Cosplay Policies/
Prop Guidelines

Cosplay Policies

  • All cosplays must cover all parts of the average swimsuit.

  • Undergarments are required especially if you are wearing something form fitting such as a bodysuit. (Please make sure contours of sensitive areas are covered.) This can include wearing a dance belt underneath form fitting costumes.

  • Nudity is forbidden and so are cosplays that try to replicate nudity. 

  • Please consider using some form of body tape to hold cosplays together/ cover sensitive areas.

  • Body Paint and other forms of makeup (including glitter, powder, fake blood etc.) must be dried and/ or sealed. We don't want others costumes getting ruined and want an easy clean up for staff.

  • Please avoid wearing costumes that contain elements that could harm others around you. This includes costumes with sharp edges or costumes that require too large/ heavy props.

  • Cosplayers must be wearing feet coverings at all times. We want to keep our attendees safe. Please make sure you are wearing shoes of some kind.

  • Cosplayers must not wear costumes that intertwine with other attendees. Costumes must remain separate for safety precautions. 

  • Harmful wording and imagery goes against IsshoCon policy. Those found wearing such imagery may be asked to leave the convention. 

  • The use of skateboards, skates, rollerblades etc. is not allowed inside the hotel. We want to keep you and other attendees safe.

  • Please make sure that if you are taking photos of other cosplayers you do so off to the side. We want to ensure flow of traffic stays open and don't want others to get hurt in the process. 

  • Remember that cosplay is not consent! Just because someone is cosplaying does not mean they are comfortable being photographed/ recorded.

  • Anyone found breaking these rules runs the risk of being removed from IsshoCon without a refund. 

  • IsshoCon reserves the right to refuse entry/ participation in IsshoCon at any time. These policies are also subject to change/ be updated at any time.

Prop Guidelines


What Needs to be Prop Checked?

All weapon or weapon-adjacent props should be presented to the prop check for inspection, as well as any other large-scale props. Inspection isn’t necessary for most small, non-weapon props.

  • Examples of Items that SHOULD be prop checked:

    • Weapons (Including Staffs and Shields)

    • Flags/Banners

    • Instruments

    • Furniture

    • Large Containers (Chests, Barrels, etc.)

    Examples of Non-Check Items:

    • Clothing/Costumes

    • Hats/Helmets

    • Packs/Bags

    • Jewelry

    • Stuffed Animals/Pillows

    • Books

    *When in doubt, get it checked*


    General Guidelines

    • If asked by staff, proof of prop inspection must be provided

    • Misuse of props, such as unsafe handling of the prop in a public space, will lead to your prop privilege being revoked

    • Props that do not pass inspection or are misused must be stored in a private space, such as a vehicle or room

    • Props must be a reasonable weight and size for a single person to easily handled.

    • No explosives or chemicals allowed (e.g., fireworks, smoke powder/bombs)

    • No use of loose confetti, smoke/fog machines, or any liquid spraying/dripping devices

    • No speakers are allowed, but music can be played off of cell phones or cell phone-like devices at a volume that is not disturbing to others in the area

    • Exceptions to these rules may be made for Cosplay Masquerade purposes, but the props must be returned to a private space directly after competing. The final discretion for any masquerade props will be up to the discretion of the cosplay department staff

    • If any props that would violate policy are purchased inside the dealer’s hall during the convention, they must immediately be taken to a private space

    • If the decision is made by the prop’s owner to modify the prop using provided materials to conform to policy, liability for any damage that may result is solely on the prop’s owner, not the convention or any of its staff.


    Melee Weapon Prop Guidelines:

    • Absolutely NO sharpened blades, edges, or points

    • All metal used in the prop must be covered or sheathed at all times (excluding metal handles or ornamental pieces). In the case of a sheathed weapon, it must be secured into the sheath by a zip tie while in indoor convention spaces


    Ranged Weapon Prop Guidelines:

    • Absolutely NO live or decommissioned firearms

    • Prop firearms must meet these specifications:

      • Unable to fire any projectiles

      • Must have an easily discernible orange tip

      • No cap/popguns

      • Prop bows must have no tension on the string


    These rules are only guidelines and are subject to change; therefore, final decisions regarding individual props will be made by convention staff.

  • Again, IsshoCon staff reserves the right to revoke prop privileges at any time!