The Crying Child is one of the simplest FNAF characters to dress as, and one of the easiest to get slightly wrong. The look is a dark shirt with grey stripes across the chest, blue shorts, messy brown hair, tear tracks under the eyes and the little golden bear plush. Fans widely call him Evan Afton, though the games have never confirmed his first name, so there's room to play with the details. I've put together thirty versions here, from a close match to the pixel sprite to retro, weather-proof and alternate takes. Each one covers clothes, hair, makeup, accessories and shoes, so you end up with a whole costume rather than a pile of parts that don't quite add up.
Adding Grey Stripes to a Plain Black Shirt
Striped black shirts in the right spacing are hard to find, so most people end up making their own. The stripes are the main way people identify him, so it's worth doing them in a way that survives a whole day of being hugged, sat in and washed.
- Put the shirt on and mark where the stripes should sit with chalk or a pin. Chest placement shifts a lot between body shapes, so mark it while you're wearing it.
- Cut two strips of grey cotton jersey or knit. Knit stretches with the shirt; a woven cotton strip will pucker and pull when you raise your arms.
- Back the strips with a fusible web and iron them on through a pressing cloth, then run a narrow zigzag stitch along both edges. The fusing holds them flat, and the stitching stops the corners lifting.
- If you'd rather not sew, grey fabric paint applied with masking tape as a guide works well. Let it cure fully and heat-set it with an iron if the label says so.
Heat-transfer vinyl is another option and gives very crisp edges, but it can feel stiff and warm on a big area. I'd save it for a shirt that will only be worn a few times.
1. Classic Evan Afton Cosplay
This is the reference version. A black short-sleeve shirt with two horizontal grey stripes across the chest, light blue knee-length shorts and plain grey sneakers are the whole outfit. Choose a short brown wig with a heavy, slightly uneven fringe, or push natural brown hair forward and rough it up with your fingers. Two thin tear tracks under the eyes in light blue face paint or water-resistant liner are the key detail, and I'd keep the rest of the face pale with just a touch of grey shading underneath. Carry the small golden bear plush. White ankle socks and sneakers that look a bit worn finish it. If this is your first cosplay, start here; everything is comfortable and easy to find.
2. Evan Afton Cosplay With Golden Bear Plush
Here the bear does the storytelling, so give it the attention. A charcoal shirt with muted grey chest stripes, faded blue shorts, grey crew socks and canvas lace-ups keep the boy quiet in the background. Separate the fringe of a short dark brown wig into slightly messy pieces. A pale base, soft shadows under the eyes and narrow blue-grey tear lines that stop near the jaw set the expression. The plush needs its small purple hat and bow tie; if you're making them, cut them in felt and attach them with a couple of stitches or a snap so they come off for washing. A yellow-and-purple friendship bracelet ties the colours together. Hold the bear against your chest in photos so it doesn't vanish.
3. 1983 Evan Afton Cosplay
Setting him in 1983 grounds the costume in a real decade. A boxy black ringer tee with two grey stripes, high-waisted blue corduroy shorts, tall white tube socks and grey hook-and-loop sneakers all feel right for the era. Cut a short brown wig into a rounded, slightly bowl-shaped style like a lot of early-80s kids' haircuts. Use matte makeup rather than glitter, with soft tear trails and faint blue-grey shadow around the eyes. A plastic digital watch, a woven wristband, the small golden bear and a cardstock party invitation are believable period props. Size the clothes up one step. Slightly oversized pieces make you read younger and stay comfortable for a long day.
4. Pixel Evan Afton Cosplay
The pixel version is a geometry exercise. A square-cut black tunic or oversized tee takes two straight grey felt stripes across the front; I'd cut the felt with a rotary cutter and a ruler, since hand-cut felt wobbles and the whole point is straight edges. Bright blue shorts with a crisp hem, dark grey socks and flat grey sneakers follow. Work temporary hair wax into a brown wig to make chunky sections that suggest pixels. Use a small stencil for squared tear marks instead of drawn lines. A cube-shaped golden bear from foam, felt or a covered box sells the joke. Block wristbands and a flat pixel-heart pin add detail. Keep every edge clean and the effect works from across a room.
5. Birthday Party Evan Afton Cosplay
The birthday scene is a strong setting to borrow. Start with the striped black shirt, blue shorts, white socks and grey sneakers. A slightly crooked paper party hat in muted yellow and purple sets the scene; replace the thin elastic on shop hats with wider, softer elastic, which won't cut under the chin. Tousle a short brown wig, then add narrow tear lines, rosy cheeks and a little smudged grey under the eyes. The golden bear goes in one hand and a cardboard party invitation in the other. A removable fabric birthday badge can sit on the shirt as long as it stays clear of the stripes. A few short paper streamers on one wrist look good in photos; long ones just tangle.
6. Bedroom Scene Evan Afton Cosplay
The bedroom scene calls for something soft. A loose black-and-grey striped sleep shirt over pale blue pajama shorts, with grey slipper-style shoes on non-slip soles, is the outfit. A fluffy brown wig with a tousled fringe looks like he's just got up. Keep the makeup natural: pale base, slightly reddened lids and gentle tear trails instead of heavy face paint. A light drawstring bag of small animal plushies works as a prop, with the golden bear kept in your arms. A tiny battery night-light makes a safe photo prop. It's one of the most comfortable versions on the list, and I'd pick it for a long indoor event where you'll be on your feet all day.
7. Retro Arcade Evan Afton Cosplay
Arcade details give him some colour. A black striped tee, blue denim shorts, striped crew socks and grey high-tops are the base, with a light blue windbreaker on top, sleeves rolled and left open so the stripes show. A closed jacket hides the one thing that identifies him. Give the short brown hair extra lift at the crown and a messy side fringe. Tear tracks, pale foundation and a touch of cool purple under the eyes keep the mood. The golden bear can carry a small removable pouch of arcade tokens. Plastic neon bracelets and a paper roll of game tickets finish it, and it looks great next to old machines or a bright wall.
8. School Day Evan Afton Cosplay
For a school-day version, add a backpack and tidy the hair. A black shirt with grey bands, tailored blue shorts, white crew socks and grey lace-ups make the outfit. A small navy backpack with the golden bear peeking out the top is the giveaway detail, and it also holds your phone and snacks. A short brown wig with a neat side fringe looks tidier than the classic. Keep the makeup minimal: light under-eye shading, a few faint freckles and two narrow tear trails. A digital watch, a pencil case and a homemade lunch bag are easy props. Leave off any real school's logo; it ties the costume to a place that has nothing to do with the character.
9. Summer Evan Afton Cosplay
In the heat, cut weight wherever you can. A loose black cotton tee with printed or sewn grey stripes, pale blue athletic shorts, ankle socks and mesh grey sneakers are the base. A wig is hot even when it's short, so I'd style natural hair forward if you can, or choose a thin, lightly wefted wig. Skip heavy foundation, use a light base and set the blue-grey tear tracks with translucent powder so sweat doesn't move them. Make or pick a golden bear in light fabric rather than dense stuffing. A blue water bottle in a simple bear-themed holder is a useful prop, and a cooling wristband helps too. It keeps the palette while staying bearable at outdoor events.
10. Winter Evan Afton Cosplay
In the cold, layer around the stripes rather than over them. Start with the black-and-grey striped shirt, then add a charcoal zip hoodie left open and a blue puffer vest. Blue knee-length shorts over thermal leggings work, or straight blue pants on a really cold night. Grey high-tops, thick socks and fingerless knit gloves round out the base. A shaggy brown wig under a dark beanie keeps your head warm; pull enough fringe out that the haircut still shows. Pale makeup, soft grey under-eye shading and waterproof tear lines handle the face. Wrapping the golden bear in a tiny scarf that matches your gloves is a small touch people always notice.
11. Rainy Day Evan Afton Cosplay
A clear raincoat is the trick for wet weather, since the stripes stay visible underneath. Wear the classic top with blue shorts, tall grey socks and waterproof ankle boots, then a clear hooded rain jacket and a pale blue umbrella. Keep the golden bear dry in a transparent backpack or waterproof tote; a plush that gets soaked is heavy and slow to dry. A little styling gel separates the wig into damp-looking strands. Waterproof liner is the only thing I'd trust for the tear tracks here, and cool shadow deepens the tired look. Every addition fits the rainy idea and nothing hides the shirt or the face.
12. Pajama Evan Afton Cosplay
The pajama take is a gentler alternate look. Black pajamas with two broad grey stripes across the top, loose blue sleep shorts and grey crew socks are the base. Wear supportive slipper sneakers rather than open-backed house shoes, which slip off on stairs. A tousled brown wig, pale skin, slightly flushed lids and soft tear makeup give the tired look. Carry the golden bear and a small folded blanket in muted blue. A battery candle-style night-light is a safe photo prop, and a moon-shaped sleep mask pushed up on the forehead adds a playful detail. Because the stripes, hair and bear are all there, it reads as him rather than as someone who forgot to change.
13. Hoodie Evan Afton Cosplay
A custom hoodie modernises the outfit and covers your arms. Pick a black pullover and add two grey chest bands, then wear it with relaxed blue shorts, grey crew socks and chunky grey sneakers. Keep the hood down so the messy brown wig shows. A pale base, cool under-eye shading and tear lines drawn a bit bolder than usual stay visible over the darker hoodie. A small golden bear charm on the drawstring and a matching plush backpack do the prop work. A blue fabric wristband and a black crossbody pouch add storage. It's comfortable enough to wear well past Halloween, and good for anyone who'd rather not be in short sleeves.
14. Thrifted DIY Evan Afton Cosplay
You don't need anything special for a convincing version. A plain black tee from the thrift store takes two grey fabric strips; I'd stitch them, since washable adhesives often lift at the corners after a few hours of movement. Secondhand blue shorts, grey socks and worn sneakers finish the clothes. Trim a cheap brown wig into a choppy fringe, or use temporary brown spray on natural hair. Blue-grey eyeshadow mixed with a drop of setting spray makes good tear tracks. Turn a generic golden bear into the plush with removable purple felt pieces. A handmade friendship bracelet and a cardboard invitation finish it. Faded clothes help the retro feel, so a well-washed thrift shirt beats a crisp new one.
15. Last-Minute Evan Afton Cosplay
Last-minute? Put everything into the stripes, the hair and the tears. Any black shirt will do with two stripes of wide grey fabric tape; press it hard and round the corners with scissors so they don't peel. Blue gym shorts, white or grey socks and neutral sneakers from your closet are enough. Brush brown hair forward, or use a basic short wig as it comes. Draw two simple tear lines with skin-safe blue liner and add a little grey shadow. Any small golden or brown teddy with a purple ribbon round its neck stands in for the plush. A paper wristband or homemade birthday badge is a final touch, and the whole thing comes together in under an hour.
16. Closet Evan Afton Cosplay
A closet version keeps the palette and lets the rest stay casual. A black-and-grey striped sweater or rugby shirt, light blue chino shorts and everyday grey sneakers carry it, with white ankle socks. Natural brown hair in a soft side-swept fringe means no wig at all. Keep the makeup wearable: a tinted moisturiser, a little grey under the eyes and very thin blue tear trails. A small mustard-yellow teddy with a purple ribbon bow from the craft drawer works as the plush. A navy backpack makes it practical. It's quiet enough for a school spirit day, and fans of the game will still pick up on who you are.
17. Monochrome Evan Afton Cosplay
Grayscale makes him look like an old screen come to life. A black shirt with mid-grey stripes, slate shorts, charcoal socks and light grey sneakers form the outfit. Dress the golden bear in a removable grey fabric cover so even the plush follows the palette, and you get it back unharmed afterward. A dark brown wig that reads nearly black, with a straight, heavy fringe, suits it. Use white and grey makeup lightly to desaturate the skin, then draw dark grey tear trails. Skip heavy black face paint, which flattens expressions in photos. A silver digital watch and a grey party badge are enough. It's dramatic without being frightening and stays fine for families.
18. Pastel Evan Afton Cosplay
The pastel take is a soft alternate universe. A charcoal shirt with pale lavender stripes, powder-blue shorts, white socks and light grey sneakers with lavender laces make the base. A fluffy medium-brown wig keeps him recognisable while pastel blue tear makeup softens the effect. A little pink blush across the cheeks and nose is enough; too much and the face loses its sadness. Carry a pale yellow bear with a lavender bow and tiny hat. Friendship bracelets in blue, yellow and purple add colour at the wrists, and a cloud-shaped crossbody bag holds your things. It suits anyone who wants the character without the darker, game-accurate mood.
19. Dark Academia Evan Afton Cosplay
Dark academia puts the stripes on a knit vest. Wear a black-and-grey striped vest over a crisp white short-sleeve shirt, with blue tailored shorts, dark knee socks and grey leather-look loafers. Part the brown wig neatly to the side and leave the fringe a little tousled. A pale matte base, muted brown around the eyes and narrow blue-grey tears keep the face consistent. A vintage-style satchel with the golden bear tucked under the flap, round costume glasses, an old notebook and a purple ribbon bookmark finish it. Loafers are the weak point if you'll be walking all day, so pick a flexible pair or add cushioned insoles.
20. Soft Grunge Evan Afton Cosplay
Soft grunge adds texture through layering. A faded black striped shirt goes over a grey long-sleeve top, with loose blue denim shorts, charcoal crew socks and scuffed grey high-tops. Distress the hems with sandpaper or a cheese grater for a worn look, but stop short of holes, which keep growing once you start moving. Style a choppy brown wig with matte wax and an uneven fringe. Smudge cool grey around the eyes before drawing crisp blue tear trails on top. A golden bear with a hand-sewn patch fits the worn feel, and a black canvas messenger bag holds your things. Woven blue and purple bracelets are better here than metal.
21. Feminine Evan Afton Cosplay
A skirted version adapts the outline and keeps the identity. A fitted black top with two grey stripes and a high-waisted light blue skater skirt over shorts are the base; the shorts underneath mean you can sit and climb stairs without thinking about it. Grey knee socks and lace-up platform sneakers with a walkable sole follow. A short brown bob with a messy fringe, or shoulder-length brown hair tucked behind one ear, works for the hair. Pale makeup, flushed cheeks, grey under the eyes and long blue tear trails set the face. The golden bear can ride in a small purple-trimmed backpack. A black hair clip and blue friendship bracelets are all the extras it needs.
22. Plus Size Evan Afton Cosplay
For a plus-size build I'd fit the clothes first and then worry about the stripes. A relaxed black cotton shirt with two grey bands sewn or painted at the chest is the start; place the stripes where they sit across your chest when worn, not where they'd fall flat on a table. Stretchy light blue knee-length shorts, breathable socks and supportive grey walking shoes follow. A lightweight brown wig on an adjustable cap avoids pressure headaches on long days. Moisturise under the eyes before the grey shadow and water-resistant tears so the makeup doesn't crease. A medium bear shows up well against a loose shirt. A blue crossbody bag and a purple friendship bracelet finish it.
23. Kids Evan Afton Cosplay
For a child, comfort decides everything, because kids pull off anything itchy. A tag-free black tee with grey fabric stripes, elastic-waist blue shorts, ankle socks and secure hook-and-loop sneakers make the base, and elastic waists mean easy bathroom trips. Style their own brown hair forward, and only use a wig if they're happy to keep it on. I'd swap eye makeup for small blue tear stickers on the upper cheeks; they stay clear of the eyes and peel off in a second. The soft golden bear doubles as a comfort toy on a busy night. A breakaway purple lanyard with a party badge adds a detail. Nothing here is rigid or trailing, so it's fine for trick-or-treating.
24. Adult Evan Afton Cosplay
An adult version translates the proportions rather than copying a child's outfit exactly. A structured black knit shirt with two grey bands, tailored blue shorts that end above the knee, charcoal socks and clean grey sneakers set it up. Choose a layered brown wig with a long fringe that falls around the face. Pale foundation, light contouring, tired under-eye shadow and narrow blue tear trails give a more theatrical finish. Carry a medium golden bear under one arm and keep your things in a small navy satchel. A retro digital watch and a woven purple bracelet are believable details. It's tidy enough for a proper photo shoot while keeping the quiet, sad expression the character depends on.
25. Evan Afton And Fox Mask Brother Cosplay
The older brother in his fox mask is the obvious partner. The Evan half wears the striped shirt, blue shorts, grey sneakers, messy brown hair, tear makeup and the golden bear. The brother wears a charcoal tee, faded jeans, dark sneakers and a handmade red fox mask. Cut the eye holes generously; masks narrow your view, and in a crowd that matters. Use soft wide elastic so it doesn't dig behind the ears. A longer 80s cut and minimal makeup under the mask suit him. Matching coloured wristbands link the two. Make the mask light enough to push up or take off easily, and the pair will read clearly without any props or backdrop.
26. Evan Afton And Sister Duo Cosplay
Adding the sister brings colour into a muted costume. Evan wears the striped black shirt, blue shorts, grey shoes, messy brown wig, soft tear tracks and golden bear. For the sister, a pink knee-length dress with a white collar, a red waist belt, white ankle socks and polished black shoes form the outfit. A long orange wig with a large red bow and rosy, doll-like makeup finish her; green-toned eye makeup is optional. A big bow sits better on a small hair comb or clip sewn to its back than pinned straight into a wig. She can carry a toy microphone or a pastel invitation. Matching purple wristbands connect the pair, and the colours stay distinct side by side in photos.
27. Afton Family Group Cosplay With Evan
In a family group, put Evan in the middle and let everyone else frame him. He wears the striped black shirt, blue shorts, grey sneakers, brown fringe, tear makeup and golden bear. The older brother adds a dark shirt, jeans, sneakers and the red fox mask. The sister wears a pink dress, red bow, orange wig, white socks and black shoes. The father-inspired costume is a purple button-down, dark trousers, black shoes, neat brown hair and a vintage employee badge. Keep everyone's makeup clean and simple so Evan's tear trails stay the focus. Agreeing on one shared purple accessory for every member is a small thing that makes separate costumes look like one planned group.
28. Golden Bear Inspired Evan Afton Cosplay
This version lets the plush set the palette. Start with the striped shirt and blue shorts, then add a mustard-yellow cardigan with purple buttons. Grey knee socks and mustard sneakers with white soles carry the colour down. Keep the brown wig short and messy with a tiny purple clip at one side. Pale foundation, gold-toned shadow and soft blue tear tracks balance the face. The golden bear needs its purple hat and bow, with a matching purple bracelet on your wrist. Wear the cardigan open so the stripes still show; buttoned up, it covers the main clue. It's brighter than the original and comes off easily if the room warms up.
29. Ghostly Evan Afton Cosplay
A ghostly version relies on cool colour and a little shine instead of wounds or gore. A faded black striped shirt, icy blue shorts, pale grey tights and white-grey sneakers are the base. A translucent light blue overshirt on top gives soft movement in photos. Add a few temporary silver streaks to a dark brown wig. Use a pale luminous base, grey-blue under the eyes, white highlights and shimmering tear trails; cream shimmer travels, so set it with powder or it ends up on your collar. A removable translucent ribbon on the golden bear and a small battery blue light in a clear pouch add glow. Reflective laces finish it, and it's still fine for younger audiences.
30. Convention Ready Evan Afton Cosplay
For a long convention day I plan for storage, durability and comfort as much as accuracy. A breathable black striped shirt, stretch blue shorts, cushioned grey sneakers and moisture-wicking socks are the base. Secure the short wig with an adjustable wig grip and keep the fringe clear of your eyes. Long-wear pale makeup, waterproof grey-blue tear tracks and setting spray cut down on touch-ups. Turn the golden bear into a lightweight backpack, or clip it firmly to a navy crossbody bag, so your hands stay free. A purple wristband, a retro badge, a refillable water bottle and a hidden phone pocket round it out. Wear it all for an afternoon at home first to check every attachment and the shoes.
Drawing Tear Tracks That Stay Put
The tear tracks are small, but they're the emotional centre of the costume, and they sit right where eyes water and hands rub. I always test any face paint or liner on the inside of the wrist a day before, especially for children.
- Start each line just under the outer third of the lower lash line rather than in the inner corner, where eyes water most.
- Draw with a fine brush and water-activated face paint, or a waterproof liner pencil in pale blue, then press a little translucent powder over the line with a damp sponge.
- Keep the lines thin. Thick stripes read as clown makeup, not crying.
- To remove, use a gentle oil or micellar water on a cotton pad and hold it on for a few seconds instead of scrubbing near the eyes.
Turning a Plain Teddy Into the Golden Bear
You don't need a licensed plush. A small yellow or golden teddy becomes the right bear with a purple top hat and bow tie. I make the hat from two layers of purple felt with a strip of card inside the crown to keep it upright, and stitch it to a small hair clip so it clips onto the bear's head. The bow tie is a felt rectangle pinched in the middle and wrapped with a thin felt band. Neither piece needs glue on the toy itself, so the bear stays washable and goes back to being a teddy afterward.
Stripes, Tears and a Golden Bear
All thirty versions lean on the same five things: the striped shirt, blue bottoms, messy brown hair, tear tracks and the golden bear plush, with plain grey shoes. With those in place, you can change the season, the age, the budget or the style and he's still there. The classic and pixel looks stay close to the game; the pastel, academic, grunge and ghostly ones give you room to play. Use breathable fabric, makeup you've patch-tested and shoes you can walk in for hours. If I had to pick one detail not to rush, it would be the tear tracks. They're tiny, but they're what turns a striped shirt into this particular boy.
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