The cosplay vs recreator community

So this is something that I have thought about for quite a long time, and I feel that I need to get it out of my chest, and I would be happy if it could lead to some discussion. This is about historical recreators, and before someone gets upset of feel personally targeted I must say that since coming in to this hobby all the people that I have gotten to know have been wonderful, helpful and open people as individuals. Historical recreators as a collective though, not so much I am sad to say, especially for recreators doing pre-1700s.

My first 16th century kit

I came to this hobby from cosplay, and especiatlly Star Wars costuming. The 501^st legion, and its sister organisations, have had a rumour about being elitist, but my experience is that if you come as a new person you were welcomed, showed where you could find resources for your big costume project, and also showed standards on how good the costume needed to be in order to become a member.  Once you have your costume you are encouraged to take on responsibilities in the club and help organise events. Outside of Star Wars costuming the different cosplay groups have always been open on when and how you can meet them and  they are happy to see new people tag along.

As a contrast it took me 4 years from finishing my first 1520s project until I got into contact with a group for that time period, and it only happened because I got to know a person, who then added me to a private fb group. That seems to be the norm, now after a few years getting to know people I have been added to more private fb groups. Looking at the webpages of several recreation groups you are more likely to find information on how to hire the group for events, than you are to find information on how you can join them. So you first need to figure out how to make your costume, which depending on your chosen time period can be more or less challenging, and then once you have a nice costume, then you need to find a person who can introduce you to other recreators. Many of these private groups, that you can get invited to if you know the right person, also have very strong informal hierarchies. It is a pretty tough social environment, especially for introverted persons.

If any cosplayer would like to take the step into historical recreation, I am happy to help you find your way, not the least because I have at times myself been frustrated by how closed the community is.