely worn again. Quality isn't a priority, even with the more expensive 'Deluxe' or 'Pristine' versions. Halloween costumes tend to focus on the most recent pop culture trends so they're easily recognizable. Women's costumes also tend to be more sexualized versions of characters... sexy Sesame Street Bert and Ernie anyone? Look it up, it exists. Cosplay requires more effort and attention to detail. They're more likely to be noticed and appreciated at conventions, not casual Halloween parties.

Not to shame cosplayers who buy Halloween costumes though. Not everyone has the money or crafting skills to create full cosplays from scratch. Sometimes referred to as "plus-ing": using a pre-made costume as a base, and then adding more details to enhance it. This can include repainting cheap plastic props, replacing fake design elements, or weathering pieces to look more lived in and battle-worn. (all depending on the character) I've done this multiple times! Adding a great wig and decked out shoes can also upgrade any 'cheap' out-of-the-bag costume.

COSPLAY VS LARPing

LARPing (live-action-role-playing) is more of a game people play together. It revolves around a plot provided by the 'Game Master' - very similar to a Dungeon Master in Dungeons & Dragons. Costumes are important in designing an original character, but not the main focus. Players immerse themselves entirely in their OC and act out adventures in real time. They focus on developing their character's persona and skills through quests and battles. There's usually no audience, just the small to large groups of players involved.

Fantasy is the most common genre, but can dabble in other categories. Such as horror and science fiction. This can include cyber-punk elements and mythical creatures, like werewolves and vampires instead of the usual elves and wizards. Historical time periods can also be a theme such as the Victorian era. They're still different than historical reenactments.

LARPing vs HISTORICAL REENACTMENTS

Historical Reenactments are based on real events and real people, while LARPing has original characters and made-up stories. All battles and stories have a defined outcome - they're not rewriting history. While costumes require exact accuracy, it's for historical context. There are even some recreated towns where actors and craftsmen give tours, such as Colonial Williamsburg. They show what it was like to live in that period. Historical reenactments tend to be more tourist-based and educational. If you want to know a bit more about Historical Reenactors, check out this Mental Floss article.

WHAT ABOUT RENAISSANCE FAIRS?

Renaissance Fairs are set in an accurate time period, but they are more commercial in nature. Fairs are outdoor events that have actors, performers, and musicians to recreate historical settings. There are vendors' shoppes selling time-period clothing, crafts, and artwork. And of course there's themed food and drinks to eat, like giant turkey legs and mugs of mead/beer. There are also games like archery and axe throwing available! Guests dressing up in costume is optional. Renaissance Fairs are a mix of historical accuracy and entertainment.

SO FOR A QUICK ANSWER:

Halloween costumes are cheap and easy outfits worn once a year, while Cosplay costumes require artistic crafting to make them more realistic and accurate. LARPing allows people to create their own original characters and act out fun made-up adventures. Historical Reenactments are educational, historically accurate retellings of real people and events. And finally, Renaissance Fairs are more entertainment, theme park-esque than educational recreations.

So if you like dressing up, you have a few options!