Naruto is a generous series to cosplay from, because the cast is huge and almost every character reads by colour and hair alone. Below are 35 looks from the anime, from the orange genin outfit to the later cloaks, the Akatsuki robes and a full Team 7 group, each with clothing, wig, makeup, accessories and footwear. My first advice as a sewist is to pick one story era before you buy or cut anything, because the same character changes colours, collars and proportions between the early series, Shippuden and the later years. Most of these mix a few bought pieces with sewn signature items and thrifted basics, and that's a perfectly good way to work.
Forehead Protectors for the Whole Squad
Nearly every costume below uses the same forehead protector, so it's worth making a few well rather than buying flimsy ones. The metal plates sold for display look great, but they're heavy and their edges can be sharp, so for a full day of wear I make the plate from EVA foam. It's light, it bends with your head, and once it's painted most people can't tell the difference across a room.
- Cut the plate from thin EVA foam and round every corner. Warm it gently with a heat gun and curve it over a bowl or your own forehead while it cools. Thin craft foam is fine for kids, but it won't hold a curve as well.
- Draw the leaf symbol and press it into the foam with a ballpoint pen or a blunt tool, then heat the surface briefly to open the lines and seal the foam.
- Prime with a few thin coats of a flexible primer so the paint doesn't crack when the plate bends, paint it silver, then rub a little black into the engraved lines and wipe the surface back.
- Stitch the plate onto a long strip of fabric in the right colour: blue for young Naruto, black for his Shippuden look, red for Sakura. Glue alone peels off fabric; a few stitches through each end of the foam hold for good.
- For the Akatsuki members, score one horizontal line through the symbol with a craft knife before painting.
Cut the ties longer than you think. A wig adds bulk at the back of the head, and you want enough tail to knot and tuck. Rock Lee and Might Guy wear theirs at the waist and Shikamaru ties his round an arm, so those bands need extra length again.
1. Classic Naruto Uzumaki Cosplay
The early orange outfit is the one most people picture, and it lives or dies on the orange. Look for an orange zip-front jacket with the blue shoulder panel and white collar, matching orange pants, a small thigh pouch and open-toe black ninja sandals. When I make the jacket, I cut the blue panel as a separate yoke so the colour line stays crisp instead of relying on paint. A short spiky blond wig, three soft whisker marks on each cheek and a blue forehead protector tied snugly but comfortably finish the head. Carry a rolled training scroll or a ramen prop rather than anything shaped like a blade, and if you go the quick route with orange athletic separates, pick a breathable knit, because fleece in that colour gets hot indoors fast.
2. Naruto Shippuden Cosplay
His Shippuden outfit is actually the easier sew of the two, since the black sits in big blocks across the shoulders instead of fiddly trim. Pair the orange-and-black zip jacket with orange pants, a black band around one thigh, a black forehead protector, a waist pouch and open-toe sandals. The blond wig wants shorter, more defined spikes than the kid version, set with costume-safe hair spray, and the face stays natural apart from slightly defined brows and the whisker lines. From your own closet, a fitted black athletic jacket with orange panels stitched on, worn over orange joggers, gets surprisingly close. Fingerless gloves keep your hands free for a soft foam scroll.
3. Sage Mode Naruto Cosplay
Sage Mode is the Shippuden uniform plus a red sleeveless cloak with a dark flame border at the hem, so if you've already made that jacket, you're nearly there. I'd cut the cloak from red cotton or lightweight canvas: canvas holds the swing of the hem better, cotton is cooler to wear. The warm orange shading around the eyes is what sells this version, so spend your effort there, and treat cosmetic lenses as optional, only if you already wear them comfortably. The big scroll can ride across your back on padded straps, though a small foam one is far easier in a queue.
4. Hokage Naruto Cosplay
The older Hokage look is quieter: slim black pants, an orange zip jacket and black ninja-style sandals under a long white cloak with red flames along the bottom. The red lettering down the back is where a lot of versions go wrong, so only add it if you can copy it accurately. A stencil cut from freezer paper, ironed on and filled with fabric paint gives much cleaner strokes than freehand. Use a short blond wig with softer spikes than the young version, draw the cheek marks in taupe or brown liner, and let the leaf forehead protector hang loosely at the neck. A rolled document or a light village-leader hat finishes it. I hem this cloak to sit just above the floor so it never catches under a sandal.
5. Classic Sasuke Uchiha Cosplay
Sasuke's first outfit is one of the simplest here, which is exactly why the details have to be right. You need a navy short-sleeve shirt with a raised collar and the clan fan emblem on the back, white shorts, dark arm warmers, a thigh pouch and blue open-toe ninja sandals. Beginners can start from a mock-neck shirt and stiffen the collar with a strip of fusible interfacing, but wear it around the house for an hour first, because a stiff collar rubs. The black wig needs pointed layers at the back and longer pieces at the face. Light contour and straightened brows give his serious look, and a navy forehead protector plus a folded mission note complete him.
6. Sasuke Shippuden Cosplay
This early Shippuden look hangs on the thick purple rope belt sitting over a loose white kimono-style top with an open neck and short sleeves. Underneath go navy pants, dark forearm guards and black open-toe sandals. Tie the rope at the back and trim the tails short, because long ends swing into everything when you walk. Linen or cotton keeps the layers cool, and a strip of fashion tape stops the open neckline drifting. Style the black wig with pointed bangs and lifted layers at the back, keep the eye makeup a subtle grey, and carry a clan-emblem scroll or plain waist pouch instead of a blade.
7. Sakura Haruno Cosplay
Sakura's red tunic is the piece I'd sew rather than buy, because the pale trim and side slits are hard to find on a ready-made top. Cut it from a stretch fabric so it moves with you, and wear fitted black shorts under it with pink elbow guards, black gloves, a small waist pouch and knee-high dark boots or open-toe ninja sandals. The short pink wig needs neat face-framing layers, with a red forehead protector across the crown. Rosy blush, pink lip and a clean wing suit her, plus the small diamond on the forehead for her later Shippuden version. A medical pouch or light flower accessory is a safe prop. Stitch every pouch to the belt rather than just clipping it, or one will vanish in a crowd.
8. Kakashi Hatake Cosplay
Kakashi reads from across a room when three things line up: silver hair, an angled headband and the lower-face mask. Underneath, it's a dark navy long-sleeve shirt and pants, an olive green utility vest, fingerless gloves, a thigh pouch, bandage-style calf wraps and black open-toe sandals. Tilt the forehead protector over one eye, but check you can still see well enough to manage stairs. I make the mask from soft navy jersey, since a woven fabric drags on the nose every time you talk. Light grey shading and a thin vertical scar over the covered eye do the face, and an orange paperback prop is the joke everyone gets. That mask gets warm, so plan regular breaks to pull it down.
9. Anbu Kakashi Cosplay
The Anbu version is leaner: a fitted black sleeveless top, matching pants, forearm guards and sturdy black ninja sandals, with a light grey vest or foam chest panel on top. If you build the panel in foam, score it across the waist so it bends when you sit. The white animal-style mask can go over the face or clip beside the head, and I'd keep it at the side for most of the day so breathing and vision stay clear. Spike the tall silver wig with room left for the dark forehead protector, add grey contour around the visible eye, and use a temporary product for the red arm marking if you want it. A compact scroll case is enough. Elastic and breathable fabric beat rigid armour over a long day every time.
10. Hinata Hyuga Cosplay
Hinata is the one I'd point a first-time sewist toward. Her pale lavender zip jacket with a cream hood is basically a hoodie pattern with a colour change, worn over dark navy pants cropped above the ankle, with a black thigh pouch and low open-toe ninja sandals. The long blue-black wig with straight bangs is the harder part, because long fibre tangles at the nape, so pack a travel brush and a few discreet hairpins. Natural blush, a muted lip and soft eyes suit her; pale lenses stay optional and only with proper eye-safety care. For her later look, switch to a lavender jacket with darker sleeve panels. A small flower pouch or a rolled team document works for photos.
11. Gaara Cosplay
Gaara's gourd is the build people worry about, and it's easier than it looks if you keep it hollow. Make it from foam or papier-mâché over a balloon, keep it compact enough for crowded rooms, and carry it on padded shoulder straps. The rest is a burgundy long-sleeve top, fitted dark pants, a grey or brown wrap across one shoulder, a wide utility belt, calf wraps, dark open-toe sandals, brown gloves and a sand-coloured sash. Give the short red wig uneven spikes and a messy crown. Blend the smoky black liner so the edges stay soft. The small red forehead symbol can be painted with skin-safe makeup, but a temporary decal is far easier to get straight.
12. Rock Lee Cosplay
Rock Lee might be the most comfortable costume on this list. It's a fitted green jumpsuit, or a green long-sleeve top with leggings, plus orange leg warmers, white hand wraps, a red waist belt and dark open-toe sandals. Leg warmers creep down by midday, so I stitch a loop of hidden elastic inside the top edge. The glossy black bowl wig with short straight bangs needs nothing more than a brush. Draw the thick, rounded brows in dark brown and soften the edges, because black pencil tends to look drawn on in photos. The leaf forehead protector ties at the waist, and a small training notebook or foam wrist weights are good for posing.
13. Neji Hyuga Cosplay
Neji is built on a cream or beige wide-sleeved tunic over dark knee-length shorts, with fabric wraps on the forearms and calves, a waist pouch and black open-toe sandals. I sew the tunic in light cotton and leave the side seams open from the hip down; closed, it pulls every time you sit or pose. The long, straight brown-black wig gathers loosely low behind the shoulders, and the leaf forehead protector ties firmly across the forehead. Soft contour, neutral lips and subtle definition round the eyes are plenty, with lenses optional. A rolled clan document or small fabric pouch is the prop.
14. Tenten Cosplay
You can spot Tenten from her two buns alone, so get those even before anything else. Style a brown wig into two neat buns set level on each side, pin them with covered pins and slip a matching hair net over each to stop flyaways. The outfit is a pink sleeveless Chinese-inspired blouse with red trim and frog closures, dark green or charcoal cropped pants, a waist pouch, fingerless gloves and black ninja sandals. Fitted blouses bind at the underarm, and a small stretch gusset there makes this one much easier to wear. Warm natural makeup and a rose lip suit her. One or two light rolled scrolls on padded back straps stand in for her gear, and for Shippuden, change to a white top with burgundy trim.
15. Might Guy Cosplay
Might Guy is Rock Lee's outfit with a vest added: a fitted green jumpsuit under an olive utility vest, bright orange leg warmers, red waist detailing, white hand wraps and black open-toe sandals. Compression fabric keeps it flexible and cool enough to move in. The smooth black bowl-cut wig with rounded bangs is simple, but the eyebrows aren't optional, so build them thick with dark cosmetic pencil and blend the edges. The leaf forehead protector goes at the waist or on the head depending on the version, and foam wrist weights make a fun prop. He's a character for big poses. Practise a few, and give the people around you room when you do them.
16. Shikamaru Nara Cosplay
Shikamaru suits anyone who wants comfort over spectacle. It's a dark mesh-look shirt under an olive green utility vest, dark pants, calf wraps and black open-toe sandals, with the leaf forehead protector tied around one upper arm. Cargo pants with real pockets are worth hunting for. The high spiky ponytail is the tricky part: a heavy ponytail drags the whole wig backward, so I use clear elastic and keep any added fibre light. Natural makeup with slightly straightened brows is enough. For the prop, print a strategy game board onto foam board or fold up a mission map.
17. Ino Yamanaka Cosplay
Ino's purple outfit needs a little engineering for coverage. The sleeveless lavender crop-length top sits over a secure matching underlayer, with a wrap skirt over dark shorts, mesh-look arm sleeves, a thigh pouch, knee wraps and black open-toe sandals. Fashion tape and the hidden shorts keep everything in place. If you'd like more coverage, lengthen both the top and the skirt; as long as the purple colour blocking stays, she still reads as Ino. The long blond wig needs a side-swept front section and a high ponytail, and lavender shadow with a pink lip over natural makeup finishes her. A small faux flower or flower-shop pouch is the prop.
18. Choji Akimichi Cosplay
Choji adapts to any body type, which makes him a good pick for a group. Start with a green tunic or T-shirt with the large circular emblem on the front. I cut the emblem from felt and stitch it on, because iron-on felt tends to peel away from a polyester knit after a few hours of movement. Over it goes a soft armour-style vest made from foam panels, then dark shorts or pants, white calf wraps and black open-toe sandals. The brown spiky wig takes a long headband across the forehead. Paint the red cheek spirals in skin-safe face paint, add a burgundy scarf at the shoulders, and use hidden pockets for your phone. A felt snack bag or oversized chip-bag prop gets the laugh.
19. Kiba Inuzuka Cosplay
Kiba's red fang marks and a white dog do most of the work. Wear a charcoal shirt and pants under a grey hooded jacket with faux-fur trim, plus fingerless gloves, a thigh pouch, calf wraps and black ninja sandals. Baste the fur on, or fix it with snaps, so you can take it off when the room warms up. Push a few sections of the short brown wig upward with light spray and paint the two cheek marks in cosmetic-grade colour. Akamaru can be a white plush in the hood, on a shoulder or in a soft carrier. A real dog only works if it's calm in crowds and the venue allows it. Brown lenses are optional; expressive brows help more.
20. Shino Aburame Cosplay
Shino is mostly the coat. A high-collared green or grey jacket covers the lower face, worn over dark grey pants with a utility pouch, fingerless gloves, calf wraps and black open-toe sandals. That collar traps heat against your face, so look for a jacket with mesh lining or add hidden vents under the arms. Pair a short, textured dark brown wig with narrow round sunglasses whose lenses are light enough to see safely indoors. Even skin and softly filled brows are all the visible makeup needs. For his insects, a clear plastic case with paper silhouettes inside, never live ones, and dark cargo pockets give you storage without changing his shape.
21. Temari Cosplay
Temari's fan is the big build. I make it from painted foam board with rounded edges and a light frame, and I'd check the venue's size rules before carrying it in, because a smaller folded version is far easier in a busy hall. The outfit is a short kimono-inspired black dress with lavender panels and red waist ties over fitted black shorts, plus mesh-look arm sleeves, a thigh pouch, dark calf wraps and black open-toe sandals. Reinforce the waist seams so the sash stays smooth when you pose. The sandy blond wig goes into four pointed ponytails, and light foam inserts hold the points without the weight of extensions. Winged liner, defined brows and a muted rose lip keep the face strong but wearable.
22. Kankuro Cosplay
Kankuro is a makeup-first character. The purple lines across the cheeks, chin and forehead need to match side to side, so do a practice run before the day and take a photo, since a lopsided line jumps out in a picture long before you notice it in the mirror. Use water-resistant cosmetic paint and patch-test it on your inner wrist first. The hood should be breathable stretch fabric with small points on top, cut so the eye area stays open. Under it go a black hooded bodysuit or long-sleeve top, fitted pants, a brown chest panel, waist sash, utility pouches, fingerless gloves and black open-toe sandals, with brown rope and sand-coloured panels for texture. Skip the full-size puppet and carry a miniature foam puppet case or a rolled scroll.
23. Jiraiya Cosplay
Jiraiya's long, spiky white wig is heavy, so anchor it with several wig clips sewn into the cap. The clothes are a muted green tunic and pants under a sleeveless red coat, with mesh-look wrist panels, a wide grey belt and wooden-look platform sandals. I build the platforms by gluing layers of foam onto comfortable flat shoes rather than walking in real raised sandals all day. Hem the coat so it clears the ground and can't catch under them. His forehead protector has small horn-like side pieces. Two red vertical lines under the eyes, natural makeup elsewhere and a light writing scroll or small notebook finish him.
24. Tsunade Cosplay
Tsunade is one of the more polished outfits here: a grey wrap-style blouse, dark cropped pants and a wide charcoal sash under a long green robe, with comfortable open-toe sandals. The wrap neckline is the part that shifts, so I add hidden snaps and wear a full-coverage camisole underneath. Leave side openings in the robe so it doesn't fight your stride. Her long blond wig has two loose front sections and low ponytails behind the shoulders. Defined liner, rose lipstick and the small purple diamond centred on the forehead do the face, and pale pink nails are an easy extra. Carry a rolled medical document or a small slug-shaped plush.
25. Orochimaru Cosplay
Orochimaru is mostly pale skin and long black hair. Use a light foundation with purple-grey shadow, extended liner and a muted lip, and set it all with powder, because a pale base shows every smudge. The long straight black wig has a centre part and smooth face-framing sections. Clothing is a beige kimono-style tunic over a fitted black long-sleeve shirt and black pants, with dark forearm guards and black open-toe sandals. The purple rope belt looks thick but needn't be heavy: a hollow foam rope wrapped in fabric weighs very little. Hidden snaps keep the tunic closed. Keep him family-friendly with a rolled research scroll or a small white snake plush instead of a weapon.
26. Minato Namikaze Cosplay
Minato shares the white leader's cloak with Hokage Naruto, so one cloak pattern covers both if you're making a pair. Under it go navy pants and a long-sleeve shirt, an olive utility vest, blue calf wraps, fingerless gloves, a thigh pouch and black open-toe sandals. Add the red flames to the hem and the red lettering down the back. Sew a hidden closure at the neck too; without one, a long cloak slides back off the shoulders as you walk, and light fabric moves better without dragging. Style a bright blond wig into medium spikes with longer pieces by the ears, keep the makeup clean, wear the leaf protector across the forehead and carry a rolled mission scroll.
27. Kushina Uzumaki Cosplay
Kushina is a gentle, comfortable build centred on long red hair. She wears a pale cream or light green blouse with a dark skirt or fitted pants, depending on the era, plus a burgundy apron-style layer, a waist pouch, dark leggings and black sandals. The long straight crimson wig with smooth bangs needs a wig grip to stay put, and detangling spray keeps it smooth outdoors or through a long photo session. Her makeup is warm: peach blush, brown liner and a soft rose lip. For a ninja version, wear the leaf protector around the neck. A cooking spoon or a red spiral-emblem bag makes a sweet, safe prop.
28. Itachi Uchiha Cosplay
Itachi's is the cloak most people think of first. It's a black high-collared robe with red clouds over dark pants and black open-toe sandals, with mesh-look fabric at the neck and a ring on one hand. I put side openings in the cloak and use a light lining, because a heavy black robe overheats you indoors. His long black wig has straight layers framing the cheeks and a low ponytail. Draw two subtle lines below the eyes and add soft grey on the lids. The scratched forehead protector should be flexible with smoothed edges, and a crow plush or folded clan scroll replaces any weapon.
29. Pain Akatsuki Cosplay
Pain is graphic and bright, with a short orange wig in sharp upward spikes against the black cloud robe, fitted dark pants and black open-toe sandals. The facial piercings are the part to be careful with. Skin-safe adhesive gems or flexible costume pieces work, kept well clear of the eyes and lips, and I'd stick one on several hours before the event to see whether the adhesive irritates your skin. Use pale foundation and dark orange shadow, with the ringed eye pattern drawn in makeup if you're skipping lenses. A two-way zip on the robe makes sitting far easier. Add the scratched forehead protector and a folded mission document.
30. Konan Akatsuki Cosplay
Konan's paper flower is the detail to get right. Make it large and pale from flexible craft paper so it doesn't crease straight away, and hold it above one ear with a light clip rather than heavy wire. She wears the black-and-red cloud robe over fitted leggings and black open-toe sandals; I fit it at the shoulders and leave room through the body so it moves. The straight, chin-length blue or blue-purple wig has a side part. Lavender shadow, crisp liner and a deep rose lip finish her face, and a small origami bouquet or a few paper butterflies make light props.
31. Deidara Akatsuki Cosplay
Deidara's long blond wig, with its high half-ponytail and heavy bangs over one eye, is the main task, and long fibre catches in a cloak zip constantly, so pin it away from the zipper. Wear the black Akatsuki cloak with red clouds, ideally with a breathable lining, over dark pants and black open-toe sandals. The scope over his eye can be lightweight foam as long as it doesn't block your view. Natural foundation, black liner and a smirking lip shape do the face. I'd make the hand mouths as removable gloves, because painted hands make eating and washing awkward. A white clay pouch and a few harmless foam birds are the props.
32. Sasori Akatsuki Cosplay
Sasori works in either the Akatsuki cloak or a darker puppet-master outfit, and the cloak is the version more people know. Wear the black robe with red clouds over dark pants and open-toe sandals, with a sleeveless black base under it so you can open the zip during breaks if you get warm. The short auburn wig has neat, slightly pointed layers around the face, with a scratched forehead protector tucked beneath it. Smooth matte foundation, a little reddish shadow and clean lower-lid definition give his calm expression. For props, a small handmade puppet or a soft foam coiled cord, with every string kept short enough not to tangle round other people.
33. Kisame Hoshigaki Cosplay
Kisame is the heaviest makeup job on the list. Apply the blue-grey colour to the face and neck with cosmetic sponges, blend it into the hairline and around the ears, then set it with translucent powder and a costume-safe spray. Skip the setting step and cream colour on a warm day ends up on your collar. Dark liner, angled brows and small cheek marks suggest his features without prosthetics, and cleansing wipes and a towel belong in your bag. The short navy wig goes up into thick pointed sections. He wears the black cloud cloak, dark pants and black open-toe sandals, and a light cloak lets the makeup and wig carry the look. A shark plush or blue fabric-wrapped scroll stands in for the giant blade.
34. Obito Uchiha Cosplay
Obito is a masked look with no armour at all: the black Akatsuki cloak over dark pants, gloves and open-toe ninja sandals, with a short tousled black wig showing above the mask. The orange spiral mask should be light, with a wide eye opening and soft padding inside, and I attach it with hidden elastic that's snug without pressing. Any mask cuts your side vision, so practise walking and using stairs in it before a crowded day. If you plan to take it off, subtle scar texture on one side of the face in safe cosmetic products is kinder to skin than rigid prosthetics. A clan-emblem scroll or orange fan-shaped token is the accessory.
35. Team 7 Group Cosplay
Team 7 gives four friends four strong colours. One person is Naruto in the orange-and-black uniform with blond spikes and whiskers; one is Sasuke in the white wrap top, navy pants, purple rope belt and black wig; one is Sakura in the red tunic, black shorts, pink wig, gloves and forehead diamond; and one is Kakashi in the green vest, navy uniform, silver wig, angled protector and mask. The step groups skip is agreeing on one story era before anyone shops, otherwise someone turns up in the kid outfit while the rest wear Shippuden. Give everyone matching black open-toe sandals and mission pouches, carry rolled scrolls or a shared team photo, and rehearse your standing positions so group photos go quickly.
Sewing One Cloud Robe for Seven Characters
Itachi, Pain, Konan, Deidara, Sasori, Kisame and Obito all wear the black robe with red clouds, which makes it the most useful single pattern on this list. Make it once with care and a friend can borrow it for a different member next year.
The collar does the heavy lifting
The tall collar is what stops it looking like a bathrobe. I interface it with a firm fusible and topstitch it in close rows so it stands up instead of folding over. Cut the front a little lower than you think; a stiff collar that touches the jaw rubs all day.
Clouds that survive a wash
Appliqué gives the cleanest clouds. Fuse the red fabric on with a paper-backed adhesive, then satin-stitch around every edge so nothing lifts. The white outline can be a slightly larger white layer underneath or a line of white stitching. Fabric paint is faster, but it stiffens the cloth and tends to crack along fold lines once the robe has been packed a few times.
Fabric, zip and length
Medium-weight cotton twill hangs well and breathes. Heavy polyester looks sharp on a hanger but is warm to wear for hours. A two-way zip lets you sit without the robe bunching at your lap, side slits help on stairs, and a hem around mid-calf clears your sandals.
Spiky Wigs That Hold Their Points
Naruto, Kakashi, Jiraiya, Pain and Kisame all need spikes, and most spiked wigs arrive flattened from the bag. Synthetic fibre keeps whatever shape you set into it, so comb out one section at a time, tease the roots underneath so the top layer has something to sit on, mist with strong-hold spray and twist each piece into a point. If the label says the fibre is heat-resistant, a hairdryer on a low setting helps lock the shape; if it doesn't say so, skip the heat, because ordinary synthetic fibre frizzes or melts.
Spikes droop by late afternoon from body heat and crowds, so pack a small travel spray and a few pins for a quick twist in a bathroom mirror. Afterwards, store the wig on a head form rather than folded back into its bag, or you'll be restyling from scratch the next time you wear it.
The Order I'd Build Any of These In
Across all 35, the same order of work applies: get the colour blocking, the wig shape and the one signature piece right first, be that a forehead protector, a cloak or a painted face. Accuracy can come later through sewn emblems, light scrolls, pouches and better footwear. Do a full try-on at home with mask, wig, makeup and cloak together, and walk around in it for a while. If anything limits your breathing, sight or movement, fix it there, because there's no fixing it in a crowded hall.
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