Some cosplays are chosen. Others are chosen for you and that creates a very different experience.
This was one of those moments. I was reached out to through a friend of a friend who had recently taken over and revamped a comic book store. He was looking to bring in a cosplayer for an event, and the question came up: What about Wonder Woman? It’s a character I’ve been told many times I would be a good fit for. And that’s one of the interesting things about cosplay, people often look at you and assign characters based on appearance alone. While that can be flattering, it doesn’t always mean it’s a character you personally connect with.
The Concept
Wonder Woman is undeniably iconic: strong, recognizable, and widely loved.
But for me, the challenge wasn’t the look: it was the personality.
She’s not a sarcastic or over-the-top character. She doesn’t rely on punchlines or exaggerated expressions. Instead, she’s grounded, wholesome, and composed. The kind of character who gives advice, encourages others, and carries herself with strength and warmth.
So instead of leaning into humor, I had to shift into a completely different mindset:
- Encouraging kids
- Speaking kindly and supportively
- Giving that classic, almost timeless “hero guidance”
Things like:
- “Have you been doing your homework?”
- “You take care of your younger sibling, don’t you?”
It felt very different from the types of characters I naturally gravitate toward, but that was part of the challenge.
Choosing a Version
One of the biggest hurdles was deciding which version of Wonder Woman to portray. There are so many variations across decades, each with slightly different designs and tones. After looking through multiple references, I chose to lean toward a 1980s-inspired version, since it felt the most recognizable and visually consistent for a general audience. That gave me a clear direction to build from.
The Look (Head to Toe)
Hair & Wig Styling
Wonder Woman’s hair is typically depicted as black, but with dimension often shown with subtle blue undertones in comics to prevent it from looking flat. I found a cool-toned black wig with slight blue accents, which worked perfectly.
From there, I:
- Cut and shaped the wig on a mannequin
- Used thinning shears to create layers
- Thinned the overall density to reduce tangling
- Focused heavily on the nape area to prevent matting
After brushing out the loose fibers, I realized I had lucked out—the wig already had a natural shape that worked well, so minimal styling was needed.
Tiara & Bracelets
The headpiece is correctly referred to as a tiara, and her wrist pieces are known as the Bracelets of Submission, commonly shortened to just bracelets.
Both were visually strong and reflective, which helped sell the character immediately.
The tiara secured into the wig using small comb attachments, which actually worked well with the wig base. However, one side was positioned in a way that caused discomfort and ended up giving me a headache over time.
At first, I thought it was the wig being too tight, but it turned out to be the tiara placement itself.
The bracelets were snug and felt like good quality, though definitely something you’re aware of while wearing them.
Top & Structure
The main bodice piece is designed like a strapless one-piece, similar to a swimsuit. To make sure everything stayed secure, I layered a corset underneath (specifically one from my Krampus cosplay) and pinned the top in place to prevent shifting. This worked well for stability, but it also made me rethink the design for the future.
If I revisit this costume, I would likely:
- Switch to a separate red corset
- Add the Wonder Woman emblem directly to it
- Pair it with bottoms instead of a one-piece
This would improve both structure and overall comfort.
Bottoms & Materials
Finding the right star-patterned bottoms was more difficult than expected.
Many options had:
- Stars that were too large
- Patterns that felt forced or unnatural
- Inconsistent spacing
I ultimately chose a version that felt visually balanced and readable from a distance.
Because of lighting and exposure, I wore opaque tights (similar to ice skater tights), which helped:
- Maintain coverage
- Keep me warm
- Create a smoother overall look
One important note: The material used in this type of costume often has a shiny surface layer, which can wear down over time—especially with heat, friction, or certain products.
Things like:
- Spray deodorant
- Perfume
can contain alcohol, which may damage that outer layer and reveal the base color underneath. It’s something to be mindful of if wearing the costume repeatedly.
Boots
The boots were from Rubie’s, and visually, they were one of the strongest parts of the costume.
They looked great but unfortunately, they had structural issues similar to what others have experienced with them. Even though the sizing worked out (which can be tricky since they’re sold in general sizes like small/medium/large), they didn’t hold up well, and I ultimately had to return them.
The Experience
Despite my personal disconnect from the character, the event itself was incredibly rewarding.
From the moment I arrived, there was excitement, especially from younger attendees. Seeing that immediate reaction reinforced how recognizable and meaningful the character is to others.
Throughout the event, I leaned fully into the role:
- Warm, approachable, and encouraging
- Focused on creating a positive interaction
One moment that stood out didn’t involve photos or attention at all.
An older woman asked for help walking to a nearby salon because she was tired and overwhelmed by the heat. I walked her there: no cameras, no documentation… just a quiet moment that felt very aligned with the character.
It ended up being one of the most genuine parts of the entire experience.
Final Thoughts
This cosplay pushed me outside of my usual comfort zone: not in terms of construction, but in terms of performance and presence.
While I naturally gravitate toward more exaggerated or humorous characters, this required a completely different energy:
- Calm
- Supportive
- Grounded
Even though it’s not a character I deeply resonate with, I can absolutely see why people connect with her.
Costume Notes & Condition
All pieces of this costume are still in my possession and stored properly.
I’m currently undecided on its future:
- It may be modified into a more structured version (with a corset redesign)
- Or potentially retired if it no longer aligns with my direction
Either way, it remains a strong example of adapting to an opportunity and stepping into a role that serves the environment and audience.