Costume Workshop/Underwear

Whether you may be performing or cosplaying Cats, it is important to consider what is worn underneath the elaborately painted and fluffied Cats costume. Good underwear will give the performer or cosplayer confidence and comfort. As the desired effect is undetected support, it can be hard to identify what is best to wear under the costume. There are significant differences between costume for performance and costume for cosplay, and the underwear more suited to one may not be ideal for the other.

Performance / Authentic Stage Costumes
Performers are singing, dancing, and acting, crawling on the floor, and dancing the Jellicle Ball under stage lights. This is hot and sweaty work. They wear Mic Belts to have their voices carried to the audience, and Knee Pads to protect their joints. Otherwise they avoid extra layers which would add to the heat, wearing sports bras and VPL free underwear for the women, and dance belts for men.

The authentic replica stage unitards are dyed with acid dye. This fact is important, as this means the costumes can be easily and reliably washed after every performance. Non-replica costumes and cosplay costumes may well not be made using this industrial technique, and require more delicate handling. This affects the underwear worn, as there is not an element of needing to preserve the costume if it is the robust acid dyed style.

Cosplay Costumes
Cosplayers tend to have different demands on their costumes than performers. A cosplayer is unlikely to need a radio mic, however they are likely to have a mobile phone on their person. A performer is likely to be in costume for about 3 hours total, a cosplayer is likely to stay in costume 2-3 times as long. A performer is probably remaining inside the theatre for the duration of their time in costume, while a cosplayer may be travelling on public transport, attending outside events, and dealing with public spaces. Also, cosplayers are not necessarily the peak athletes that the professional performers are, and may need more support for body confidence.

Liner Unitard / Body Liner / Shapewear
Many cosplayers choose to wear a liner unitard under their costume. There are multiple benefits to this: It may be that layering shapewear items works well for you, such as control top tights/pantyhose and a leotard liner rather than a liner with legs built in. But it is worth considering the importance of bathroom breaks and good hydration going hand in hand during a long day at a convention!
 * Protecting the painted costume. As mentioned above, most cosplay costumes are not as robust as acid-dyed costumes.  Having a layer between the skin and the painted costume protects it from the oils in the skin, and helps prevent friction.  While the painted costume will still get sweat and environmental dirt, it will be lessened by the under layer.
 * Underwear Lines. Depending on the character, some costumes show underwear lines more visibly than others.  Particularly pale costumes such as Victoria will allow underwear to show through.  A skintone-coloured liner will smooth out seams and even the colours, removing the distraction of obvious underwear.
 * Shapewear. For those of us lacking the physique of professional dancers at the peak of their careers, the liner will support, smooth and flatten jiggly areas.  This does not need to be extreme, it is important to not be uncomfortable, but extra support can go a long way to body confidence.

Dance Belt
Anyone cosplaying in a unitard, who has exterior genitalia, needs to wear a supportive dance belt. This professional standard is ideal for a smooth, supported outline, and there is really no substitute. It is essential to wear a dance belt under a spandex costume, Cats or not. Dance belts are designed to create a smooth, seamless line under dance costumes.

Sports Bra
There are no end of products aimed at providing women with smooth, invisible supportive underwear. It is worth finding a bra that is close to your skintone and will be comfortable while cosplaying. This should work in conjunction with the liner to provide you with smooth lines and support. Similarly, VPL free panties will work with the liner to give you invisible comfort and support.

Shoes and Socks
While the replica unitards are full feet, most cosplay unitards are not. However almost every character's feet and ankles are to some extent obscured by legwarmers. This is one area where it may be important to compromise accuracy for practicality. Jazz shoes are perfect for the environment of the performance, but may well be inadequate for a cosplay event. Consider some substitute canvas shoes, painted to match the costume, for outdoor events and for travelling - jazz shoes will pack down into a bag or even a generous pocket to be carried with you.

Knee Pads
See full article about Knee Pads here.

Mic Belt
The concept of the Mic Belt can be utilised by cosplayers as secure storage for a mobile phone, credit card, hotel room key etc. See full article about Mic Belts Here.