Originally Posted by ****

I wouldn't recommend actively seeking fat characters if you want to look your best. Instead, try looking for costumes that complement your physique rather than make it look worse.

For instance, I've known larger girls who've done shrine maiden Miaka from Fushigi Yuugi. It looks good because it's so big and flowing. ^_^ Male characters in trenchcoats and such work nicely for larger guys.

Also, sometimes it's good to go as a "hulking brute" character when you've got a lot of meat to spare. I've seen a taller, heavier guy go as Astaroth from Soul Calibur. Even with an open chest, it worked well.

If I'm going to throw political correctness out the window, the most successful "fat" cosplay I've seen was E. Honda from Street Fighter 2 (the sumo wrestler). That's the only time I've seen a highly obese person wear a shirtless cosplay... and it actually look good, true to the character, and *not* distasteful. :P