Props and outfits
This page contains information on rules and regulations guidelines for cosplay and props. Furthermore, you will also find reasons for why those guidelines exist. We hope that with the help of examples and tables, it is easier to understand the rules and prepare for the event.
Definitions
(Cosplay) costume
Cosplay, or costume play. The inspiration for the costumes are characters from games, tv series, movies, animations, cartoons or other media.
You are also welcome to our event dressed around a particular theme, idea, or thought, without a specific character, or as a roleplay character for example.
Prop
Prop means a separate or easily separable part of a cosplay costume or outfit, for example a sword, a dagger or a staff. A prop can also be, for example, wings that are part of the costume.
Why are cosplay and props regulated?
Tracon is held in the centre of a city. Nearby, there are large shopping centres and public transport stations, and part of the event area is a publicly open park. Tracon is highly visible on the streets of the city and many of Tracon’s participants arrive to the event venue in cosplay and other unconventional outfits from all over Tampere. To the others out and about in the city, Tracon or cosplay are not necessarily familiar.
Unfortunately, there have been cases of violence and firearm crime in the past years in Tampere – including during Tracon 2024. Additionally, in the past few years there have been news about situations, where toy guns and other objects resembling weapons have led to the authorities getting involved. We don’t want Tracon’s participants to cause unnecessary fear or peril to our guests or others. That’s why we hope that our guests choose such outfits and props that don’t cause unnecessary panic.
It is especially important to avoid situations where an outsider gets alarmed by the costume or outfit and feels the need to dial the emergency number. In this day and age, the police are very quick to react with a big response to reports of individuals with weapons.
Tracon’s staff must be able to distinguish who is a guest and who is a possibly threatening person. Tracon is also subject to regulations of the Finnish Public Order Act, concerning objects and substances suitable for injuring others. This is the most important way to ensure order and safety.
Notice. Events can allow for exceptions, for example in Tracon’s cosplay competitions. Exceptions will be arranged in advance between the competitors and the event.
Use discretion when choosing your clothing
Think about how easy is it to recognise your outfit as a character or a costume, what will outsiders to the event think about your outfit and can they misunderstand it.
Consider possible accessories, props, and other equipment and think of your outfit and gear as a whole. Militaristic gear and realistic firearms can raise the question of what is it about, but an obvious fantasy character on the other hand – especially a very recognisable one – does not usually attract attention in a similar way.
Large and noticeable outfits and large props
Large props and outfits often hinder movement and can hinder, for example, other guests’ view of a programme. Avoid especially the vendor’s hall, flea market and artist alley with large outfits and props!
Outfits and props that gather a crowd fit best in the park area and the ground floor lobby. The coatroom for big items in the park is best suited for storing large props.
Respecting human dignity in dressing up
Equality is an important value to Tracon, and for that reason we have prohibited symbols and materials that express, for example, hate directed at a group of people. That means that we don’t accept symbols, outfits or cosplays that offend ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexuality or gender identity.
The so-called ”blackface” is prohibited at Tracon. Changing the colour of your skin is only allowed into colours of the fantasy world, for example blue. Getting a tan however, whether it is from the sun (remember sunblock!) or from a jar, is allowed, as far it’s your own tan and not intended to achieve some characteristic of a character.
What kind of clothing is proper for a public place?
Enough clothing on you to be appropriate for an event with guests from all ages and an event venue situated in the centre of a city with in-part public park areas.
Consider your own comfort too; how well does the outfit stay put and does it perhaps reveal more than is wanted when climbing open stairs? The Tampere Hall has staircases with open risers, and also a bridge with walls made entirely of glass.
Tara's cosplay tips
“When I want my cosplay to stay in its place without showing anything extra, and pure strength of will is not enough, I use fashion tape. Fashion tape is meant for skin and clothing and it stays attached all day.”
“My best tip especially for short skirts is to put micro shorts or cycling shorts under the skirt. Even better, if I find a pair of shorts with pockets. I’ve previously, in an emergency, also cut the pant legs of leggings to a suitable length. When there’s shorts under the skirt, there’s no need to worry about open riser staircases and you can freely jump around during the Live Stage programme!”
“With short shorts and bunny suits I like to use so-called dancer’s pantyhose. The outfit stays better put, and nothing extra will show even if the outfit moves around a little. Dancer’s pantyhose are usually den 70-125 thick and don’t have a distinguishable weave that traditional pantyhose have.”
“I wish nice cosplaying moments for all fellow cosplayers!”
What kind of a prop is allowed?
Props based on a real weapon and those that resemble a real weapon are principally prohibited.
Many weapons in series and videogames are real world weapons or very heavily inspired by them. Sometimes it can be difficult to discern what is based on a real weapon and what is a work of fantasy. For those outside the event however, it is rarely of any consequence what the exact type of weapon is, but it is rather often about the impression it gives and what the weapon and the whole of it seems like. Even those that are not familiar with the original work and weapons need to be able to recognise that it is not a real weapon.
If your outfit and gear is otherwise of the sort to raise questions, it can be smart to leave weapon props at home. On the other hand, if your outfit is clearly a fantasy character, that is dressed in bright colours and lace trimming, even an outsider would understand that it is probably some sort of a costume. Regardless, we do not recommend carrying weapon props in view while outside of the event area.
We have collected a few articles by the police from past years that have to do with toy weapons in Tampere and all of Finland (the articles are in Finnish).
https://poliisi.fi/-/leikkiaseiden-esittely-ja-niilla-uhkailu-voi-tayttaa-rikoksen-tunnusmerkiston
https://poliisi.fi/-/poliisilla-usean-partion-tehtava-tampereen-keskustassa
https://poliisi.fi/-/aseet-eivat-ole-leikin-asia
A table of prohibited props
Item | Comments | Any exceptions? |
Edged weapons | All items suitable for slashing or stabbing | e.g. a dagger made of latex or worbla |
Batons, chains, cables, baseball bats, shinais, bokkens | Any similar items suitable for hitting | A prop is allowed, if the material is adequately light and/or soft and is not suitable for causing injury to others |
Darts, balls | Similar objects suitable for throwing | A prop is allowed, if the material is adequately light and/or soft and is not suitable for causing injury to others |
Air guns, spring-powered guns, harpoons, slingshots and blowguns | And other similar items suitable for shooting | A spring-powered airsoft gun as the base of a prop is allowed only if it is deactivated (e.g. magazine removed and barrel blocked). The end product, however, may not resemble a real gun, and you may not have pellets with you. |
Items mistakably resembling a firearm or an explosive | - | Obvious fantasy weapons are allowed as part of the outfit |
Sharp or sharpened props | E.g. 3D-printed spikes or other appendages, e.g. clothing studs over 5 cm | Soft materials in the dangerous parts and rounding can make the prop safe and allowed. |
Gas or electricity powered airsoft guns | Also modified and non-realistic ones are prohibited | - |
Unsharpened metal daggers, swords, katanas, and similar | - | Some other material |
Functioning bows (incl. arrows) | - | Arrows may not have sharp points or tips, a bow prop with a fake string is okay. |
Messy things | E.g. fake blood (incl. syrup), unsecured body paint | Properly secured body paint |
Konrad's prop tips
“When I need to make new props, I usually open the https://boffaus.fi/rakennusohjeet/ page (unfortunately only provided in Finnish), where I gather ideas and re-sharpen my mind on making light and safe props. In addition to crafting instructions, I get comprehensive instructions on making armour. After that, it lacks only filler and paint, and then we have a real looking battle axe!”
“I make a hollow structure for long and large weapons, so my arms don’t get tired carrying it all day from one RPG to another. A light weight also lessens the risk of danger in case of a fall or a drop. Wouldn’t be the first time a prop falls on someone’s head when having a snack. A hollow structure also collapses on itself by the force of a strike, which makes it even safer!”
“I always make my daggers out of a soft or a light material, such as soft clay or foam clay, so I don’t have to worry about whether it passes the security checks or not. Those materials can be refined and worked with water.”
”See you at the boffering arena or the tabletop RPGs!”
Questions and inquirires
aspa[at]tracon.fi
Taustan kuvaaja: Seila Haaga