Need to make a chainmail shirt for a costume, but don't want to deal with the weight, cost, or discomfort of the real thing? Watch this video on making faux chainmail for cosplay with stretch mesh fabric! This is a lightweight, affordable & comfortable alternative to buying or making a chainmail shirt for your cosplays.
Supply List
- Sewing Machine
- Stretch Mesh or Fishnet Fabric
- Matching thread
- Metallic Fabric Paint (spray or brush-on)
- Drop cloth or cardboard
- Niosh mask (when working with aerosols)
- A well ventilated space
Video Tutorial
For this video, I used one of our tunics & faux chainmail shirt sewing patterns to create a cosplay inspired by the video game character Link from Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. You can find a collection of our tunic patterns linked below this post.
This cosplay hack relies on using texture and color to trick the eye into viewing the mesh like a chain shirt. If you're lucky enough to find a mesh fabric that is already in the metallic color you are aiming for, you can add extra realism by 'weathering' the fabric with spots of grey, black, or rust-colored fabric paint.
A note on safety: When working with aerosol (spray) paints, ensure you work in a well-ventilated area, away from family and pets, and wear safety gear rated explicitly for the type of aerosol you're using. It is essential not to skip this step anytime you are working with paints, glues, sealants, or heating foam, as all these materials release unseen toxins into your environment. Your lungs and eyes will thank you for prioritizing safety. It is much better to be safe than sorry!
Happy Sewing!
