Anime NYC: costume, prop and weapon rules

Last checked against the con's own rules on 2026-10-21.

A plain-language summary of Anime NYC's official costume, prop, and weapon rules for cosplayers attending the convention.

Anime NYC requires every prop to be inspected before you carry it on the convention floor. Visit one of the prop check stations around the convention centre so the security team can look it over and attach a tag. You need to do this before showing off your costume in any shared space. For prop weapons, the con allows items made of cardboard, foam, or similar light materials. Plastic and wooden prop weapons are described on the policy page as generally acceptable, but they must still go through security review. The page gives no specific size limit for props. Firearms props follow stricter rules. If a prop gun could be mistaken for a real firearm, it is not allowed inside Anime NYC. Realistic-looking guns with brightly coloured caps are also prohibited, and cap guns, airsoft guns, and BB guns are banned outright. Unrealistic prop guns must have an orange cap or tip, following the linked LeftField Media policy. Real firearms may not be brought to the event by any participant. Metal weapons, sharp weapons, and blunt weapons are all banned. The policy specifically names bokken and baseball bats as examples of prohibited blunt items. Hate symbols are not permitted at the convention even when they appear as part of a costume or cosplay. The detailed rules sit on the Anime NYC policies page at animenyc.com/about/policies/, and the linked LeftField Media Cosplay and Prop Weapons Policy adds further detail, including the note that body paint, liquid latex, pasties, and makeup alone do not count as a costume. Both documents are the authority on what is and is not allowed, and the rules can change from year to year, so check the official page before you attend.

Full details at Anime NYC →