Halloween presents a time when everyone is looking for the scariest and most elaborate costume that they can think of. Often these costumes can run people up hundreds of dollars. However, this is a costume that looks great, is easy on the wallet and moreover is straightforward to put together. It can work for adults or children, and is a fun alternative to many other costumes.
The costume can take many forms, from a minimalist form to the full-fledged ‘Ninja look’ which will require a bit more time and effort (and invariably a little more expenditure).
The Ninja Look
A ninja or shinobi was feudal Japan’s version of a secret agent. The functions of the ninja included reconnaissance, infiltration, and assassination as well as being proficient with weapons and in hand-to-hand combat. Due to their ‘hidden’ lifestyle, ninjas had to be experts in both stealth and disguise.
This being the case, their clothing had to be dark and generally had to conceal all of their features bar the eyes (for obvious reasons). This means that midnight blue or black are the most feasible colors for any costume of this nature. Outlined are instructions for a simple and ultimate ninja Halloween costume.
Simple Ninja Costume: What is Needed
- Black long-sleeved shirt (not collared – T-shirt style)
- Black pants (martial arts or baggy pants work best)
- Black gloves
- Black shoes (canvas/sneakers/leather and so forth)
- Large black pouch
Note: Midnight blue can be used instead of black.
Simple Ninja Costume: Procedure
- Put on the long-sleeved shirt, the pants, gloves, shoes and socks.
- Read the ‘How to Make the Ninja Mask’ section below for step 2.
- Make any necessary adjustments by looking in the mirror to get the desired look.
The Ultimate Ninja Costume: What is Needed
- All of the items in the ‘Simple Ninja Costume’
- A black sash or a length of black rope (enough to tie around the waist with a little to spare)
- Long black socks
- Yardstick/wooden ruler
- 2 smaller wooden rulers
- Aluminum foil
- Black shin/arm guards
- Large black pouch
The Ultimate Ninja Costume: Procedure
- Put on the long-sleeved shirt, the pants, gloves, shoes and socks.
- Read the ‘How to Make the Ninja Mask’ section below for step 2.
- Use the aluminum foil to create shurikens (ninja stars).
- Use the aluminum foil again to wrap the yardstick and smaller wooden rulers (creating whatever kind of tip is preferred) this will create a sword and two smaller daggers/knives.
- Put on the shin guards and arm guards.
- Put on the socks (these can be pulled over the pant-legs and used as a place to store the knives.
- Wrap the sash/rope around the waist and tie it to the side rather than the front (this can be used to store the pouch and the sword).
- Make any necessary adjustments by looking in the mirror to get the desired look.
How to Make the Ninja Mask
The ninja mask is the most important aspect of the uniform; it keeps the wearer incognito, keeping their identity from ever being revealed. There are several options for a mask, depending on time, price and preference:
- Use a black/midnight blue balaclava/ski mask.
- Use a black surgical mask, or spray-paint a regular one black
- Look for a cheap ninja mask (or equivalent) in a toy-store/department store
Alternatively, there are several options available online which utilize a single black T-shirt to create an authentic ninja mask.
Notes
- The best things about this costume are that no additional make-up is required and that it is both comfortable and warm.
- The pouch that was mentioned in both costume designs can be used as a bag for trick or treating (it will also work with the rest of the costume, and can be tucked/tied to the belt).
With all of these points considered, a wonderful ninja costume for Halloween should be easy to afford and put together.
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