MAGWest Dress Code
In consultation with our host venue, we have put together this dress code to provide greater clarity on what attire is and is not permitted at MAGWest, and we are committed to enforcing it as fairly and consistently as possible.
As with all our policies, this dress code applies in all MAGWest event spaces, which includes the entire convention center area, including hallways and elevators. It also includes MAGWest-managed areas in the hotel (e.g. lobby bar, panel rooms & any queuing areas, security) as well as high-traffic areas in the hotel. The pool area is the one exception, as that is a mostly hotel managed area and subject to hotel policies - appropriate swimwear is required in the pool.
These rules cannot cover and are not intended to cover every possible situation. Therefore, please note that final calls are solely at the discretion of senior MAGWest Security staff (FLARE) or senior event leadership (e.g. employees, division heads, Board members). If you have questions or concerns about what is permitted, either before or after the event, you may contact us at security@magfest.org.
For all genders and body types, in all poses, in all MAGFest event spaces, at all times:
Badges are required and must be easily visible to staff. Help us help you: holding up your badge when entering crowded spaces makes it easier for staff to identify and permit your entry!
Prop check ribbons are required for handheld accessories and must be easily visible to staff. The prop check table is located outside Expo E. Note that staff may request that you obtain a prop check ribbon for costume pieces that are not handheld, if they judge them to be potentially dangerous or dangerous-looking.
The nipples and at least 2” of surrounding skin must be covered by opaque, solid fabric. This also applies to any cosplay pieces that could be construed as bare skin (e.g. silicone chest pieces, whether masc or fem).
The skin of the buttocks must be fully covered by opaque, solid fabric. Skin-tone tights or leggings are acceptable, but please be aware that they are difficult to distinguish from a distance, so you may still be flagged down by staff for proof.
The genitals must be fully covered by opaque, solid fabric, which must be loose enough that no outlines or features of the genitals are distinguishable. Dance belts are recommended for those with penises.
Soled footwear is required. Roller skates, inline skates, socks, or other footwear without a conventional sole are not permitted. Shoes are not required in the pool area, of course, but they must be worn to and from the pool area.
Hate speech and hate symbols are not permitted. This includes, but is not limited to, historical symbols that may appear in video games or other entertainment media.
Body paint, fake blood, makeup, and glitter must be properly sealed and dry so that it does not transfer to surfaces or to other people. None of these things counts as “opaque, solid fabric” for the purposes of the previous rules; in other words, body paint is not a replacement for clothing!
All prop guns must have an orange tip in accordance with applicable laws and general firearm safety best practices. Please understand that a prop may be considered in violation of this policy regardless of whether it violates the law.
Handcuffs, leashes, and other connective gear may not connect you to another person or limit your own movement.
Costume elements that obscure your vision must be removed before traveling through event spaces OR you must have a handler to guide you.
Items that are NEVER permitted, whether as part of a cosplay or for any other reason:
Live firearms, including airsoft, BB, and paintball guns
Live ammunition, flammables, or explosives, including fireworks and sparklers
Loaded prop guns, water guns, or other projectile weaponry/toys. As a reminder, all prop guns must have an orange tip in accordance with applicable laws and general firearm safety best practices. Please understand that a prop may be considered in violation of this policy regardless of whether it violates the law.
Metal props, including pipes, poles, swords, knives, guns, large chains, etc.
Items or devices that create smoke, fog, or similar output
Nunchucks, paddles, or other items designed to be swung
Roller skates, inline skates, or stilts
This list is not exhaustive and we reserve the right to add to it if something comes up that may present a danger to you or to others. Again, any final calls are at the discretion of our staff.
Other notes:
Cosplay (or any clothing choice) is not consent. Do not catcall or otherwise harass anyone. Always ask before touching or taking a photograph. Respect boundaries if someone says no or seems uncomfortable.
The dress code applies regardless of activity. Please ensure your outfit covers all the necessary areas while crouching, bending over, dancing, posing, and so on. Consider body tape or pasties if your outfit is likely to cause exposure while moving.
For your own safety and that of others, please secure anything that dangles before engaging in energetic movement or before getting onto an escalator (e.g. badge lanyards, low-hanging or draping fabric, loose straps, etc.).
Mobility aids and medical equipment will not be restricted; however, you may be asked to remove modifications that pose a danger to other attendees. MAGWest reserves the right to check any medical device that doubles as a prop or that could be mistaken for one.
Clothing, costumes, or accessories may be removed, cut, or otherwise damaged by EMS or medical personnel to administer care in the case of an emergency.
If your outfit does not meet these criteria, you WILL BE ASKED TO change before returning to event spaces.
Likewise, if your prop is not approved and visibly tagged with a prop check ribbon, you will be asked to visit security in the Silicon Valley room to get it approved, or you will be asked to return it to your room or vehicle if it cannot be approved. Repeated violations may result in further sanctions, up to and including having your badge revoked without refund, being removed from the premises, and/or being barred from attending future MAGFest/MAGWest events.
Remember that a dress code is not a moral judgment; if we ask you to change, it is for the safety and comfort of you, other attendees, and our hosts at the DoubleTree. Please respect and support our staff in upholding these rules!