Wandering hands, upskirt shots, peering down the front of your blouse – these are just some of the perils that female cosplayers (especially the good-looking ones) have to deal with when in costume.

Often the source of internet wank and occasionally even national news, the molestation of female cosplayers will not stop unless the girls start standing up for themselves. Here are five things that lady cosplayers can do to stop the abuse and protect themselves from the wolves.

Wear “body stockings”.

Flesh-toned full-body tights — also known as “body stockings”, are an old Hollywood trick that many major actresses use when filming full or partial nudity shots.

These light and sheer tights cover the entire body exposing only the hands and feet, and can be worn under more revealing costumes to form a physical barrier between you and groping hands. Body stockings are available in stores that specialize in dance and ballet supplies and can be matched to your actual skin tone.

Practice your pose in front of a mirror.

If your character has a signature pose, practice that in front of the mirror with your costume on. That way you can spot any problem areas like skirts riding up to expose you underpants or tops sliding out of place to reveal your brassiere. It’s better to do this at home while you still have the time and resources to fix any possible wardrobe malfunctions, rather than finding pictures of your frilly white panties plastered all over the internet by opportunistic pervs.

Use your props to shield yourself.

If you happen to have an oversized prop with you — like a shield, sword, or gun, you can use this to discretely put some space between yourself and guys posing beside you for photo-ops. If they ask you to put it away so that they can lean in closer to you, decline as politely as you can — make up an excuse that it is fragile or that you don’t want to be out of character.

Bring a posse.

By “bring a posse” we don’t mean hiring an entire platoon of bouncers, but asking people you trust to come to the con with you. This is especially important if you are in a revealing outfit as pervs will gravitate towards you like horseflies to honey. Ask you boyfriend, your cosplay pals — heck, ask your parents!!! — to tag along and watch over you during photo-ops. Photographers and fanboys are known to behave when they know that someone is on guard duty.

Learn to say “No!”.

Most importantly — learn to say no! Saying “No!” does not make you a primadonna or a bitch. Many girls are reluctant to decline requests for guys to put their arms around their waists or on their behinds because these ladies are afraid of the online backlash for their refusal. Many perverts are aware of this, and take advantage of this fact to get a good grope in knowing that the ladies are not likely to complain.

By saying “no” outright, you are drawing a line that most passive-aggressive perverts are reluctant to cross, thereby saving you from their wandering hands and leery eyes. And if he still tries to paw you after you’ve made your feelings clear? That’s the time to bring the house down and kick up a fuss that neither he nor his ilk are soon to forget.

Some Final Words

Women and girls have the freedom to dress provocatively if they choose, and they should be able to do so in relative safety, IF MEN AND BOYS ARE TAUGHT THAT SEXUAL HARRASSMENT AND RAPE IS WRONG. The reality is many cases of sexual harrassment and rape happen while the victims are conservatively dressed — and what they were wearing had little to do with the perpetuator’s intent.

So girls, take steps protect yourselves. Learn to fight back if neccessary. And always make sound decisions with regards to your safety.