Most men have spent some portion of their lives surreptitiously regarding cleavage—stealing peeks across the 10th-grade English classroom or from behind a magazine. In many cases, it is possible to achieve that elusive eye-popping cleavage look without the risk of breast cancer or a botched implant job.
A few inexpensive supplies are all that’s needed to create a set of realistic-looking fake boobs.
1. Balloons
Balloons are an essential component of a lot of costumes and can be used to make some really cool false boobs. The best part is that they can be made from things you already have in your home! This is an easy DIY project that is great for beginners and makes a fun addition to any cosplay costume.
First, gather your materials. You’ll need a sand mold, some plaster of paris, liquid latex, rubber cement and sandpaper. Once you have all your supplies, shape the sand mold into a form that closely resembles your breast size. Cover the mold with a thin coat of latex and allow it to dry. Once it has dried, sand it down and smooth it with sandpaper.
Next, add some fillers. Dried flowers work best but any kind of filler will do. Then tuck the flowers in between the balloons to give the shape some volume and to hide any gaps or seams. You can also use colored ribbon to add a pop of color and create a more decorative look.
Another popular option is to float liquid gelatin in a balloon until it hardens. This can be worn over a bra and secure with an ace bandage. You can then stuff socks, nylons or even balloons into the bandage to create the illusion of cleavage forming.
2. Socks
Socks make the perfect base for enhancing cleavage with some simple stuffing. The trick is to find a pair of socks that fit well and then stuff them with something to give your boobs some weight and structure, such as toilet paper, an old bra or even foam. You can then place them in a bra and wear them like a breast plate for a little extra oomph in your cleavage.
For best results, choose a fabric with some bounce, such as cotton or a cotton-nylon blend. Alternatively, you could upcycle an old T-shirt and use the fabric for your socks. If using an old T-shirt, be sure to work around any stains and holes in the shirt when cutting your socks. Then, cut your pattern pieces out and pin them on the fabric with the bottom of the top and the bottom of the bottom matched up right sides together.
Once your cuff is a few inches long, it’s time to start knitting the toe of the sock. You can follow a standard sock pattern or create your own. Whatever you do, make sure your yarn is smooth and the stitches are even and consistent.
When you get to the end of your toe, bind off and then practice the standard way of closing off a sock (called the kitchener stitch). You can also sew the cuff and toe pieces together with the raw edges matching up.
3. Foam Falsies
Whether you are looking for a costume accessory or to fill out a bra, there are several ways to make fake boobs that are easy and cheap. You can stuff your own bra with socks or toilet paper, purchase silicone breast enhancement pads, or create a chest plate by cutting out the cups of an old bra and gluing them to a chest-shaped piece of white craft foam. If you are putting your fake boobs into a costume, consider adding shoulder straps or a bra clasp to your costume. You can also buy foam falsies, such as the Forum Novelties set of 2 foam pads that slip into a bra to give it a more accentuated nipple.
4. Foam Pads
One of the more popular ways to fake breasts is to stuff a bra. You can use socks, toilet paper, or even a piece of cardboard but the simplest way to do it is by using a large white craft foam pad. These are easily available in most craft stores and they’re a lot cheaper than purchasing a real breast form.
These can be cut to the right size, then placed in a bra that fits well and covers them completely. This creates a very realistic and natural-looking breast that looks great in a dress or skirt. They are also easy to move around in and can be easily removed when you want to wash your clothes or go for a run.
For a more permanent solution, you can make your own breast form from scratch. The process requires a bit of time and a few more materials but the results are well worth it. For the most realistic form, you’ll need a sand mold, plaster of paris, liquid latex, rubber cemeant, silicone sealant and sandpaper. You can purchase all of these items at your local hobby or home improvement store.
If you’re looking for more cosplay tips and advice, check out Miccostumes’ weekly video tutorials on armor making, prop making, makeup wearing and wig styling. They also sell a wide range of cosplay supplies, including tanjirou earrings and One Punch Man Genos arms as well as Nezuko bamboo and Undertale Mettaton.