Goku, the main character of the widely loved Dragon Ball anime, has become a famous icon adored by his many fans. With his happy personality, strong fighting abilities, and power to turn into a glowing yellow-haired Super Saiyan, Goku is loved by viewers and cosplayers everywhere. Making a Goku cosplay outfit has gotten very popular at anime conventions and events.
This guide will help Goku admirers bring this cool character to real life through a fun cosplay project. We’ll explain everything from picking the right Goku form to putting on the last bit of makeup to try to match this mighty Saiyan.
Choosing the Right Goku Version
Since Goku has had so many different forms over the Dragon Ball series, deciding which one to cosplay can be tricky. Most fans like to dress up as one of his early martial arts uniform looks from early Dragon Ball Z because they’re simple and easy to recognize.
Especially for beginners, trying Goku’s classic orange and blue Turtle School outfit or his red and blue colors are great starter cosplays. More advanced cosplayers like making Super Saiyan versions, with blonde hair and green eyes. Recently, Goku’s new silver-haired Ultra Instinct form has also gotten popular.
When picking your Goku form, think about your skill level, budget, and what would be most fun to wear at events you’ll go to.
Getting Good Reference Pictures
Having high-quality reference pictures is key to making an accurate Goku cosplay people will recognize. Look through manga comics, anime episodes, promo art, and official model sheets. Find images of your chosen Goku outfits from different angles and poses.
This will let you see little details in the costume you want to copy. You’ll also want nice images to make a cosplay inspiration or mood board. This collage of pictures keeps you excited and creative.
Materials and Tools You’ll Need
The main stuff needed for making a Goku cosplay depends on which outfit you pick. At minimum, you’ll need stretchy, shiny fabric like spandex or lycra in colors matching Goku’s martial arts uniform.
Many cosplayers use 4-way stretch materials with sheen to match the anime’s sleek comic book style. How much fabric you need depends on your height and size compared to Goku. Worbla thermoplastic sheets are great for building armor parts like Goku’s boots, wristbands and waist belt.
Don’t forget essentials like wig styling gel, good shoes to walk around in, props like Goku’s red Power Pole and more. Make lists of materials needed by type and also budget for these items.
Creating the Costume
With your fabrics and supplies ready, it’s time to start making your Goku outfit! Refer a lot to your reference pictures as you cut, sew and put together the clothes. For simplicity, first make the shirt part of Goku’s uniform.
Measure yourself carefully, then use those numbers to cut fabric pieces for the front, back, sleeves and any collar or shoulder parts. Sew the panels together neatly, leaving holes for your arms and neck. Finish by adding gold trim once assembled and use fabric paint or iron-on decals for any Japanese symbol art the outfit includes.
The pants can be made the same way based on your measurements. Goku’s pants often have ties at the ankles which you can recreate using wide ribbon or more gold trim tape. Add color blocks if needed and leave room for folding at the hips and knees so you can move easily.
Crafting the Wig
What makes Goku recognizable without his wild hairstyle? Styling the perfect wig brings the whole cosplay together. Nice cosplay wigs come in black, brown and blonde shades for matching Goku’s dark, spiky hair or glowing Super Saiyan look.
Use hair spray or gel to style the wig tall and gravity-defying like Saiyan hair. Gently brush up and tease spikes of hair towards the forehead, leaving some straight bangs across the eyebrows. Get the short neck spikes at Goku’s nape shaped right too for accuracy.
Use wig clips, bobby pins or adjustable straps to securely fasten longer wigs while still letting you move your head easily.
Props and Accessories
No Goku cosplay is complete without his signature red extending Power Pole weapon and Dragon Ball items from early in Dragon Ball.
Fans use wooden rods, plumbing tubes and expanding curtain rods to create a lightweight but durable Power Pole safe for conventions. Make it look extra authentic by capping the ends in shiny gold material matching the anime style.
Plush versions of Goku’s round, starred Dragon Ball can be bought online or handmade by painting details onto ball cushions, Christmas ornaments etc.
Makeup and Face Paint
Goku’s facial features are simple, innocent and expressive–perfect for adapting into cosplay makeup looks. After foundation, use brown or orange face paint to dot enlarged eye shape and eyebrows similar to Dragon Ball art’s rounded style.
Add a tint of blush across the cheeks and bridge of the nose for playful color. Finish by softly filling in a pair of thick, black anime eyelash lines on top and bottom eyelids using liquid liner.
For screaming Super Saiyan looks, add neon yellow eyeliner paired with painted-on blonde brows. Face gems, fake piercings and temporary face tattoos can also help pull off Goku Black alternate villains.
Conclusion
From gathering inspiration images straight through putting on the final earring, creating the perfect Goku cosplay requires dedication but pays off in rewarding fan experiences. Always tackle each step–from patterning the panels of the gi outfit through teasing each spike of blonde Super Saiyan hair–with patience and by studying official references closely.
Embrace your inner warrior and strike Goku’s iconic silly grin, back arched victory pose or arms-crossed power stance to wow your audiences. Who knows who you’ll inspire to start their own Dragon Ball cosplay journey next!
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