Where to buy foam for cosplay!
If you’re looking to get started on your first cosplay involving foam, then you’re probably wondering where to buy. Whether it’s for cosplay armor or for that special prop, then what I’m about to discuss will totally help you out!
In this post, I’ll give you 9 places on where to buy foam for cosplay. Whether you’re looking to do something simple or more complicated, this list will cover everything you’ll need when it comes to foam for cosplay.
I’ll start with places that are likely local to you, where you don’t need to pay for shipping. And then we’ll move onto online options as well.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
1. JOANN
We need to start off this list with the most popular store for cosplayers, and of course that store is JOANN.
If you live in the U.S., then you may already know about JOANN. It’s THE place to shop for cosplay materials! As far as I know they are the only brick-and-mortar chain retail store that has a section that specifically caters towards cosplay materials and products. You can literally find everything you need at JOANN for your next cosplay, including fabric, sewing supplies and even paint! And yes, you can find foam for your next cosplay project here as well.
There are many JOANN locations in the US. So unless you really live in the middle of nowhere, you’ll probably find a local JOANN store near you!
2. Michael’s
Michaels is another fantastic option for foam and cosplay supplies in general. Their stores are huge and they have lots of useful materials related to cosplay such as fabric, tools and crafting materials you can use for your costume. There are so many Michaels locations in Canada and the US, so you’ll be able to find many cosplay supplies here.
3. Local hardware store
Yes, hardware stores have quite a few useful items in them! Mostly everything you need to utilize cosplay foam will be found inside a hardware shop. Things such as glue guns, wood and cutting materials will be available. Stores such as Home Depot, Home Improvement, Lowe’s and RONA are great if you need hardware-related items for cosplay. Those stores are all over North America, but if you don’t live on the continent, I’m sure there is an equivalent in your area!
4. Wal-Mart
You wouldn’t think that Wal-Mart would sell foam for cosplay. But this is the perfect time to bring up the fact that you can use a regular foam mat as foam! It’s probably the most cost-effective way to use foam for cosplay. And we all know that Wal-Mart has some of the cheapest prices for items, so you definitely should hit up your local Wal-Mart if you want to save some money!
A couple of things to know:
- Try to find a floor mat that’s made out of EVA
- Don’t use a yoga roll-up foam mat. They’re not sturdy enough for cosplay!
5. Amazon
These days, you can buy almost anything on Amazon. Foam is definitely one of those things you can find on their website. There are many retailers on Amazon that sell the material.
Much like anything you buy off of Amazon, be sure to check the reviews and shipping policies first before purchasing. That way, you get the most bang for your buck with your cosplay foam!
6. Etsy
Not surprisingly, the website that’s all about specialty sells the specialty material that is foam. Not only that, you can find a lot of retailers that sell specialized foam for specific uses. For example, you can buy the perfect foam for a cosplay helmet.
You might pay a little more for the foam than you would at a local store. But on Etsy, you’re bound to get great quality, so paying extra shouldn’t be too big of an issue.
7. Red Moon Cosplay Solutions
Here’s a website from Canada! Red Moon Cosplay Solutions sells all sorts cosplay-related materials, including foam. They have a wide variety of foam to choose from, all at a great price.
My friend recommended me Red Moon Cosplay Solutions and they definitely are a great option for buying cosplay foam!
8. Arda Wigs
Yes, Arda Wigs does sell foam too! While Arda is known for their top-notch quality wigs (click here for a guide on cosplay wigs btw), Arda also has the materials you need for cosplay foam projects.
I’d say if you plan on buying a wig from Arda, then why not also pick up some foam as well? Save on some shipping while also getting some great wigs for your next cosplay character!
9. TNT Cosplay Supply
Now here’s a store that specializes in cosplay foam! Not only that, but they stock only the best type of EVA foam that works perfectly for cosplayers.
They’ve worked with real cosplayers to see what preferences they want for their foam (e.g. ones that don’t need a lot of priming). So when you buy foam from TNT Cosplay Supply, you’re getting stuff that’s been vetted extensively.
Summary
To summarize, here are 9 places on where to buy cosplay foam:
- JOANN
- Michael’s
- Local hardware store
- Wal-Mart
- Amazon
- Etsy
- Red Moon Cosplay Solutions
- Arda Wigs
- TNT Cosplay Supply
And there you have it; 9 places to get your cosplay foam!
I hope you found this post useful. What do you plan using cosplay foam for? Let me know in the comments below!
My name is Roger Senpai. I’m a cosplayer that’s been in the community for well over a decade now. I’ve traveled all over the world to Anime and Comic conventions and hosted my own cosplay events. Now I’m writing articles for new and experienced cosplayers like you to help inspire, save you money and improve your cosplays!
