Plastic wrap is a supply that can be found in most kitchens. The basic no-frills version of plastic wrap is a staple and available at any dollar, grocery, or big box store. It’s usually inexpensive and comes in a few different sizes and in boxes from small to mega. Besides using it to cover leftovers, it’s a handy item to keep with your cosplay and craft supplies. It’s great for covering a cup of paint and similar practical applications, but here are five other ways you can use plastic wrap in cosplay:
Photo via OHI Cosplay
Body or limb cast – If you’re making armor, a corset, bracers, or just about any wearable that needs to be formed to your body, you can use a combination of plastic wrap and tape to cast yourself. The plastic wrap is the first layer, and you’ll cover it with masking or duct tape. You’ll draw a seam (or a few of them) and cut the mold off carefully. You can use the mold to create a pattern from fabric, foam, Worbla, or other materials. Here’s a tutorial on the process for bracers and also one for a corset.
Dexter costume – If you’re in need of a costume for Halloween or a creepy theme party, you can pair up with someone and be Dexter (from the series of the same name) and one of his victims. The serial killer with a conscience wraps his targets in saran wrap to prevent them from moving. It also makes clean up a little easier. You simply have to work with the help of a partner to wrap yourself in saran wrap mummy style and you can finish the look with drops of faux blood and a cut on your cheek.
Chest binding – If you’d like to bind your chest for a costume for the sake of comfort or getting the look right, you can use fabric, a back brace, a binder, or plastic wrap. However, you should only use saran wrap in a pinch and if you’re not going to be wearing the binding for a long period of time. It’s not comfortable, and I recommend using the plastic wrap over a thin tank top to minimize contact between it and your skin. If you tape down the plastic wrap, use sports tape that won’t damage your skin. And remember not to wrap too tightly.
Clothing – Make a statement by using layers of saran wrap to make an opaque dress, top, or jacket. You can use clear plastic wrap or the tinted stuff and assemble it following a pattern like you would with fabric. It won’t be quite the same, but it’s close enough. If you wrap the plastic wrap around yourself, be sure not to do so too tightly and be sure to double check to make sure you have enough layers to provide full coverage. You can add a touch of fancy to a dress design with bubble wrap.
Wings – Cellophane is a good material to use for making fairy wings but tinted plastic wrap works too. Bend the frame of the wings into shape with wire – a clothes hanger works fine – and stretch the saran wrap over the edges. You can use a hair dryer on its lowest setting to melt the cling wrap and make it stick to itself. Add two layers of wrap – to the front of the wings and the back – and you can insert glitter or confetti in between the layers.
