These tips and tricks are meant to either supplement your outfit, or help out those on a budget or just beginning. Check out some pro-level cosplayers’ blogs for more in-depth sewing, sourcing and wig cutting techniques.
The Pen and Needle does a great walk through for those that are more advanced. Her cosplay is pictured in the header.
The New Tunic
The tunic is really going to be the base of your outfit. It will be what both implies your character and sets you apart from other iterations of Link. Unfortunately, the most readable part of the costume is difficult to pull off as a beginner.
There are several tunics available for purchase online already, but that really takes quite a bit of the fun out of it. If you’re lucky enough to find a blue tweed-like top or dress (that can be cut) at your local thrift hot spot, you’re almost there.
If you can find just any linen light colored top, blue dye is seriously inexpensive. You’ll also want a large storage container and gloves (some dyes will also need salt). Don’t use your bathtub. Just trust me.
Helpful hint: Stitching usually doesn’t catch color very well. Take them out if that bothers you or grab a blue Sharpie to finish the job.
The real bear is going to be getting his fresh new embroidery around your collar. So let’s just assume — that like me — you’re not even really sure what a sewing machine looks like or how that might be different from embroidering. A sheet of white iron on vinyl is going to get you close enough to be readable, though will obviously be a lot less durable than embroidering the designs.
Helpful hint: If you’re on your 5th tequila soda at W/ECon, consider checking the mirror to see if you need to jog up to your hotel room and iron some pieces back on.
Under the Statement Piece
The pants and undershirt are light tan/white. Honestly a lot of effort could be put into them if you’re trying to take it there, but at this level, some tan pants and a white scoop neck long sleeve will do the trick. Spend your time on the tunic. Don’t forget to pick up an additional long sleeve yellow shirt that you can cut the sleeves off to use for his forearm koozies.
On to the fun parts!
Belts on Belts
Link is all about belts this season. Finding three or four brown belts and an old messenger bag at the thrift store should be no big deal, attaching them at the proper points is slightly more difficult.
You can be really fancy and pick up a riveter (they are really inexpensive), or some twine and a hole punch will do the trick — and also look pretty cool.
A New Hobby
Just go ahead and buy yourself a cheap wooden recurve or longbow. Not only will you have a blast shooting things in your backyard, there is no way you won’t use it again for cosplay.
It should be easy to find something pretty nice for $60, but $15 can get you a kid bow to work with. Most people have no issue with a 20-30lb draw at 25-28″. If you’d like to get serious about it, just go in to your local outdoor shop and get fitted. Don’t forget some ash practice arrows! Extra points if you pick up red and white feathers for fletching them.
While you’re hunting for your bow, keep an eye on the archery bracers and quivers. If you find inexpensive accessories it might be a better place to start than crafting them from scratch, and if you’re going to use the bow anyway…
The Devil is in the Details
Worbla Worbla — Worbla is a very popular and relatively easy to use thermoplastic for costume and set use. Worbla sticks to itself, and there is no limit to how many times you can remold it.
This is an expensive-ish commitment, as you’ll need a heater and the material itself isn’t cheap. As with any wonderful product though — it can be as simple or as complicated as you’d like it to be — making it a really fun way to improve your cosplay game.
Links bow, bracers and quiver will really come to life with a little help from Worbla.
New Art Style, New Haircut
Link is rocking a really piecey look this year, and you’ll want some wax type styling product to go with your wig or natural hair. The cut is going to feature a lot of layers, a back ponytail, and dramatically long side burn whisps. Don’t forget the choppy bangs! His hairstylist is talented to say the least.
Nice and Pointy Ears
When you’re picking up ears, it is so difficult to match skin tone unless you’re at a storefront trying them on. If you can, instead, find a foundation that works. It’s not difficult to blend them if they are a little off. His hair will pretty much cover the line, so no big deal if not. Don’t forget to order some spirit gum to keep them in place, and a little oil to get them off when you’re ready.
You’re pretty much ready to go, just go cut the fingers off your favorite gloves and pull on your best knee high boots to complete the look.
Will you be cosplaying Link this year? Do you have any creative ideas for pulling off such a complex look?
