Costuming advice needed!

[jedimaster91]

Calling all cosplayers! I totally need a less expensive hobby....

My next costuming project is going to be Harley Quinn from Batman. Seeing as how a) I'm not a very experienced sewer and b) stretchy fabric is very unforgiving of body flaws I really don't want to use spandex to make it. Would I be able to use a cotton or poly blend fabric and still have it look good? Or is there some sort of inbetween fabric that would work better? I'd like to have it done by Halloween next year, so plenty of time.

[Taboo]

I think you probably need to use something stretchy to make it form fitting, otherwise it won't look as much like her. Hmm... I'd probably go for a thicker fabric with a bit less stretch, thinking of something more along the lines of the fabrics in leggings. It would fit without the shininess of spandex (which is also unflattering to almost everyone). Not sure exactly what mix that is of fabrics, anyone know?

I know how to handle different types of fabric but I never know what's in them (NYC stores don't label ever, not even for price, it's frustrating).

[ArcticChicken]

I don't know about the fabric, but if you're worried about flaws you could wear Spanx underneath.

[zombiequeen]

Jersey Cotton like they make T-shirts out of would work I think...it's stretchy a little, and it's thick like leggings...I think it has spandex and cotton blended to make it stretch...
I've never made a cosplay outfit though, this is my experience using it for stuffed animals.