What is the first thing you look for when you are buying cosplay costumes online? What are some good places to buy cosplay stuff and why?

I've only ever bought one costume for myself pre-made online. In hindsight I think lucked out because the quality of it was quite good! They tend to be less than stellar from my other experiences, but it really depends on whom you're buying from.

I don't have any names or websites I can refer to, but generally speaking watch out for sites that are very vague about the details of the costume. They're the ones who are making it, they should be able to tell you everything, down to the finest detail. I'd go straight to the material being used first. I can't tell you how many times I've seen obviously bought costumes on people that are made completely out of the wrong material.

When buying a costume online, you want to watch out for people who are vague. I also get turned off by those that don't show the layers of the cosplay too (like, underskirts) and if they don't break down the pieces.

BE SURE TO SHOP AROUND! Some sites steal other websites images and description. If you see a duplicate site, with two different prices, try searching for reviews for that site. Same with ebay.

I've ordered a cosplay from Cosplayfu. They're alright, but other people seem to have better experience with them than I have. CosplayTree is another site I've used, and I have no complaints about them.

Cosmonde on ebay is very good.

^ I can also vouch for Cosmonde being amazing. Another favourite of mine is Cocosilverhk, great quality costumes right there!

Cosmonde for Anime stuff is great!

Costumebase: Great for Star Wars/Star Trek and other movie related costumes!

Cosfun.net are FANTASTIC for superhero Lycra stuff she also does commissions

Cosplayfu I and a lot of my friends have been happy with their service, free shipping and free custom sized stuff, they do good commission work too.

Cosplayfu is my favourite, you pretty much get exactly what's shown in the photo! They even show some of them in video form so you can get a video view and they often throw in multiple costume parts (even extras, I got an extra petticoat and socks that weren't listed when I ordered Madoka from them) for a decent price!

The only problem that I've ever had with them are that the Canada gloves I got from them didn't fit me well at all so I couldn't wear them and the Madoka ones were a little small (but they do stretch and I can get them on/wear them just fine, it's just a little hard) but I have weirdly long hands so that's probably why.