How to Dress Up As Link from Legend of Zelda

Dressing up as Link from The Legend of Zelda is a fun endeavor, whether it’s for Halloween or cosplay. You can easily create Link’s outfit, weapons, and accessories so that your costume is recognizable among fans. The more detail you put into it, the better your costume will be.

Part 1: Creating Link’s Outfit

Step 1: Research Link’s Different Looks

• There are over 10 different Links in The Legend of Zelda franchise. The most recognizable versions are from Ocarina of Time, Twilight Princess, and Breath of the Wild. A simple online search will provide plenty of reference images.
• Note that Link’s tunic is typically green, but he also wears red and blue tunics in some games.

Step 2: Make Link’s Hat from Felt

• Materials: Green felt, measuring tape, scissors, sewing needle, thread.
• Instructions:
  1. Measure the circumference of your head and the length from the top of your head to the middle of your shoulder blades.
  2. Draw two triangles on the felt using these measurements.
  3. Cut out the triangles and sew them together inside out using a running stitch.
  4. Turn the hat right side out.

Step 3: Wear a Collared, Long-Sleeve White Shirt

• Look for a white, long-sleeve shirt with a collar. Thrift stores are a good place to find affordable options. If you can’t find one, check online or use a non-collared shirt as a substitute.

Step 4: Choose a Short-Sleeved Tunic

• Options: Green, blue, or red tunic.
• You can buy an oversized T-shirt and modify it or find a pattern online to sew your tunic. Alternatively, purchase a tunic dress or a used Link costume from another cosplayer.

Step 5: Wear White Leggings

• White leggings or tight spandex pants are ideal. Ensure they are opaque.

Step 6: Put a Reddish-Brown Belt Around Your Waist

• Choose a belt made of fake leather, real leather, or elastic with a fake leather buckle.

Step 7: Include Brown Fingerless Leather Gloves

• Options: Buy leather cosplay gloves online or modify a pair of thick leather gloves by cutting off the fingers.
• Add a Triforce symbol to the back of the left glove.

Step 8: Put on Brown Boots or Sew Boot Covers

• Find tall brown leather boots or make boot covers using brown, stretchy polyester-blend fabric.

Part 2: Acquiring Props and Accessories

Step 1: Wear Fake Elf Ears

• Options: Buy elf ears that match your skin tone from a costume store or online.
• Application: Use sticky strips or prosthetic adhesive to attach them to your ears.

Step 2: Wear a Wig or Style Your Hair

• Wig: Choose a blond wig resembling Link’s hair.
• Natural Hair: Style your blond hair to fall over your forehead with long pieces hanging in front of each ear.

Step 3: Make a Master Sword from Craft Foam

• Materials: Craft foam, acrylic paint, glue.
• Instructions:
  1. Draw and cut out three sword outlines from the foam.
  2. Glue the pieces together for thickness.
  3. Cut and attach the cross-guard shapes.
  4. Paint the sword blue and gray.

Step 4: Create Link’s Shield from Craft Foam

• Materials: Craft foam, acrylic paint, glue, X-ACTO knife, fabric for handle.
• Instructions:
  1. Draw and cut out the shield shape.
  2. Cut and paint details, then glue them on.
  3. Attach a fabric handle to the back.

Step 5: Make Link’s Bombs from Sphere-Shaped Bottles

• Materials: Round bottle, blue spray paint, clothesline, glue, drill.
• Instructions:
  1. Spray paint the bottle blue.
  2. Drill a hole in the cap.
  3. Insert and glue the clothesline into the cap as a wick.

By following these steps, you’ll have a complete and detailed Link costume that’s perfect for any cosplay event or Halloween party. Enjoy embodying the hero of Hyrule!