Exploring ways to express yourself is important to personal growth. “Healthy self-expression can make your life more fulfilling, allowing you to tap into your own unique creativity, desires, and passions,” according to PyschCentral. If you’re interested in trying out costume play or need new ideas for plus size characters, we’re here to help. Having characters who are more than just their size depicts the real world. Here are a few plus size characters to cosplay.

1. Nat Kinkle from “Bob’s Burgers”

In an episode of Bob’s Burgers, Nat Kinkle (the character in pink) first showed up as the limo driver for an impromptu girls’ night out. She only delights us in four episodes, but we learn much about Nat from her appearances.

Nat is lesbian, sober, and a mama to garter snakes. She’s also down for revenge or lost and found missions at a moment’s notice. Nat is a loyal friend. Her ideas for cheering up the heartbroken include gifting lizards or throwing baked beans at a meter maid. She’s also into punishing people by running them over or throwing stink bombs at them.

2. Pam Poovey from “Archer”

Don’t let the day job fool you. While Pam Poovey is the Human Resources Director at ISIS (International Secret Intelligence Service), she manages to keep debauchery alive in her life. She’s into gossip, sleeping with co-workers, racing fast cars, and consuming copious amounts of alcohol and drugs. She’s a far cry from her upbringing in Wisconsin on a dairy farm, but paying your way through college by bare-knuckle fighting underground will do that to you.

3. Garnet from “Steven Universe”

The strongest Crystal Gem, Garnet, is a fusion of two gems, Ruby and Sapphire and another one of the plus size characters to cosplay! As a fusion, Garnet has fighting skills and future vision — the ability to see multiple possible outcomes. She’s a natural-born leader, has three eyes beneath her shades, and is generally level-headed and wise. If portraying a confident, poised character with heart is your preference, Garnet is a great choice.

4. Luisa Madrigal from “Encanto”

All of the Madrigal family receives gifts. Luisa’s is super strength and vulnerability. She shows up in her family and community doing whatever she can for everyone, but she’s secretly anxious about how much people depend on her. “Under the surface, I’m pretty sure I’m worthless if I can’t be of service,” she sings in her song Surface Pressure. 

You can make your cosplay your own, even if the character is not traditionally curvy. These plus size characters to cosplay are great representations of different bodies in media. The important thing is to have fun and enjoy portraying your characters’ nuances. Get lost in the details of your character’s appearance and mannerisms for a great cosplay experience.