#Path to Nowhere Summer Cosplay Costumes

[cosplayclans]

Game Path to Nowhere Summer Cosplay Costumes

[fabrickind]

Fabrickind’s Big Post About Staying Cool at Cons

Hello everyone!

As we all know, cons often take place during the summer months, and cosplay and heat don’t mix well. I hope that this guide will help people to keep themselves cool at cons and help recognize the signs of both heat exhaustion and heat stroke so that they can have a safe and fun time at con.

Types and symptoms of heat sickness

There are two major types of heat sickness: heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion is usually a sign of dehydration or lack of salt, while heat stroke is caused by a raise in the body’s temperature. Heat stroke is very serious and can be fatal. If you or someone you know has the symptoms, get medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of heat stroke: 

Throbbing headache

Dizziness and light-headedness

Lack of sweating despite the heat

Red, hot, and dry skin

Muscle weakness or cramps

Nausea and vomiting

Rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak

Rapid, shallow breathing

Behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation, or staggering

Seizures

Unconsciousness

Core body temperature above 104°F

Again, heat stroke can be fatal. If you have these symptoms, get medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion (far more common):

Confusion

Dark-colored urine (a sign of dehydration)

Dizziness

Fainting

Fatigue

Headache

Muscle or abdominal cramps

Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Pale skin

Profuse sweating

Rapid heartbeat

If you have heat exhaustion, stop what you are doing, get to a cool area, rest, drink plenty of fluids, and try to cool yourself down. Removing extra outer layers of clothing and wigs will help quite a bit with this, as will increasing airflow on your body to help sweat evaporate.

(Lists of symptoms from WedMD [ x x ]. Note that I am far from a medical doctor, so take this as a precaution, not actual medical advice. That will be my blanket disclaimer for this post.)

Preventing Heat-Related Illness

I know, you want to cosplay at the con, and cosplay = heat trap. But there are still things you can do to help prevent getting yourself sick.

1. Choose cosplays for the weather.

This is sometimes easier said than done, but would you rather be in something lightweight and cool and stay at the con, or wear the heavy cosplay you /really/ wanted on your way to the hospital? 

Choose lightweight, breathable materials as much as possible. I recommend natural fibers and rayon. Silk and linen are always lovely on a hot day.

Choose light colors over dark, if possible.

Loose clothing is better than tight clothing, since it allows for airflow and sweat evaporation. Long, loose fabric will keep the sun off of your skin, as well. You can also opt to expose a lot of skin and wear sunscreen.

Short wigs are better than long, and no wig is better than a short wig, if possible. Your hair may not look as good as it would with a wig, but if it’s an option, I’d recommend foregoing the wig just this once.

Lots of layers and heavy fabrics, especially lots of layers around your head, neck, and other pulse points, will make you warmer and trap heat in. Opt for as few layers as possible, or find ways to lighten the layers you are wearing.

Some people like to wear clothing with wicking properties, as well. I like Uniqlo’s Airism line, and I know that a lot of people swear by clothing meant for athletes. This adds an extra layer and is a trade-off, but if you have something where you can remove an outer layer to reveal the wicking tank underneath, it can be a godsend when walking for long periods of time or needing to cool off quickly. Taking off outer layers has saved my ass at cons before, so I’m passing along the tip.

Underarm shields will also help protect your cosplay from sweat.

2. Take plenty of breaks.

Walking around a con can be energy-intensive and exhausting in the best of circumstances, and even more so the hotter it gets. Be sure to take plenty of breaks where you sit, drink some fluids, and cool off. If you need to, remove outer layers of clothing while taking your break, and remove wigs while taking your break, to allow yourself to cool off.

Try to find areas that are indoors, tiled, air conditioned, out of the sun, not crowded, and on lower levels. These types of areas will be cooler.

Somewhat related, if you are walking around a lot and working up a sweat, especially if you are outdoors, See if you can remove outer layers of clothing or change into a tank top or similar garment before doing so. It will sacrifice some degree of looks, but you can always put the items back on for photos.

If you need to, bring a change of clothes and only wear your cosplay for a short period of time.

3. Drink plenty of fluids.

Water is best, unless you have been sweating a lot and have depleted your electrolytes, in which case, sports drinks are good. Be sure to keep both your water AND salt levels up. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as much as possible. You don’t have to cut them out entirely, but it is best to stay away as much as possible. (Caffeine’s diuretic effect doesn’t outweigh the hydration of the liquid, but it’s still best to avoid.)  Try to avoid very sugary drinks, as well.

I recommend bringing at least two water bottles, especially if you are driving in for the day or otherwise may not return to a hotel room often: one bottle chilled, and any subsequent bottles frozen. The frozen bottles will thaw throughout the day, and can be used to help quickly cool down pulse points.

If you can’t stand the taste of plain water, it’s most important that you drink fluids and not that you drink water per se. Juices can be a good option, as can non-caffeinated sodas. Flavored seltzer is a good option if you like the taste of it, since it’s just water + bubbles + flavoring. You can also purchase flavored add-ins for water, some of which have sugar (like Koolaid) and some of which have artificial sweeteners (like Crystal Light or Mio). Other options aren’t /as/ good as water, but staying hydrated is most important!

Also be sure to keep your body well-fed so that you have the caloric energy to expend on the con. Just eating Pocky all day is not keeping yourself well-fed. Eat actual meals when possible, but keep them light.

4. Avoid the outdoors.

If you can help it, don’t walk around outside during the hottest parts of the day. the sun is at its highest between 10am and 4pm, though it often stays very hot until 5 or 6pm, depending on the location.

If you can’t help it, protect yourself when walking around outside during the hottest parts of the day. Take off outer layers of clothing and wigs. Bring a parasol if you can to help keep the sun off of you (a compact umbrella thrown into a bag works). Stay in the shade as much as possible, and if there is a path to your destination that is grassy vs. paved, take the grassy path, as it will be cooler than black asphalt.

Wear sunscreen. No matter your skin tone. Slather yourself in the stuff.

Try to stay in the air conditioning as much as possible, but also avoid very crowded areas of the con during the busiest times, if you can.

5. Cool yourself.

Pack a small battery-powered fan or a hand fan. Moving air around your body = sweat evaporation = your body’s temperature lowers. If sweat has nowhere to go or is not evaporating, you will feel hotter. Adding more water to evaporate = you will cool down even more.

Similarly, if you have a hotel room, you can cool down in a cool shower or in the hotel pool. If you do not have a hotel room or need to cool down right away without changing clothes, going to a restroom and placing wet paper towels on pulse points (the neck is always good) will help cool you off quickly, again, because of the water evaporation. Make sure your cosplay can take the extra water, but if it’s a choice between cosplay and illness, prioritize your health.

If you can build fans or a cooling vest into a large cosplay, do so. Look into tips for fursuiters to beat the heat, as well.

6. If you have any health conditions or are on medication, consult your doctor.

Some conditions may make you overheat faster, or may change your hydration needs. Certain medical conditions will also change these needs. When in doubt, ask your doctor. 

Some more information about heat-related illnesses and how to prevent them: http://cosplaymediccorps.tumblr.com/post/55870913092/cosplay-medic-corps-con-survival-guide-hot-and http://cosplaymediccorps.tumblr.com/post/52428503983/cosplay-medic-corps-con-survival-guide-heat https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.html

Remember, no con or cosplay is worth sacrificing your health. If it’s a choice between wearing your cosplay and staying safe and healthy, choose your health. Always. That way, you’ll be able to wear the costume again at the next con.

Stay safe and cool out there!! ☀

[cosplayclans]

Game Path to Nowhere Summer Cosplay Wigs