You can equip boobs!
I'm pretty open about how much fakery goes into cosplay. It can be anything from your regular self just with a costume on it to drag level tricks to change how you look. Personally, I love this type of fakery, and being able to play with gendered signifiers and body types in order to change how a cosplay works is a lot of fun. Which brings us to something I've somehow become a bit of an expert in: cosplay boobs that you can equip.
It doesn't matter what your gender identity, sex assigned at birth, or current equipment is (well, some of these are harder if you have breasts already -- I'll get into that). Anyone can equip boobs if they want to! Mostly, people who do not have breasts or who have very small breasts are the ones equipping boobs, but even someone with medium sized breasts may opt to equip boobs for various reasons. Perhaps the character has larger or more gravity-defying breasts than would be possible otherwise. Maybe you're doing a character with an unnatural skin tone and want to be able to equip something already in the right shade to match your armsocks and face paint. You could also be looking to change the size of your breasts surgically or with hormones or weight gain or loss and want to keep the costume consistent, or your size might fluctuate greatly with your menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Maybe you have breasts of a good size and can support them in the costume, but you simply don't want to have to deal with hiding your nipples in something very risqué or want to be able to attach a very risqué costume directly to your chest to keep it in place.
This guide doesn't cover enhancing natural breasts or otherwise using your own flesh, but rather something you can fully put on and take off and is 100% fake. Of this, there are three main types: breastforms that go inside a bra, silicone breastplates, and foam and fabric breastplates.
I'm pretty open about how much fakery goes into cosplay. It can be anything from your regular self just with a costume on it to drag level tricks to change how you look. Personally, I love this type of fakery, and being able to play with gendered signifiers and body types in order to change how a cosplay works is a lot of fun. Which brings us to something I've somehow become a bit of an expert in: cosplay boobs that you can equip.
It doesn't matter what your gender identity, sex assigned at birth, or current equipment is (well, some of these are harder if you have breasts already -- I'll get into that). Anyone can equip boobs if they want to! Mostly, people who do not have breasts or who have very small breasts are the ones equipping boobs, but even someone with medium sized breasts may opt to equip boobs for various reasons. Perhaps the character has larger or more gravity-defying breasts than would be possible otherwise. Maybe you're doing a character with an unnatural skin tone and want to be able to equip something already in the right shade to match your armsocks and face paint. You could also be looking to change the size of your breasts surgically or with hormones or weight gain or loss and want to keep the costume consistent, or your size might fluctuate greatly with your menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Maybe you have breasts of a good size and can support them in the costume, but you simply don't want to have to deal with hiding your nipples in something very risqué or want to be able to attach a very risqué costume directly to your chest to keep it in place.
This guide doesn't cover enhancing natural breasts or otherwise using your own flesh, but rather something you can fully put on and take off and is 100% fake. Of this, there are three main types: breastforms that go inside a bra, silicone breastplates, and foam and fabric breastplates.
Silicone Breastplate
Silicone breastplates are perhaps the version that people are most familiar with. These are basically a shirt made out of silicone that has a skin-like texture, details such as collarbones molded in, and either silicone or textile (often cotton) filled breasts. These originated with drag queens and crossdressing fetishists (which are not the same thing!) and often sold by brands catering to these two groups.
The biggest pro of silicone breastplates is that they are the most realistic of the options. Because silicone mimics skin well and they cover the most real estate on the body, they look the most like actual skin and actual breasts. They also come in multiple skintones and sizes off the rack, though these may be a bit limited. If you get silicone filled breasts, they will also move with realistic jiggle and weight in case that is a consideration, though the silicone filling is much heavier.
While I love silicone breastplates for their realism, they aren't good for every situation. Because they are basically a shirt made of silicone, they are very hot, heavy, and sweaty, as the material doesn't breathe and has a lot of inherent weight to it. You also can't easily recolor one in case it doesn't come in a good match for your skin (like all of these products, lighter skintones are unfortunately more common than darker) or in case you want to do a body painted character. They're also more expensive, starting at around 100 USD at the cheapest. Most have nipples, and these nipples are very perky, which can be a drawback depending on the costume (I cut them off of a pair, but the different colored silicone is still there). You also can't attach costume pieces directly to them very easily.
If your body has breasts, you may need to bind underneath one. Very small breasts can get away with not doing so, and it will bind you somewhat, but the backside of the false breast is usually flat, so there isn't room for a breast, which can get uncomfortable or pose issues depending on your particular breast type and composition.
If your body has breasts, you may need to bind underneath one. Very small breasts can get away with not doing so, and it will bind you somewhat, but the backside of the false breast is usually flat, so there isn't room for a breast, which can get uncomfortable or pose issues depending on your particular breast type and composition.
Overall, I would suggest these if you want a single pair for general use, live somewhere that doesn't have super hot weather and/or don't overheat easily, and plan to wear it for shorter periods, but want the realism of the silicone, especially in costumes with very open necklines that won't easily hide a foam and fabric plate.
Silicone breastplates usually come in varying cup sizes, but can also come in varying body sizes. Silicone does stretch somewhat, but you want it to be as close as possible to your actual body size, and not larger than your measurements (or else there will be gapping). Check the measurements chart carefully for the one that you choose.
For cup sizes, these aren't typically actual cup sizes (based on underbust inches subtracted from bust inches), but rather the general perception of cup sizes. This makes it harder to choose a size, since it can be difficult to know how large exactly the breasts will be. Again, look at the measurement charts, but also look at review photos, if they show the amount of projection from the body, and any other information provided. For someone about my frame size, somewhere in the E - G cup size range tends to look best for "big titty anime girl" without being comically huge. If you want smaller, I would go with a C or a D and not much smaller than that, especially if you have a larger frame.
For cup sizes, these aren't typically actual cup sizes (based on underbust inches subtracted from bust inches), but rather the general perception of cup sizes. This makes it harder to choose a size, since it can be difficult to know how large exactly the breasts will be. Again, look at the measurement charts, but also look at review photos, if they show the amount of projection from the body, and any other information provided. For someone about my frame size, somewhere in the E - G cup size range tends to look best for "big titty anime girl" without being comically huge. If you want smaller, I would go with a C or a D and not much smaller than that, especially if you have a larger frame.
If buying from a crossdressing site, you also often have the option to get a plate with different amounts of skin coverage. Most silicone plates go from the neck to the underbust vertically and from shoulder tip to shoulder tip horizontally. Typically, you would wear a costume that covers these edges (though the neck goes up high enough in most cases that the seam is hidden by the chin). You can also get plates that have a full or partial torso, including stomach and abs, or that have sleeves. Keep in mind that the more skin coverage, the more difficult the plate will be to wear.
Closures also differ. The most common variation is a zipper up the back vs putting it on and taking it off in one piece. The zipper makes it much easier to put on and remove, and can be partially unzipped during the day to allow for airflow and cooling. However, I find the zipper to be very difficult or impossible to do up myself due to where it sits on the back (no a ribbon on the zipper pull does not help, since it's aligning the separating zipper halves that's the problem), and the zipper will be visible in a costume that shows the back.
Slip-on types are harder to get on and off (imagine putting on a very tight T shirt that's made of a thick, not very stretchy material), but are easier to do yourself. These are harder to partially take off during the day for airflow, and should be left on all day. The back, however, is much more realistic, since the silicone back there will mimic an expanse of skin.
Both types may rip with too much stretching, but because the slip-on type has to be stretched a bit to get it off and on, it is more likely to tear a seam with this type. The plates are generally pretty durable, though, and can be repaired with silicone patching from the inside.
Slip-on types are harder to get on and off (imagine putting on a very tight T shirt that's made of a thick, not very stretchy material), but are easier to do yourself. These are harder to partially take off during the day for airflow, and should be left on all day. The back, however, is much more realistic, since the silicone back there will mimic an expanse of skin.
Both types may rip with too much stretching, but because the slip-on type has to be stretched a bit to get it off and on, it is more likely to tear a seam with this type. The plates are generally pretty durable, though, and can be repaired with silicone patching from the inside.
I haven't tried every brand out there, but I can make recommendations based on the two that I own (named Titphany and Boobra, if you were curious).
Most silicone breastplates are meant for AMAB bodies, and thus are sized for a slightly larger average body than if they were designed for AFAB bodies. If this isn't an issue (you have a larger frame or are tall, regardless of gender or birth sex), I would recommend Royaner (very NSFW website). Wait for sales. They have a variety of skin tones (though not a large variety) and many different sizes and styles. I have their small F cup "cool version," which is meant for a smaller frame and has an open back to allow some airflow. Unfortunately, I'm still too short for this plate at 5'4", and the breast root sits almost at my waist, which creates a very strange look.
They also sell a version meant for people who already have breasts that has space in the backside. I have not tried this version myself, but it is worth looking up reviews for.
Most silicone breastplates are meant for AMAB bodies, and thus are sized for a slightly larger average body than if they were designed for AFAB bodies. If this isn't an issue (you have a larger frame or are tall, regardless of gender or birth sex), I would recommend Royaner (very NSFW website). Wait for sales. They have a variety of skin tones (though not a large variety) and many different sizes and styles. I have their small F cup "cool version," which is meant for a smaller frame and has an open back to allow some airflow. Unfortunately, I'm still too short for this plate at 5'4", and the breast root sits almost at my waist, which creates a very strange look.
They also sell a version meant for people who already have breasts that has space in the backside. I have not tried this version myself, but it is worth looking up reviews for.
If you are smaller or shorter, I would recommend the plate from Classe, a Japanese wig company. You would need a shopping service for this. These have a very limited skintone range, but are meant for AFAB cosplayers (average Japanese women are smaller than average US women, where I'm from!) and are sized as such. They have a few size options and a few closure options. I have a zipper back version in (double check the size). Mine has nipples, but they sell nipless versions now as well, which is great for cosplayers. These still have a fairly flat back side, so you would need to either bind or already have small to no breasts.
Foam and Fabric
Foam and fabric breastplates are just how they sound -- equippable boobs made out of foam that has been covered in skin tone fabric. These can be storebought or handmade, and were invented by Atelier Spana, though various methods of using foam have been around for decades (I remember seeing a scan of a cosplay magazine back in the day that used the padding from padded butt panties as fake cleavage in a boob window!). This type of breastplate is almost exclusively the domain of cosplayers, and is popular with cosplayers who have breasts, as they have hollow backs. The typical version covers only the front of the chest, up to but not including the neck, and is shaped like a teardrop with the top point cut off.
Storebought foam and fabric plates are becoming more popular, and a few brands now carry their own version. The original is the Neo Oppai Sister from Classe (sometimes available on Amazon overseas), which was made in consultation with Atelier Spana. These come in three fairly light skin tones and attach with a bra strap around the back and one around the neck. If you are short like I am, you might need to shorten the neck strap and cut away some of the foam at the neck so that it sits at a good height on your torso.
Two other variants I've come across are one from Assist Cosplay, another Japanese cosplay brand but this time with direct US shipping, and from Doki Doki Cosplay. I have not tried these versions myself, so I cannot speak to the quality or the sizing, but Assist's version is interesting because it has different shaping around the shoulders for different cuts of costume. These also only come in one size and limited (light) skin tones.
If you need something custom about your plate, I would recommend making your own. Since the storebought versions on the market currently are so limited in size and color, you may need a plate that is wider to fit your frame, in a different skin tone, or otherwise more directly fit to your body. If you make your own, you can also customize the size and shape of the breasts, and you can customize things such as the exact neckline in case the costume you want to wear it with fits a different neckline better (such as cutting down the sides to fit better under a halter neck). If you make your own, you can use any color and type of fabric you want, as well, and you can decide to leave the center open instead of sewing it together into permanent cleavage (though the thread on the storebought ones can be cut). It does require a bit of crafting prowess, however, and you need to make your own pattern.
You can find the original "fluffy bust" tutorial here, and you can find Technorama's variant that uses powdered latex to create a more realistic skin texture here.
You can find the original "fluffy bust" tutorial here, and you can find Technorama's variant that uses powdered latex to create a more realistic skin texture here.
Foam and fabric breastplates are great for specific circumstances. Their main advantage is that they are lightweight and comfortable to wear. Since the material is textile, it doesn't trap heat in the same way silicone does, and since it only covers a few necessary areas, you get a lot more airflow. They are also much cheaper than silicone breastplates, going for half the price or under.
Since they are textile, you can more easily either dye one or make one in the shade you need. If you have a naturally darker skintone than the color range they come in or do unnatural color body paint, this will be a necessity. Unfortunately, that also means extra crafting for someone who needs something other than light beige. (As an aside: I would be curious about covering a premade version in spandex fabric for a different color... has anyone tried this?)
Another advantage of foam is that you can attach cosplay pieces directly to the breastplate, or in circumstances where it makes sense, sew it directly into the costume. If you have something with a very deep neckline, it would make sense to either sew it in place and cut away the excess in order to hide the edges better or to make the costume itself snap or pin to the plate.
These also do not come with nipples. I guess that can be a con rather than a pro depending on what you are doing, but for me, it's a pro, since I don't have to worry about the fake nipples showing.
Since they are textile, you can more easily either dye one or make one in the shade you need. If you have a naturally darker skintone than the color range they come in or do unnatural color body paint, this will be a necessity. Unfortunately, that also means extra crafting for someone who needs something other than light beige. (As an aside: I would be curious about covering a premade version in spandex fabric for a different color... has anyone tried this?)
Another advantage of foam is that you can attach cosplay pieces directly to the breastplate, or in circumstances where it makes sense, sew it directly into the costume. If you have something with a very deep neckline, it would make sense to either sew it in place and cut away the excess in order to hide the edges better or to make the costume itself snap or pin to the plate.
These also do not come with nipples. I guess that can be a con rather than a pro depending on what you are doing, but for me, it's a pro, since I don't have to worry about the fake nipples showing.
There are several drawbacks, however. The biggest is that the storebought versions are so limited in options. On the one hand, you can make one to any specifications you like, but on the other hand, you shouldn't have to make your own just because you happen to have darker skin than the average Japanese cosplayer (who is likely lightening their skin with makeup in cosplay anyway!).
They are also far less realistic. The shape tends to be very "anime," and because they're stiff and lightweight, they don't move realistically. The edges are also harder to hide, as you need some sort of neck coverage as well as partial shoulder coverage. The fabric covering also tends to look very flat and not like actual skin.
They are also far less realistic. The shape tends to be very "anime," and because they're stiff and lightweight, they don't move realistically. The edges are also harder to hide, as you need some sort of neck coverage as well as partial shoulder coverage. The fabric covering also tends to look very flat and not like actual skin.
Overall, if you want a cheaper option, can fit into the size and color range of the storebought options (or are willing and able to make one yourself), or are prone to overheating, I would recommend a foam and fabric form. There are costumes where these are perfect and look almost made for the design, and the form itself can be customized to fit some other designs. If you want realism or have a costume that won't hide the edges (such as a strapless dress with no layers on top for the shoulders), or if you don't fit into the narrow range of the sizing or colors and don't want to or can't DIY, then go for another option.
Breastforms
This final category is the closest to something used to enhance natural breasts. These are inserts put inside bras to create a breast where there weren't some before. Sometimes you can find these that are hollow on the backside meant to make a natural breast look larger, or bras with a large, padded cup that is meant to fully touch the skin on all sides, but typically they are for someone who does not have breasts. Often, these are sold to cis women who had a mastectomy, though they are also sold to trans women.
There are two main types of breastforms: foam and silicone. The two materials have advantages and disadvantages similar to their breastplate counterparts. the main difference is that breastforms are not meant to show. Breastforms will gave a "bump" in the clothing, but because they go inside a bra, the bra or the form itself would show when worn under something low cut.
Typically, these are special bras meant specifically to be worn with forms, as they will tack to the skin all around the breast and then have the breast mound in the middle, but they can be worn with regular bras that are cut to show part of the breast. I would recommend using a bra that doesn't have a lot of padding, just a molded foam or a sewn fabric cup, because there is no flesh to "push up" into cleavage, which is how push up bras work. This extra padding at the bottom of the cup may cause fit issues.
Typically, these are special bras meant specifically to be worn with forms, as they will tack to the skin all around the breast and then have the breast mound in the middle, but they can be worn with regular bras that are cut to show part of the breast. I would recommend using a bra that doesn't have a lot of padding, just a molded foam or a sewn fabric cup, because there is no flesh to "push up" into cleavage, which is how push up bras work. This extra padding at the bottom of the cup may cause fit issues.
Breastforms are going to be your cheapest option for equipping breasts. They also tend to be one of the more comfortable, especially if you get foam ones, since they are lightweight and cover the least amount of skin. I would recommend them for someone who primarily wears cosplays that require some degree of breasts but that do not show skin in the chest area. You can also use the foam type as a base for making your own foam and fabric breastplate.