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Cosplay has become an extremely popular hobby in America, thanks in large part to the explosion of anime conventions and gaming conventions across the country. From the Anime Expo in Los Angeles to the Otakon in Washington, DC, this one events attract thousands of fans who spend hours crafting costumes to bring their favorite characters to life. The Anime Expo alone, organized by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA), attracted 392,000 visitors in 2023, making it one of the largest trade shows in the United States.
Given the popularity of anime and conventions, it’s no surprise that cosplaying is seeing an equally huge surge in popularity. Cosplayers like Zavage have done their best to bring popular gaming and anime characters to life at conventions like Dragon Con and Katsucon. The hobby goes beyond just dressing up – it’s about embodying characters down to the smallest details, including the glasses. For those who wear glasses, cosplay offers a unique opportunity to highlight this everyday accessory by choosing characters who wear stylish glasses. In this article, we’ll highlight four anime and video game characters that are perfect for glasses-wearing cosplayers and provide tips on how to find the right glasses to complete the look.
Shiroe von Log Horizon
Credit: Reverse Psycho on YouTube.
Shiroe is a brilliant strategist and the main character in a world where players are trapped in an MMORPG. Known for his humility and exceptional intelligence, Shiroe’s most recognizable feature – aside from his iconic staff – is his simple yet elegant glasses. His round, rimless glasses symbolize his character’s foresight and earned him the nickname “Black-Heart Glasses”. Cosplayers who want to emulate Shiroe’s look can easily find similar rimless frames. Check out the AR5147 from Giorgio Armani or the cheaper model SF2599 from Sferoflex. Both options offer the lightweight, minimalist aesthetic that Shiroe’s glasses are known for.
Sakamoto from Haven’t You Heard? I’m Sakamoto
Credit: AnimaxAsia on YouTube.
Sakamoto is the epitome of cool, calm and collected and is the central character in this manga-anime adaptation. He’s the guy that everyone at school admires – be it for his impeccable fashion sense or his unwavering confidence in any situation. Sakamoto’s black-rimmed rectangular glasses are as sharp as his personality, highlighting his sophisticated yet approachable charm. For cosplayers who want to embody Sakamoto’s effortless cool factor, glasses are a must. You can find frames like his in countless stores, but for a perfect match, opt for the Oakley OX8032 in Satin Black. These frames have the same polished, modern look that Sakamoto does so well.
Bayonetta von Bayonetta
Credit: NeoGamer – The video game archive on YouTube.
This title character is the ultimate femme fatale from the video game Bayonetta. Bayonetta’s style is a powerful witch with a flair for the dramatic and iconic. In the fast-paced fighting game, she is typically depicted with long hair, a skin-tight suit and stylish glasses. Her geek-chic glasses are as legendary as her magical abilities and even influence current eyewear trends. If you want to cosplay Bayonetta, you need to buy some Damenbrille that capture her glamorous look. Luckily, Glasses.com has a range of frames to match their bold aesthetic. Consider purchasing the Swarovski SK2031 or Ray-Ban RB5489 Balorette Optics, which combine elegance and elegance, much like Bayonetta herself. These styles are ideal for creating a high-fashion, fun vibe without sacrificing practicality.
Futaba Sakura aus Persona 5
Credit: IGN on YouTube.
The critically acclaimed role-playing game Persona 5 centers around Futaba Sakura, also known as Oracle, a hacker prodigy. With her skills, she assists the protagonist and his friends by providing crucial support in fights and investigations. As a recently released figure shows, her glasses are an integral part of her character design and reflect her intelligence and unique sense of style. Futaba glasses have eye-catching, round frames. To get her look, complete your cosplay outfit with the Ray-Ban RB7075 model.
Cosplay allows fans to slip into the role of their favorite characters and express their creativity through elaborate costumes and accessories. For bespectacled cosplayers, choosing characters to wear glasses adds an extra layer of authenticity to their portrayal. Whether you choose the intellectual strategist Shiroe or the glamorous Bayonetta, the right glasses can make all the difference when it comes to bringing these characters to life. For more information on gaming and other cosplay features, check out our other posts here on COGconnected.
How did you initially feel about cosplaying characters with glasses, and has your perspective changed over time as the community evolved?
1. How did you get into cosplay, and how has the cosplay community in America evolved over the years? Can you share some of your favorite parts about this hobby?
2. What are some of your favorite character cosplays to date, and what made them stand out to you? Do you have any upcoming cosplays you’re particularly excited about?
3. As a spectacle wearer yourself, what do you think about the growing trend of incorporating glasses into cosplay? Why do you think this is significant or important?
4. How do you choose the right character to cosplay, especially when it comes to ones who wear glasses? What kinds of factors do you consider when selecting a costume?
5. Can you speak to the role that glasses play in creating a character’s image or personality? Do you think wearing glasses makes a character more relatable or likable, for example?
6. Are there any unique challenges that come with cosplaying characters who wear glasses, like any specific tips or advice you can share for finding the right frames or other accessories?
7. Have you noticed any trends in the types of characters or genres that often feature characters with glasses? Do you think there’s a particular reason for this?
8. How do you navigate wearing glasses while also dealing with the physical demands of cosplay, like running around at conventions or performing on stage? What advice would you give to others in this situation?
9. Do you think cosplay has any impact on how glasses are perceived in popular culture or society as a whole? If so, can you elaborate on that?
10. What message do you hope your cosplay conveys to others, whether it’s related to glasses or not? Do you see yourself continuing to incorporate glasses into your cosplay in the future?
