Examining the lived experiences of American cosplayers with disabilities: Apparel needs and motivations

One in four Americans live with a disability [1]. However, only one in ten retailers (e.g. Tommy Hilfiger) offer adaptive apparel contributing to a lack of options for alternative aesthetics [4]. Cosplayers dress as fictional characters from pop culture and make custom garments using techniques like sewing, 3D printing, foam, and more [3]. Prior cosplay research explores marginalized identities such as sex, gender, and ethnicity but there is a significant research gap about the experiences of cosplayers with disabilities [3]. This study addresses the following research questions1. What are the motivations to cosplay for cosplayers with disabilities (CWD’s)? 2. What are the apparel needs of CWD’s? 3. What are the barriers that CWD’s face in creating and participating in cosplay, and how have they overcome these barriers? Seven American cosplayers with disabilities were interviewed through video and email. Interview questions explored participants’ motivations, experiences, and apparel-related challenges within cosplay. An inductive approach identified motivations and barriers. A deductive approach guided by the functional, expressive, and aesthetic (FEA) needs framework, inclusive apparel design (IAD) framework, and the principles of universal design identified apparel needs and analysed how participants navigated barriers [2]. Findings revealed multidimensional needs shaped by interaction between individual conditions, garment design, environmental, and social context. Expressive and Aesthetic Needs. Cosplayers emphasized character accuracy, quality craftsmanship, personal expression, and overall visual impact. These elements were closely tied to identity construction and community belonging. Motivations for participation were consistent with prior research, including enjoyment, community engagement, and personal accomplishment. Functional Needs. Four distinct sub-themes included: material sensitivity, temperature regulation, fit/size-adjustable options, and considerations for mobility aids. Participants reported sensitivity to fabrics, textures, makeup, and hair, limiting material selection. Temperature sensitivity was prominent with a strong need for breathable fabrics and adaptive layering. Accessories such as helmets, wigs, and masks, often restricted mobility, or compatibility with mobility aids. Additionally, body size fluctuations caused by disabilities created barriers in achieving proper fit and aesthetic satisfaction. Environmental Influence. Factors such as crowd density, venue layout, and accessibility of accommodation could mitigate or intensify physical discomfort, highlighting the impact of variability of environment on apparel performance. Adaptive Strategies. Participants addressed barriers through proactive planning, mental preparation, iterative testing of materials and construction techniques, and the integration of assistive tools and technologies (e.g., lightweight materials, electronic tools, mobility aids, and service animals). Participants demonstrated active problem-solving and resilience in navigating design and environmental constraints. Conclusion. This study extends the FEA and IAD frameworks to the context of cosplay and disability, identifying design considerations overlooked in mainstream and cosplay apparel design, and highlighting the importance of universal design impacting user experience. The findings provided practical implications for adaptive apparel design, design education, and further advocacy for accessibility in event spaces.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Level thesis:degree_level

thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Fashion

Grantor

Iowa State University - Thesis & Dissertation

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Allen, Elli

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Zhang, Ling

• Apparel, events and hospitality management

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Repository record dc:identifier.uri

https://dr.lib.iastate.edu/handle/20.500.12876/106554

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dr.lib.iastate.edu:20.500.12876/106554