how much of your costume should you construct for competition?

My friends and I are thinking of doing our first competition at our local con and I'm trying to decide which costume to do. We aren't wanting to do a skit, and are likely going to do a trio of Thor, Loki, Sif (ladies of Asgard). I just keep having a nagging thought that I am not creating enough myself only because I bought leggings and a top. I would be creating my armour, loin cloth/skirt, clock, and hopefully Mjolnir. Is that enough construction? I wouldn't be in the high level groups as we haven't entered a competition before and really this would be my 4th time cosplaying at a con.

What convention is it? Usually they have rules saying how many store-bought items you can have, based on what level you're entering at (beginner/journeyman/masters/etc). Go to their website or shoot them an email to see if they'll let it slide.

Well the site just says at least 80% of the costume to be in the craftmanship category.

I think you're alright with that at a lower level. Do you have a photo/reference of what you're making? If the shirt and leggings are a minor part of the costume or hidden under the armour, you ought to be fine. Most cons don't expect you to make your own leggings, tighter-fitted gloves (like say, opera gloves) and undergarments until much higher levels.

[QUOTE=ShinobiXikyu;5015463]I think you're alright with that at a lower level. Do you have a photo/reference of what you're making? If the shirt and leggings are a minor part of the costume or hidden under the armour, you ought to be fine. Most cons don't expect you to make your own leggings, tighter-fitted gloves (like say, opera gloves) and undergarments until much higher levels.[/QUOTE]

It's the new female Thor costume, so you would see the top. I do need to alter it but not by much.

I keep having a nagging thought that I should make them as opposed to have to, like it's somehow cheating. I wouldn't be in a high level category as it is my first time.

Honestly, you'd have to ask the director what 80% means, not us.

And if you're a novice, you do tend to get away with having more purchased parts (god no why would you make leggings or an undershirt) but again...I don't know the director or their judges, so I can't say what they'll allow to slide.

Email the contest director or whoever is listed as being in charge of the cosplay events at the convention.