It's not so much the cosplaying that's made me less self-conscious as the friends that go with it.

Then again, on the other hand, I don't think twice about going out in full cosplay these days. If I get any stares the twice + a month I go out, I don't really notice. Which is kind of useful - my girlfriend pointed out the other day that we were being glared at and I'd managed to completely ignore it. XD

I always feel less self-conscious because of the environment I cosplay in. At cons, everyone's of the same mind and really friendly. It's a real boost to self esteem =3

I guess it's made me more self-confident outside of a con environment too. I've realised I can be a dab hand with props and sewing from the feedback on my outfits. And realised that people aren't so bad XD