Cosplay has become an immensely popular hobby in America, thanks in large part to the explosion of anime conventions and gaming expos across the country. From Anime Expo in Los Angeles to Otakon in Washington, DC, these events attract thousands of fans who spend hours crafting costumes to bring their favorite characters to life. Hosted by the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA), Anime Expo alone drew 392,000 attendees in 2023, making it one of the biggest conventions in the US.
Given the popularity of anime and conventions, it’s no surprise that cosplaying has seen an equal boost in popularity. Cosplayers like Zavage have gone above and beyond in bringing beloved game and anime characters to life at conventions such as Dragon Con and Katsucon. The hobby has grown beyond just dressing up – it’s about embodying characters down to the smallest details, including glasses. For those who wear glasses, cosplay offers a unique opportunity to highlight this everyday accessory by choosing characters that embrace stylish frames. In this article, we’ll explore four anime and video game characters that are perfect for bespectacled cosplayers, with tips on how to find the right glasses to complete the look.
Shiroe from Log Horizon
Credit: Reverse Psycho on YouTube.
Shiroe is a brilliant strategist and the main protagonist in a world where players are trapped in an MMORPG. Known for his humility and exceptional intelligence, Shiroe’s most recognizable feature – apart from his iconic staff – is his simple yet sleek pair of glasses. His round, rimless glasses are symbolic of his character’s foresight, earning him the nickname “Black-Heart Glasses.” Cosplayers who want to replicate Shiroe’s look can easily find similar rimless frames. Try checking out the AR5147 from Giorgio Armani or the more affordable SF2599 model by Sferoflex. Both options provide the lightweight, minimalist aesthetic that Shiroe’s glasses are known for.
Sakamoto from Haven’t You Heard? I’m Sakamoto
Credit: AnimaxAsia on YouTube.
The epitome of cool, calm, and collected, Sakamoto is the central figure in this manga-turned-anime adaptation. He’s the guy everyone in school admires – whether it’s for his impeccable fashion sense or his unflappable confidence in every situation. Sakamoto’s rectangular, black-rimmed glasses are as sharp as his personality, emphasizing his sophisticated yet approachable charm. For cosplayers hoping 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 pulls off so well.
Bayonetta from Bayonetta
Credit: NeoGamer – The Video Game Archive on YouTube.
This titular character is the ultimate femme fatale from the video game Bayonetta. A powerful witch with a flair for the dramatic, Bayonetta’s style is iconic. In the fast-paced combat game, she’s typically portrayed with long hair, a skin-tight suit, and fashion-forward-glasses. Her geek-chic frames have become as legendary as her magical abilities, even influencing current eyewear trends. If you want to cosplay Bayonetta, you’ll need to buy some women’s glasses that capture her glamorous look. Luckily, Glasses.com has an array of frames that match her bold aesthetic. Consider buying the Swarovski SK2031 or Ray-Ban RB5489 Balorette Optics, which bring together elegance and edge, much like Bayonetta herself. These styles are ideal for creating that high-fashion, witchy vibe without sacrificing practicality.
Futaba Sakura from Persona 5
Credit: IGN on YouTube.
Central to the critically acclaimed RPG Persona 5 is Futaba Sakura, also known as Oracle, who is a hacker prodigy. With her skills, she assists the protagonist and their friends by providing crucial support during battles and investigations. As demonstrated by a recently released figurine, her eyeglasses are an integral part of her character design, reflecting her intelligence and unique sense of style. Futaba’s eyeglasses feature bold, round frames. To get her look, finish off your cosplay outfit with the Ray-Ban RB7075 model.
Cosplay allows fans to step into the shoes of their favorite characters and express their creativity through intricate costumes and accessories. For bespectacled cosplayers, choosing characters who wear glasses adds an extra layer of authenticity to their portrayal. Whether you’re going for the intellectual strategist Shiroe or the glamorous Bayonetta, the right pair of glasses can make all the difference in bringing these characters to life. For more on gaming and other cosplay features, check out our other posts here on COGconnected.