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Whether it’s a theme birthday party, Halloween, or any other occasion, every once in a while you might find yourself racking your brain, trying to come up with an idea for a costume; which often proves to be a task more difficult than expected.

One of the reasons for that is the fact that elaborate costumes can get pretty costly. But with or without a big budget set aside for the mission, one has to be quite creative in order to figure out what they want to be and how best to achieve the look.

Some people are capable of showing that a big budget is not necessary when you have imagination. Renowned for their elaborate, yet affordable costumes, Anucha Saengchart—going online by the moniker Lonelyman or The Low Cost Cosplay Guy—proves that one does not require using a lot of fancy materials or expensive items to create something impressive; you can make do with things you have lying around the house.

On the list below, you will find the best of Anucha’s costumes, all made with household objects, as well as Bored Panda’s interview with the creative costume genius themself. Moreover, we also discussed costume design with an expert in the field, former lecturer in theater at Williams College in Massachusetts, Deborah Brothers, who was kind enough to answer a few of our questions; so what are you waiting for? Scroll down and get inspired for your next costume party!

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#1

Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

Lowcostcosplay Report

Roger9er
Community Member
1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So simple and yet so realistic.

Virgil Blue
Community Member
1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why does this work so well? Kudos for coming up with this.

LokisLilButterknife
Community Member
1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is so incredibly simple yet so damned clever!

RedCorvette
Community Member
1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

LMAO! I didn’t expect the toothbrush and toothpaste.

L Terr
Community Member
1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Damn...that's impressive

Brian Droste
Community Member
1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had to look at it a few seconds to figure out what he was doing.

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    #2

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

    Lowcostcosplay Report

    Roger9er
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cat: "Is this really necessary? "

    LokisLilButterknife
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I swear this guy has the most chill cats in existence. My cat would be clawing my eyes out.

    Abel
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I want to see the fifth pic, were this tool has his face full of scratches.

    #3

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

    Lowcostcosplay Report

    Sue Denham
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Always thought this guy was brilliant but never realised just how talented at crafts he is too.

    George Costanza
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel like this is way more complicated that just putting on clown makeup.

    Khavrinen
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His cosplay skills are un-matched!

    Here at Bored Panda, we’ve covered Anucha’s work quite extensively, starting as early as 2014. Since then, they’ve made incredible progress in the way they carry out their ideas and the costumes they create.

    In a recent interview, the costume aficionado shared that their interest in the peculiar kind of craft came from their love of cartoons and cosplay. “I always wanted to cosplay myself, but I didn’t have enough money or time to create elaborate costumes. So, I started using household objects to create costumes that resembled characters from various anime,” they said.

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    #4

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

    Lowcostcosplay Report

    Satan Laughs
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Omg by far the best. Make this an Olympic sport for L.A. 2028!!!!!! Watch party at my house.

    Cooking Panda
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That big plastic bowl with fruit pictures screams "asian" 😂😂

    Stygtand
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It does sound like that sometimes, when i have had to much to drink.

    “I found it really fun, and when I posted my creations on social media, people liked them. That’s why I kept doing it,” Anucha continued.

    “I’ve always felt a passion for creating art. When I started cosplaying using household objects, I tried to make each costume a piece of art. As for my next costume, I’d like to try making a robot-themed one using milk cartons.”

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    #7

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

    Lowcostcosplay Report

    LokisLilButterknife
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hah hah, the BoredPanda censorship mafia isn't paying close attention.

    Leticia Ramirez
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No wonder why they call her a d!ckhead.......

    #8

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

    Lowcostcosplay Report

    JL
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I saw a plastic Cap shield on sale for $5, seems like this was not the cheapest way to go.

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    During the recent interview, the mastermind behind the costumes shared not only what their ambitions for the future were. They also revealed what has proven to be the most challenging endeavor so far, saying that the most difficult costume was one that required full body painting on their back. “That meant I needed help, and my wife was the one who assisted me while I directed the process,” they recalled.

    #9

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

    Lowcostcosplay Report

    PandaAfficionado
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How many cats does this guy have???

    Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My!
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Most soft can-openers don't put us on their heads. We normally have to jump up our own selves.

    LokisLilButterknife
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just how many insanely complacent cats does this guy have?

    _-DungeonKeeper-_
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Use an orange cat and it would look just like Mondo from danganronpa

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    #10

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

    Lowcostcosplay Report

    AtMostAFabulist
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG, that is brilliant. I saw what you did, but had to look closer to see it.

    Nikole
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He’s an insanely good artist. I couldn’t draw that on paper let alone my own leg.

    #11

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

    Lowcostcosplay Report

    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm howling with laughter here...

    LokisLilButterknife
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love how insanely unhinged yet creative his ideas are.

    winterwidow87
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is both brilliant and disturbing.

    Whether it’s body painting, crafting all sorts of accessories, or covering themself in crab sticks, Anucha’s effort didn’t go unnoticed. Created back in 2016, their Instagram account now has close to two million followers, while their Facebook page boasts more than 6.2 million likes and over 7 million followers.

    While the fans might find it difficult to determine which costume they love most, The Low Cost Cosplay Guy is certain about their favorite; it’s the ‘Luffy and Boa’ from the One Piece manga series – a two-in-one cosplay that uses a mirror as part of the concept.

    #12

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

    Lowcostcosplay Report

    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Exactly how many unfeasibly complaisant cats does he have

    Barbara Wilcock
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He obviously loves his cats and they work for excessive amounts of tuna

    Paula MV
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Meme generated from The Real Housewives of Beverley Hills.

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    Discussing the response their costumes receive from the online community, Anucha shared that seeing people enjoy their work fills them with positive emotions. “I believe that life is short, but art is long; if people enjoy what I create, that makes me very happy. If they don’t, well, that’s their problem, and I’m sorry for that,” they said, jokingly.

    #17

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

    Lowcostcosplay Report

    Eevi
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Omg the Troom Troom hack from Dannys video

    Falafal salad
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hope no plants were harmed in the making of. He is hilarious.

    Rigor Moreno
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is that a green chili's end? :D Clever!

    Ozymandias73
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All he needed was a little Army Men dude in front of him.

    It’s not difficult to see why people admiring their costumes makes Anucha happy, bearing in mind how much time they put into making them; especially since it’s likely that the less money you spend on a costume—making certain details yourself, instead of buying a costly combo, for instance—the more time you might have to put in.

    According to a former costume designer and lecturer in theater at Williams College in Massachusetts, Deborah Brothers, time and money are the biggest challenges when it comes to costume creation. “Costumes are made by people; designing, making, draping, sewing, fitting – it all takes labor, time, and money,” she told Bored Panda, adding that hopefully realistic conversations are carried out in the process among the parties involved regarding what is possible and what should be happening.

    #18

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

    Lowcostcosplay Report

    Ben Aziza
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Okay this one is relatively "easy " for him. but the creativity of using coffe foam makes it epic.

    #19

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

    Lowcostcosplay Report

    CSC
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, mine would be scratched out if I tried that with my cat.

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    Amanda
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How many cats does he have?!

    Lyoness
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All I can hear is the cats thinking "Really, dude? Again?"

    “The process involves communication with the various artists who are involved with the larger project such as a play,” Brothers said. “As a costume designer, I am always looking at the world around me for inspiration and I use visual research from life, books, paintings, photographs and nature; museums and festivals are also huge influences. Those are the starting points.

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    “The next steps involve creating image boards, collages, drawings, sketches, and ways to communicate the desired costume. Then once a design has gone through meetings and more sketches and edits, a final design is made; fabrics and trimmings are sourced and bought or can be up-cycled and construction begins.”

    The next step, according to the expert, is the first fitting on the person the costume is designed for—usually in a plain woven cotton—and then onto a fitting in the actual fabric, which eventually leads to finishing the costume. “Also in the process is the acquiring of shoes, undergarments, hair, makeup, and all accessories necessary for the costume to be complete, whether it is for a contemporary style or historic dress or fantastical creation.”

    #21

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

    Lowcostcosplay Report

    Abel
    Community Member
    1 year ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    What the hell is wrong with the fingers in the second pic? Is it AI generated? Look at the right hand!

    #22

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

    Lowcostcosplay Report

    Chonky Panda
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why is there no toilet cover??? Just think of all the stuff flying when he flushes 😭😭😭

    It’s clear that costume design requires lots of time and effort, but creativity is no less important. “Creativity is central to costume design,” Brothers emphasized, pointing out that, when it comes to creating an outfit for a play, for instance, it goes way beyond coming up with a great idea.

    According to the expert, in such a scenario, creativity entails “sewing skills, drawing and painting skills, flexibility, imagination, problem solving, reusing materials, experimenting with traditional techniques such as dyeing and embroidery, using materials such as thermoplastics, being open to all the inspirations around you, and being aware that the costume is worn by another collaborator and it has life in the specific time and space that it is performing.”

    #24

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

    Lowcostcosplay Report

    The Commentator
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh no... What will we use for scale now?

    Sue Knerl
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He likes to use d***s a lot.

    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Two sizes of bananas, the attention to detail

    Leticia Ramirez
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OMG!!!! ITS BANANA MOON!!!! *ehhhhhhh!!!!*

    #25

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

    Lowcostcosplay Report

    Mia Black
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's not the same guy or is it just with another bodyform?

    Paula MV
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Seriously, this guy is so creative

    #26

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    #27

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    Icedragocat
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow that guy is so buff- I envy those abs

    Ephemera Image
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You too can get those abs, 😁 if you have markers...

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    #30

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

    Lowcostcosplay Report

    Sally Moen
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I want to ride a giant cat too!

    Whoopdeedoo
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I seriously love how this guy uses one of his 50 cats for most pictures

    #32

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

    Lowcostcosplay Report

    Icedragocat
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now THAT is some serious skill- and a serious amount of clips!

    #33

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

    Lowcostcosplay Report

    justagirl
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    first man to ever cosplay tempura? I think so.

    #35

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

    Lowcostcosplay Report

    Pheebs
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Dude really pulls off that wig fabulously.

    Whoopdeedoo
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can't bring myself to see that his drawing of a feather isn't actually floating, yet I'm scared to because it'll probably ruin the magic

    #36

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

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    Pheebs
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lol. That’s the only proper way to eat them.

    #38

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    #39

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

    Lowcostcosplay Report

    AtMostAFabulist
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He is really good at drawing upside down.

    #41

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

    Lowcostcosplay Report

    Whoopdeedoo
    Community Member
    1 year ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The first two pictures are always him realizing he can use it for his cosplay like in school crafts. Hilarious, yet also not like school crafts. This guy is brilliant imo

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    #42

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

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    #43

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

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    #44

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

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    #45

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    #49

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    #50

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    #51

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    AtMostAFabulist
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's one way to do it.

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    #52

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

    Lowcostcosplay Report

    #53

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    #54

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    #55

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    #56

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    #57

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    #59

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

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    See Also on Bored Panda
    #62

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    Lowcostcosplay Report

    Internet wanderer
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yeah...the one on the right doesn't look real enough. Nothing like her in the movies

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    #63

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

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    #64

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    #66

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    Lowcostcosplay Report

    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You have to admire his creative use of snacks

    Karina
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel like this is the only one we can say we also did that, however not as well as him

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    #67

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    #68

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    #69

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    #70

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    Karina
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love to zoom in and realise that its always simpler methods used than what I would have guessed

    #71

    Best-Low-Cost-Cosplay

    Lowcostcosplay Report

    justagirl
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    finally a use for half dead bananas.

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    #72

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    #74

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    RiceRiceBaby 929
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His version doesn't look like 2 Batmans kissing, lol

    #75

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    #79

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