CATS the Musical costume & cosplay! 🐈 DIY

[@iseleylaura]

Wigs 2:51 Tails 6:52 Unitards 8:58 Collars 10:18 Legs/Arms warmers 13:03 Makeup 15:59

[@andreas3812]

Laura Iseley THANKS!

[@shadowfoxxie7182]

this tutorial is so under appreciated

[@iseleylaura]

I'm glad you find it useful!

[@princesacelestia6669]

I’ll be using this for my Skimble cosplay, thank you so much!

[@iseleylaura]

you're so welcome! I wish you the best of luck x

[@CRYP71D0g]

Yes!! I’m also doing a Skimbleshanks cosplay!

[@carolinepowers2749]

I have LOVED cats the musical my whole life! I watched it 10+ times a day every day for a few years and have seen it in person in costume before and hoping to go again soon! The movie was a super disappointment there were a few things i liked but it was no where near as amazing as the musical!!

[@iseleylaura]

This basically sums up my feelings haha

[@rokzila]

I prefer the movie!

[@KaroruruYT]

Saving this for reference even though I'm having a really bad time finding the materials to start working on a costume. I live in Brazil so ordering from the US is a big oof :'))) hopefully i'll get to be a jellicle cat before the year ends!

[@iseleylaura]

Sending good luck to you my friend! Cosplay can be so expensive and intricate, agreed 😅 if you’re able to become a jellicle, I’d love to see!♥️

[@DannyPops]

When you think a broadway cats costume will be easy and then realize you are sorely mistaken.

[@iseleylaura]

They’re truly works of art!😅

[@dogsmirk]

My girlfriend and I are planning on surprising the family (probably to their dismay) with a Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer costume this year and this is exactly what we needed. Thanks!

[@iseleylaura]

Aw best of luck!! That’s awesome - they’ll be forced to embrace it lol. Feel free to reach out anytime on my insta if you want pointers/tips as you go along. :) Even tho I haven’t made a full cats costume since making this video, I have learned a lot more regarding technique, so there are quite a few things I would have refined in this video if I were to do it again! Best of luck 😸

[@LittleJoeTheMoonlightCat]

The Rum Tum Tugger when putting on the wigs.

[@anthonyandino6069]

I paid someone to make me a Munkustrap costume.. I should have it soon and so far, it looks like an actual professional tailor made it for me as if I was the actual Munkustrap actor. As soon as I'm able to watch Cats live, I want to troll my family and wear my Munkustrap costume to the show. There is a part in the beginning of the show where Munkustrap says "Do I actually see with my own very eyes a man who has not heard of a Jellicle Cat?" When he says that, I want to look directly at my family and point at them at that part and see if the actors notice

[@teethan3928]

I NEED AN UPDATE

[@biancasettle4840]

I love this!! You guys are awesome. I used to watch cats when I was little and I still love it. And I like the reference to Elijah woods best interview ever

[@iseleylaura]

Thank you! It’s an instant mood booster show for sure. Haha I’m glad someone else appreciates the charm that is Elijah Wood 😂 Thanks for watching! x

[@MrJyora]

I absolutely loved the movie and because of it I got hooked to the broadway show. so, I love them both respectively and realize they are different formats of the same concept. Therefore I don't judge one or the either. I accept them as they are: a film and the other, a stage show.

[@iseleylaura]

That's so awesome that the new movie could introduce you to Cats, and make you fall in love with the Broadway original too! I share your opinion pretty much. Both are their own versions of the show, and they definitely have unique merits. :) Thanks for sharing! x

[@Cats-tu3ld]

When i was young i watched cats for the first time,i LOVED it! i have watched cats 38 times,and this year im making a costume of Mungojerry and i am so happy to find this video.

[@iseleylaura]

I’m so glad! Would love to see your costume when it’s finished 🥰

[@bombalurinathejellicle145]

I have played bombalurina and have made the costumes for my cast

[@iseleylaura]

Wow lucky! It would be a dream come true if I could perform in a production of cats, especially to be in charge of costumes :’)

[@fledermaus23388]

Exactly what I needed... thanks so much

[@iseleylaura]

Glad it helped!🫶🏻

[@fledermaus23388]

Kleines Upgrade oder Tipp: Ich habe es zuerst exakt nach deiner Methode versucht, bin aber an den offenen Enden der Haare gescheitert. Die Lösung war, einen Büschel Haare flach in Reihe zu legen und mit einem sehr kurzen Stich mit der Nähmaschine in der Mitte drüber zu nähen. Dann an der Naht falten und nochmal knappkantig drübernähen. Daraus entsteht ein Streifen stabiler Haarsträhnen, die mit der Hand einfach anzunähen sind. Funktioniert hervorragend und geht viel schneller, vorausgesetzt man hat eine Nähmaschine.

[@robynthompson412]

OMGOODNESS amazing job on your cosplay!!! I am a huge fan of the musical Cats. My dream role is Demeter. I love the 1998 movie. I just got a custom made Demeter wig. Now I just need to make the rest of my costume.

[@iseleylaura]

Thank you so much! Best of luck 🥰 Demeter is one of my favs too

[@beenice3771]

Omggg you saved my life with this video !!! I love everything, congratulations you just won a new subscriber hahaha😂❤

[@andreas3812]

This video is just life saving

[@iseleylaura]

Hopefully for all nine of your lives! (hee hee thanks! ☺️)

[@TheStephSavic]

This makes my 5th grade self so so happy. I went as Jemima as Halloween and this video makes me want to make another costume!

[@iseleylaura]

Aw omg that’s awesome!! Please do and feel free to share it with me ! 🐱

[@KimberlyFaith260]

Woah! This video is amazing! The Cats Costumes and the musical and general is really something to be proud of! Amazing job!

[@iseleylaura]

awh thank you so much! I'm glad you found it helpful. :) Agreed -- anyone working on a production of Cats (whether they're the actors/dancers themselves, costume makers, set designers, etc) are truly talented individuals to put such a complex show on!

[@KimberlyFaith260]

Laura Iseley. The whole quality of the video was just off the Richter scale! I absolutely love it! Cats is a show that must live on! It’s a showcase of remarkable talent, such as singing, dancing, costuming, makeup, staging, lighting, and acting!

[@iseleylaura]

thank you so much!! haha I really enjoyed editing this one; I try to match the aesthetics of the source material whenever I make fanart/cosplay related videos ;) And I couldn't agree with you more!!

[@KimberlyFaith260]

Laura Iseley. And yes... Jemima is the best!

[@thetunebella6675]

0:48 and I'm going to be Etcetera for Halloween that's why I decided to watch this video!!! 🤣🤣🤣 PS that is me every time I see Rum Tum Tugger that's why I am cosplaying as her because I relate to her!!!!!!

[@gryzipiorek5520]

This is exactly what I needed! I am planning to do my cosplay in near future and I had no idea how to style a wig. Thank you so much 💖 Now I only need to figure out how to do fur, since I'm going to be the Rum Tum Tugger ✨

[@iseleylaura]

You’re welcome! I’m glad you found it useful. x Best of luck with your Tugger cosplay; I suggest reaching out to James @thehausofreese on insta for tips on styling Tugger 😉 He’s made several of those wigs for commissions, and they all look so authentic!!

[@gryzipiorek5520]

@@iseleylaura oh, oh my! Thanks a lot! I will try to contact him when I get ready, for sure 💖

[@infokhoundara8046]

What company makes the kanekolon

[@iseleylaura]

I bought from Doctored Locks :)

[@infokhoundara8046]

Laura Iseley thanks so much I am going to be Munkustrap for Halloween!!!!!!!!!

[@iseleylaura]

very cool! If you share your costume on social media, feel free to share them with me so I can see!

[@stabbytt]

jemima and cassandra are my favs (and munku and misto) so this makes me soo happy hahaha, but the costumes look great! edit: omg the kino das bang bang boom boom interview. iconic. happier now.

[@Twisted_wonderlandFan]

this will definetly help me with my Rum Tum Tugger cosplay, the only thing i'm worried about is the uniterd, since he as that leopard print on his wrists, ankles and chest, i hope i will be able to figure it out, thanks for the tutorial! :3

[@iseleylaura]

Glad I could help! Best of luck with your Tugger cosplay 😊🩵

[@LittleJoeTheMoonlightCat]

So you be Celebrating your 22nd Birthday this year, I was Introduced to the Jellicles back in 1984 when I was 8 years old, there was a Commercial for it on my T.V. and I fell in Love with the Jellicles, The 1998 Video was the first time CATS had been put to Film, your lucky to have been born in the Same year.

[@anjabukvic9908]

About how many 24 inch kanekalon braids do you need for one wig?

[@siewbergeron8014]

Kanekalon wig hair for Rum Tum Tugger

[@JackDaniel-w8i]

I’m so late to this but I’m currently working on a Cats costume right now 😅 How many packages and what colours did you use for Jemina? And how much paint and colours was used for the Unitard? 😸 Love this tutorial!

[@driftingclouds2926]

I HAVE THE STAGE MOVIE VHS TAPE I WATCH IT WHEN IM SAD

[@iseleylaura]

ME TOO therapy: expensive watching the 1998 Cats VHS tape: free

[@driftingclouds2926]

Laura Iseley YES!! Who needs therapy when you have the Cats VHS

[@ШураТВ-н6я]

Thank you so much❤😊

[@21chemH]

What brush and painting style was used for Cassandra's belly fur? It looks great! And I'm thinking of trying it on my uni for my CATS style cosp Lol.

[@iseleylaura]

I used a more expressive style with a dry bristle brush! The OG Cassandra has to be airbrushed and I didn’t have that tool at the time, so I decided to go for the more pronounced fur texture rather than the soft belly she usually has. Hope that helps!

[@VanNessy97]

I want to do this for a Ragdoll Cat!

[@thetunebella6675]

12:59 I WAS SINGING ALONG TO THE SONG I KNEW YOU WERE GOING TO DO THAT THX U!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Cosmiccccc14]

This is a great video for me to make my Victoria the white cat costume!

[@iseleylaura]

so glad to hear it! 🤍

[@melanielasalle3515]

Thanks a million for this video! How much Kanekalon does it take to make 1 wig?

[@iseleylaura]

You're so welcome my dear! Because there were several colours for each of the wigs, I only needed to buy one jumbo braid for each colour I wanted to use (and then I had leftovers of all colours). But if you were to just do one colour, then i would suggest getting 3 jumbo braids. In my experience, you'll use more than you think you will (plus it's always nice to have some for crafting later ;) ) good luck! x

[@CRYP71D0g]

This is going to be so helpful when I make the rail and unitard!! Also I had a lot of fun watching the makeup part, I need someone to get together with and do cosplay makeup 😂

[@iseleylaura]

Hahaha yes the makeup segment was definitely for laughs and not too helpful, but I’m glad you enjoyed it nonetheless 😂 Good luck with your cosplay! Tag me on insta if you post it; I’d love to see :)

[@LittleJoeTheMoonlightCat]

And we Even get to see My Mentor Mr. Mistoffelees, as portrayed by Jacob Brent.

[@ashfur2375]

Could you do a bombalurina tutorial?

[@iseleylaura]

I most likely won’t do a Bombalurina specific one, but please go check out pixie_dust_jellicle on Instagram! She has wonderful Bombalurina cosplays that you can use as reference and inspiration for unitards, makeup, warmers, tails, collars, etc. All of the techniques I showed here can be used for any cat, so that should get you started at least :) thank you for checking out my video xx

[@jennyy25]

Hello :) Your video is really really helpful ^^ Especially 'cause I plan to do an jellicle-costume by myself. But I have one question... I am not sure about the size of such an unitard. Maybe you can tell me, what's your high and which size you ordered... Thanks in advance :))

[@iseleylaura]

Hiya, I'm glad you found this useful! I am 5'2" and bought a size medium unitard for myself. Even though my height warranted a size small, I got a size larger because white tends to be translucent (and I wanted to minimize that!). My friend, Deanna, is around 5'8" so I got her a size large. As the unitards that we bought came from China, it is a good idea to get a size larger anyway since their clothing tends to run small (at least on Americans like me!). I hope you found this helpful, and I'd love to see your finished Jellicle costume in the future

[@jennyy25]

Thank you so much for your reply :) It's pretty helpful. Now I am sure about my decision. I mean I am around 5'6", so I could decide between medium and lange. But I think I will order large. ^^ Maybe I can link you on Instagram as soon as it'll be finished. Hopefully soon. XD

[@iseleylaura]

yes please do! Good luck x

[@lilithstewart4172]

Great job! How would you do a Demeter costume?

[@iseleylaura]

Same techniques! Just more hatching than blending on the unitard, and different colours of course - like that vibrant yellow she has

[@lilithstewart4172]

@@iseleylaura Thank you!

[@annamaymusic3278]

❤i enjoy watching..Good job you both🥰🥰

[@iseleylaura]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@lucyyockey]

As a potential artistic director for a production of cats, could I ask what the budget was for these two costumes?

[@iseleylaura]

Ah what a cool job! I’d love to work on literally any production of cats myself. To answer your question... hmm a lot of the materials I already had on hand for past projects, so there wasn’t much I bought specifically for this. That said, if I had to estimate the materials worth per costume I would probably say around $200 - $300 ? Of course there’s also tons of labour involved, and materials bought in bulk (or upcycled like how I chose to do the warmers) will make things more affordable in the long-run. Hope that helped!

[@lucyyockey]

@@iseleylaura Thank you so much!!

[@nikitaalexandra]

I AM AMAZED

[@iseleylaura]

😻🫶🏻

[@jemima2885]

How did you do the shoulders on Jemima? Did I miss it in the video? Sorry if I did!

[@iseleylaura]

I mentioned it very very briefly because I forgot to actually detail it!😅 Basically for the fluffies I would recommend just using some more of the textured yarn (like what I used for the warmers) and then sewing it down on the shoulders. For this costume, I was in a hurry so I just hot glued it, but if you really want to do it right, then I recommend putting the uni on a dress form or mannequin and then hand sewing them in place - hope that helps! (You could attempt to machine sew them too, just make sure that you stretch the spandex when sewing)

[@ashtonlive2033]

I really love Cats The Musical too! I’ve not seen the show live, I really want to see it. I would like to make a Cats cosplay I’d like to dress as Munkustrap. Great video!!!

[@iseleylaura]

Oooh so exciting; I would love to make a Munkustrap cosplay too!! If you can, I cannot highly recommend seeing Cats live enough. There are so many stage elements that can only be seen in person, and it’s also even more incredible to see the performers dance live. It’s such an exhausting show to have to perform! Thanks for watching~ ♥️😸

[@zombreeze3915]

i plan on dressing up my toddler son as Rum Tum Tugger for a convention we plan on going to later in the year. I don't think he'll cooperate when it comes to painting the leotard when it's on his body lol

[@iseleylaura]

Oh no ahahaha😂😂 you could try stuffing it with a lot of newspaper instead Tugger’s costume is so fun. I’m not sure how I’d attempt the mane; I wish you good luck! I’d love to see it when finished :)

[@zombreeze3915]

Genius idea! Thank you for the suggestion, would have never thought to stuff the leotard! I hope the materials I plan on using is light enough. I was suggested thin eva foam for the mane! Fingers crossed that it works 🤞😄🤞

[@tbttube9920]

Where did you find the white? I clicked on the link and I can't find white as a color (trying to do Victoria)

[@iseleylaura]

Looks like they’re out of stock for most kanekalon fibers :( but there may be other kanekalon suppliers online elsewhere!

[@SugarTail-d1b]

Question, how much fur for the head do I need if I’m doing one color?

[@iseleylaura]

I’d probably get at least 2 packages

[@SugarTail-d1b]

@@iseleylaura thanks

[@LittleJoeTheMoonlightCat]

Mentor Mr. Mistoffelees Number, while adding the ornaments to the Collars.

[@camryncrowe5684]

How much does the wig hair cost

[@iseleylaura]

I think each skein was like $6 so maybe like $20 total! Check out doctoredlocks.com

[@camryncrowe5684]

@@iseleylaura ok thank you I’m also making a costume for my friend because we love cats so I wanted to know

[@lorian_vhl.4983bc]

Heyy I have a question. What fabric material did you use for this black ribber on the gloves? I‘m asking you bc I don‘t know how it‘s called. I love your costumes so much btw

[@iseleylaura]

hi! the gloves are spandex/lycra opera type gloves and I just used basic fabric paints and trims to decorate them

[@LittleJoeTheMoonlightCat]

I think Tom Hooper did an Okay Job, He Kept to the Source Material, and Made it his Own, Which is more than I can say About other Remakes.

[@iseleylaura]

Agreed! Lol

[@LittleJoeTheMoonlightCat]

My Favorite Number for the Unitards, Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer.

[@Pupcan]

Hi, LI. Regarding costuming and your INTJ video in general, I'm wondering more and more if costuming as a hobby tends to attract a disproportionately large number of INTJs. i.e. Psychologically, each costume benefits greatly from the I to work self-sufficiently for months on end prior to going on stage in the finished costume, from the N to have motivation for such an unorthodox hobby which most family and co-workers don't understand, from the T to overcome the unforeseen problem-solving issues of connecting various materials together reliably without giving up, and for the J to make the decision to turn a mental picture into 3-D wearable artwork for all the world to see on stage. (and afterwards the I is happily exhausted from all the attention and wants to go back into the hermitage to begin work on next year's costume.) While other Myers-Briggs types DO make and wear creative costumes, there also seem to be a lot of folks who are well-intentioned but don't seem to get around to seeing their worthwhile idea through to the end. Meanwhile, from our friends' POV, the INTJ costumers seem to go alone into our rooms and mystically come out months later wearing a finished costume with sound effects or flashing lights. (and for one day a year, that belle-of-the-ball sensation is downright amazing in rewarding an INTJ for being an INTJ.) Have you gotten that impression, too? (P.S. This was a suggestion/nudge that maybe for a future video, you could combine your costuming hobby WITH your knowledge of the Myers-Briggs.)

[@iseleylaura]

Wow I really enjoyed reading your analysis of why INTJs may be predisposed to flocking to costuming as a hobby.. I never thought too in depth about it, but when taken the time to be written down, I really resonated with everything you said. I agree - I enjoy making things, costumes and cosplay included, because I can work on it alone and control all facets of it. And like you said, i immensely enjoy the problem solving bit of combining various media together to create something cool and unique. There really is no other feeling than showing off your work with pride to the wonder of the people around you ;) Thanks for your suggestion and your support! x

[@Creepergirl625]

i'm wanting to make an Alonzo cosplay. in your opinion, what would be the best way to make the different shaped wig?

[@Creepergirl625]

also i am SO glad you had a different idea on how to do leg warmers. i don't knit, so i'm so glad you gave me some new great ideas!!

[@iseleylaura]

oh fun; I love Alonzo! I would make it via the same techniques here, just use longer pieces of kanekalon along the sides where his fur is longer. Kanekalon is pretty stiff, so you shouldn't have to worry about it drooping down. After that, spend some extra time styling. I think his shape is mostly achieved through precise trimming, such as making sure the top middle is shorter compared to the sides, which are more curved. If you can, I would try to find some way to practice trimming hair/fur like this, as it can be tricky if you've never done it before (and you certainly don't want to ruin a wig that you just spent hours glueing wefts onto!). The Cats cosplay community is thriving on instagram too, and one person I recommend specifically for Alonzo costume inspiration is James @thehausofreese He is very friendly, easy to talk to, and super open and talented regarding his cosplays! I encourage you to message him if you want to find out how he made his Alonzo, wig and all :) And if you feel like you don't want to tackle it after all, he is accepting Cats commissions which have looked nothing but outstanding Also, thank you! Yes, I can't knit or crochet either, and I like working with thrifted materials more anyway. I find that there are such interesting and unique knitted designs/textures that already exist in old sweaters and things, you just have to keep an eye out and your imagination open ;) I find it much more interesting to chop off the sleeves and use them as warmers, and fulfilling too, as it's making clever use of what would be waste materials :)) Plus, no one else will have your exact warmers either Thank you for checking out my video and leaving your comment! I wish you the best of luck in all your cosplay endeavours xx

[@Creepergirl625]

Laura Iseley thank you for your lengthy reply!! i appreciate the help!!!

[@lunadavina]

Ahhhh love it!!! ❤❤❤

[@siewbergeron8014]

Cats musical make yourself your very own cat color costume designs

[@anjabukvic9908]

I loved this video❣️ Also I'm a huge fan of the musical and I liked the new Cats movie, I would just prefer if they had put some makeup on their noses to make them look more like cats, but other than that, it was cool!

[@avaa22_81]

These are AWESOME!

[@iseleylaura]

YOURE awesome!😽

[@theGagarianplanet]

What kind of fabric paint did you use? :)

[@iseleylaura]

I think it was just Tulip brand soft fabric paints that you can buy at Walmart, Joanns, etc! I also mixed it with Liquitex basics w/ fabric medium since I love their pigmentation so much

[@snuffystudios]

Me and my mom are using this tutorial for our halloween costumes! We both adore cats and this tutorial is amazing! Im going as mr mistofolees and shes going as Victoria :)

[@iseleylaura]

Best of luck! That’s so awesome. I’d love of you shared your final costume photos with me :)

[@snuffystudios]

@@iseleylaura i will make sure to link the photos here on halloween!!

[@jelliclerock]

What paint did you use for the unitards?

[@iseleylaura]

Just some cheap fabric paint that I bought at WalMart. I think it was Tulip brand? I also used Liquitex acrylic paints mixed with fabric paint medium too. I would have liked to try acid dyes though!

[@donnagerber2911]

Nailed it!!!

[@SashaVoitoff]

Can you make a jellice cats costume from cats the musical with long sleeve shirt and dance tights and yarn to make leg warmers and arm warmers and cats wig from Amazon and make cats collor and cats tail and jazz shoes for cats costume from cats and cats makeup from cats the musical

[@LittleJoeTheMoonlightCat]

Jennyanydots for the Tail.

[@siewbergeron8014]

Yark hair

[@myhangle7364]

Cool

[@paulinka6297]

i am the sameeee

[@milagrostorres1539]

Love it

[@LittleJoeTheMoonlightCat]

Old Deuteronomy for the Collars, this Brings back so many Memories.

[@kathiedietrich6338]

the new movie really did not make it up into my favorites xD I always loved the stage movie though, and your wig tutorial helped me so much, so thank you so so much!

[@iseleylaura]

LOL you right You’re welcome! Glad to be of help ^-^

[@LittleJoeTheMoonlightCat]

Love The CATS Shirt, I have a Sweatshirt with Green Eyes on the Back, I'm wearing it under My Costume, in my Icon/Watermark Photo.

[@PuffyOne1898]

Literally just got into Cats. Wanna be either Munkustrap or Mr. Mistoffolees

[@iseleylaura]

welcome to the fandom! So happy to hear that people are still discovering the joy of cats 🥰 glad to be of help!

[@LittleJoeTheMoonlightCat]

Fanfare for the Makeup, I always do My Makeup first then the Costume.

[@hiellevihillynho1220]

I LOVE IT

[@iseleylaura]

I LOVE U

[@Shay-i4n]

❤

[@marianagomez7958]

Ok me to be Cats costume wigs Tails unitards collars thank YOU SO much better

[@mr.positivedino]

now I finally have an excuse to spend money (imma cosplay Mungojerrie)

[@iseleylaura]

ayyyy then I’ll have to pop out my Rumpleteazer

[@anthonyandino6069]

I have spent $400 on a Munkustrap costume.. It turned out great!

[@solange_worldfrance]

You are cute. 😻

[@LittleJoeTheMoonlightCat]

Eat your heart out Jo Gibb.

[@LittleJoeTheMoonlightCat]

Memory for the Arms and Legs, wow I'm having flashbacks of Kirsten Holmen and that Barry Manilow Tape.

[@private9860]

Openminded advocat

[@iseleylaura]

for this musical, always

[@courtneyreid9862]

wenornorcg

[@RosalieFamily-qo6jz]

What! 😂😂