From the bustling floors of comic cons and movie premieres to fan events, and everywhere in between, cosplay has become a cornerstone of fan expression. As enthusiasts eagerly anticipate each convention, the demand for affordable yet high-quality costumes continues to soar. Even gamers and nerd-culture enthusiasts hanging out at home love sporting on-theme costumes, whether with a cozy gaming onesie or in a full video game costume.
As if the vast roster of fan-favorite characters to choose from wasn’t enough of a challenge for cosplayers, the pop-culture calendar gets more stuffed with holidays, events, and other celebratory occasions every year. Such a busy schedule means the quest for budget-friendly cosplay options has only intensified, but fret not frugal cosplayers! We’re here to help you sort through the most must-buy cosplay gaming outfits and costumes under $50.
Pokemon Umbreon Cosplay Costume
An oversized onesie to supersize cosplay comfort.
This Umbreon onesie gives Pokemon fans' pajama and cosplay game a comfy, cozy Eeveelution.
For fans, the Pokemon video game’s various evolutions of Eevee are among one of the series' most beloved elements. As they offer so much variety and cute alternatives to the adorable original-generation Pokemon, you’d be hard-pressed to find a Pokemon fan who doesn’t have a preferred Eevee offshoot.
Those with a touch of darkness in their heart with an affinity for the multi-faceted Pokemon should get a kick out of this Umbreon onesie, which cozily transforms its wearer into the Dark-type pocket monster. Complete with its oversized fit and floppy-eared hood, this onesie willkeep Pokemon enthusiasts as snug as everwhile flaunting their fandom for the anime and video game franchise. It’s also got pockets, so you won’t have to worry about where to keep your Poke Balls or evolution stones.
Classic The Legend Of Zelda Link Costume
A costume that (Hy)rules.
This Link costume from the Disguise Store brings his classic look to life at an affordable price.
The Legend of Zelda series has been a mainstay at the top of gaming favorites for decades. Its most recent entries — Breath of the Wild and its sequel, Tears of the Kingdom — have only more firmly established its legacy as one of the video game industry’s most beloved properties. Much of its sustained popularity can be chalked up to its lovable protagonist, Link, who gets celebrated here in this awesome costume from the Disguise Store.
While Link’s look has altered and become more customizable over the years, there will be no mistaking who you’re cosplaying when wearing this costume. Featuring his iconic tricorn hat, sash, belt and green tunic, the costume does a brilliant job of bringing Link’s more classic character design to life. Though you’ll have to snag a sword in a separate purchase, this is still a pretty all-inclusive set that goes out of its way to fully wardrobe gamers at an affordable price.
Disguise Official Halo Spartan Costume
Turn your little one into a Halo super-soldier.
This full-suited Spartan costume fully outfits Halo fans, getting them ready to join the ranks of the United Nations Space Command.
Spartans, the elite super-soldiers from the Halo series, are tasked with helping the Master Chief defend humanity from The Flood and other alien enemies. The Disguise Store impressively brings the iconic Halo officer to life in this costume, complete with realistic muscle padding and a reflective visor that perfectly matches the tinted helm Spartans wear in the games.
As it’s available in youth sizing, parents finally have an affordable option to let their children’s imagination run wild and endorse their emphatic expression of hobbies and passions. While it would be nice to have an equally affordable Master Chief option, the detailing on the costume and the perks of full-body outfitting in one purchase can’t be overlooked and is sure to impress gamers and Halo fans.
Harley Quinn Cosplay Costume
Harley Quinn’s iconic look impressively transposed.
Love the Arkham video game series? Excited about the upcoming Suicide Squad Isekai anime? No matter what stokes your Harley Quinn fandom, cosplayers will rejoice at this accurate and affordable character costume.
Harley Quinn has her own animated series, movie, video games, and will soon star in the upcoming Suicide Squad Isekai anime. With so many stories showcasing the legendary villain, sporting a Harley Quinn costume helps cosplayers and fans show their support to a wide variety of DC universe properties.
With that in mind, a super affordable Harley Quinn option such as this is as tempting to purchase as it is hard to come by. This one comes from Rubies, a leader in pop-culture costuming for nearly a century, promising a high-quality cosplay outfit. Though size availability is limited, and you will have to put in the elbow grease to handwash after wearing it, there’s no shortage of spoils offered here. You get the full Arkham-inspired costume, including Harley’s belt, pants, gloves, necklace, and top, each with a surprising level of detail and accuracy considering the price.
Nintendo Characters Super Mario Lightweight Costume Short Sleeve Hoodie T-Shirt & Shorts Set
A creative, casual take on a classic.
This two-piece Mario costume set gives the iconic Nintendo plumber’s costume a cozy twist, turning his coveralls into a t-shirt hoodie and shorts combo.
If you’re looking for a comfortable cosplay of an iconic gaming character, this nifty Mario set from Nintendo might be the perfect choice. By putting an athleisure-style twist on Mario’s iconic costume, gone are the days of sweating throughyour Halloween costumeor cosplay outfits with multiple layers.
From his overalls to his red undershirt, Mario’s familiar appearance is cleverly presented in its entirety. The included short-sleeve hoodie and shorts transpose Mario’s would-be-bulky overalls into an easy-breezy outfit perfect for warm-weather cosplay, without compromising the Mario likeness. While no hat is included, anyone concerned about its absence shouldn’t worry. This costume understands how synonymous the headgear is to the Nintendo hero, including its ‘M’ emblem prominently on the top’s hood.
Bioworld Sonic The Hedgehog Men’s Video Game Character Costume One-Piece Union Suit Pajama Onesie
You gotta go fast!
Perfect for pajamas or cosplayers, this Sonic costume onesie turns gamers into the iconic blue video game speedster.
Sonic the Hedgehog is a beloved pop-culture icon, featured in movies, TV shows, and video games. It’s no surprise Bioworld lent its talents and trademark high-quality craftsmanship to the character, impressively bringing Sonic to life with this onesie.
Wearing this costume will not just pay homage to the legendary Sega character but also wow fellow Sonic fans. Made with soft pajama-friendly materials, its coziness is only outdone by its impressive quality. The hood features Sonic’s facial features embroidered with meticulous detail, and his spiky head and long tail have been brought to life in 3D form.
FAQ
Are There Any Rules To Cosplaying?
In general, cosplay doesn’t abide by a set of rules, but there are best practices and other factors every cosplayer should consider. It’s important to respect fellow cosplayers and the characters you are portraying. Perhaps most importantly, if you’re going to conventions, you should read the event guidelines to make sure you aren’t violating any rules with your costume.
What’s The Best Way To Clean A Cosplay Outfit/Costume?
While care instructions will vary from garment to garment (be sure to check product tags and packaging for that info), there are strategies that any cosplayer can employ to upkeep their outfits. Spot-cleaning and handwashing help maintain more fragile or finicky outfits that may get compromised in a washing machine. Proper storage and care in between cosplay outings are also crucial. After cleaning and drying, verify to carefully store your cosplay outfit away from the sun and delicately folded to prevent damage or fading.
