Comic-Con 2026 TOUCAN TIP OF THE DAY
TOUCAN TIP #4: Gear Up! Your Comic-Con 2026 Cosplay Guide Starts Now
Bringing a cosplay to life at Comic-Con 2026? Check out our updated costume and prop guidelines to make sure everything is set for a smooth and fun experience.
E. Olaes © 2025 SDCC
COSTUME PROPs POLICY
All costume props must be inspected daily at one of the Costume Props Desks. The Costume Props Policy is subject to change at any time and final approval on costume props will be at the sole discretion of our Prop Safety Officers.
There are three Costume Props Desks:
1. Outside Lobby E glass doors
2. The lobby of Hall D, near the outside door*
3. Outside Lobby C2 glass doors
BONUS: Prop Safety Officers will also be walking entry lines each morning.
*Extended hours provided for Evening Programming.
After your costume prop(s) have been checked, they will be tagged by security to designate that your costume prop(s) have been checked and approved. This small tag must remain visible on your costume prop(s) while you are at the event. Security will escort you to the Costume Props Desk for inspection if your costume prop(s) is not tagged.
Simulated or costume props may be allowed as a part of your costume, subject to prior approval by security and compliance with the following:
- All cosplay must abide by Comic-Con’s Code of Conduct.
- No functional or sharp-edged props or weapons are allowed at Comic-Con.
- All costume props must conform to state and federal law.
- Replica projectile costume props must be rendered inoperable and covered with brightly-colored caps.
- Functional (real) arrows must have their tips removed and be bundled and zip-tied to a quiver.
- Certain props may need to be tied to your costume in such a way that they can’t be drawn. Our Prop Safety Officers will make these determinations.
- Costumes featuring stilts must be approved at the Costume Props Desk.
- Realistic cosplay of first responders and/or security is not permitted.
- At certain times, due to crowds and safety issues, oversized costumes may be asked to leave the Exhibit Hall and/or Program rooms.
- Props that are not approved by our Prop Safety Officers may not be stored in Coat Check. Unapproved props must be returned to your vehicle, hotel room, or another off-site location.
If you do not want to have your costume prop(s) inspected or tagged, or if you are not willing to comply with these policies, please do not bring your costume prop(s) to Comic-Con.
The Costume Props Policy is subject to change at any time.
Please be sure to continue to check this website closer to the event to ensure your costume prop(s) comply with the current Costume Props Policy.
Make sure to double check our Convention Policies below for Comic-Con 2026 so that you won’t be taken aback by any rules or regulations.
Read the complete list of Comic-Con 2026 Convention Policies HERE
Bookmark Toucan for the latest Toucan Tips as we head towards Comic-Con 2026, July 23–26 at the San Diego Convention Center.
Even more is headed your way, so follow Comic-Con on Instagram, Facebook, and X to keep an eye on upcoming announcements and insider tips as the show gets closer.