/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

I want to cosplay Mazinger Z, but not sure on how to measure body proportions (or where to start at all). This is the first cosplay I'm doing without help and don't need to do it perfectly but would like for it to at least look good. >Where do I start?
>What materials should I look into?
>How do I make everything flexible/comfortable enough for me to move around?
>Also, how realistic would it be to try to do another mecha/super robo/toku cosplay on top of that?
I'm planning on having it ready for halloween and/or next year for my local con.