A Stupidly Simple Guide to Kigurumi Conventions in 2025

(featured image credit by mmhomm via X)

Wearing kigurumi at conventions has become this weird staple that nobody really questions anymore. They’re the unspoken regulars of these events; not exactly cosplaying, but perhaps they don’t like to come in boring old casual wear either. Now, I’m not exactly the expert, but I’ve witnessed a lot of years seeing people wear them at all kinds of expos that I have visited, and I may have some nice insights, if not double reminders, of things that you should keep in mind if you intend to wear these.

(image via Instagram)

Let’s start with the most obvious: temperature during any non-winter season. Strategic ventilation timing can, as everyone expects, transform your all-day wear experience. Something as simple and as intuitive as loosening up every 5-10 minutes each two hours inside the event center can already reset your body temperature far more effectively than buying cooling packs or drastically changing your body temperature by standing on air-blowing sections of the place’s ventilation system. There will be slight efficiency changes depending on the exact kigurumi you wear, of course, but it will still be your micromanagement throughout the day that will prevent the gradual buildup of heat discomfort.

The bathroom situation is where practicality meets logistics. The real pro move isn't finding larger stalls (though that helps); it's mastering the art of the partial unzip. For people who love lounging around with their favorite kigurumi, the technique is probably all set and done. But for those who occasionally just use them for events, I recommend you to practice at home to find your personal technique that minimizes exposure while maximizing efficiency. It may sound ridiculous, but trust me, it gets serious when you're in a convention center bathroom with a line forming outside. The magnetic clasps that some cosplayers use for quick-change purposes work brilliantly as kigurumi zipper fixes too. They prevent that dreaded mid-panel zipper malfunction far better than safety pins.

(image via Instagram)

Visibility limitations are usually treated as another obvious “no-need-mentioning” aspect of wearing kigurumi at conventions. Any character hood creates some peripheral vision adjustments that you need to account for in crowded spaces. This isn't just an inconvenience. Because it's a genuine safety concern when navigating packed dealer rooms. You'll look slightly odd constantly turning your head, but the larger movements help avoid collisions. That, or just go with the hoodie style instead.

For multi-day conventions, the maintenance strategy that actually works isn't just fabric refresher (though that helps). It's the targeted approach. Turn your kigurumi inside out, focus on the hood, armpit, and chest areas with fabric cleaner, and then use a portable fan to speed-dry before the next day. Hanging it in the bathroom while you shower creates just enough steam to release odors without dampening the fabric too much. Drying it enough also prevents those tiny critters from nesting too much into your full-body suit during the entire run.

(image via Instagram)

Storage and transport between convention days is another overlooked aspect. The fold technique matters: hood first, then arms, then legs. This minimizes wrinkles in visible areas and contains any accumulated convention grime on the interior. A mesh laundry bag takes up minimal space in your convention backpack and keeps your kigurumi separate from other items when not worn.

For those unexpected moments when you absolutely need a break from your fuzzy second skin, the quick-change option is essential. Pretty straightforward, downright stupidly so, but some people still have the bad habit of forgetting this very basic tip.

And, of course, the kigurumi community aspect is perhaps the most valuable unexpected benefit. There's an instant recognition and camaraderie that forms, particularly among those wearing more unique designs. The various character crews tend to find each other across crowded halls, creating these impromptu micro-gatherings that often lead to genuine friendships. It's like joining a temporary tribe within the larger convention community.

Is a kigurumi the perfect convention attire? Well, it is just but one of the many choices for an event that allows open quirkiness as the norm. But remembering these practical nuances, as boringly mundane as they seem to be, transforms your collection from a potential liability into a genuine asset for your convention experience.