How To Slay the Otaku Outfit for An Anime-Themed Party Posted Sep 20, 2025
Anime-themed parties have gained popularity recently with the global expansion of Japanese film and TV animation. Shows like Once Piece, Naruto, or JoJo's Bizarre Adventure are some of the most well-known and praised anime, but modern animations and new studios gave life to the spectacular Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Jujutsu Kaisen, or Dandadan.
However, anime is often underrated and considered suitable only for kids, which is far from the truth. Adults, too, watch anime as their stories are intricate and deep, often helping people find relatable characters. But teenagers are usually the biggest audience for anime, and they want to spend time with peers with similar hobbies, so an anime-inspired party is the perfect occasion for showcasing one’s love for this culture. But what would the dress code be like? Let’s find out.
Consider approachable outfits
Most outfits anime characters wear require a considerable investment or a lot of time spent crafting, especially in the case of fantasy shows. However, there are some options on a budget that can still allow you to dress up as your favorite character with minimal effort.
For example, if you want to dress up as Anya from Spy x Family, you’ll only need a knee-length black dress with mid-length sleeves, a pair of white socks, and black shoes. Of course, a white ribbon on the chest would emphasize the fit, and the pointy hair accessories can be done at home in no time. There are many other characters you can dress up as with modest dresses only and simple accessories, such as Kiki from Kiki’s Delivery Service, or young Mikasa from Attack on Titan.
Opt for accessories with a simple outfit
Sometimes, an accessory is what brings out the essence of the character. For example, if you want to come to the party as Power from Chainsaw Man, you’ll know that the costume is pretty basic, consisting of a white shirt, black pants, and a tie. Additionally, a red hoodie will complete it, but the red horns are the accessory that will make people recognize you as Power.
Those who want to dress up as L from Death Note can truly appear with only a white shirt and blue jeans, but the heavy black eyeliner is the main feature of the character. And let’s not forget about the posture, although you may want to skip sitting like L at the party table.
Choose characters that represent you
Sometimes, the character you want to portray through cosplay is so close to you that dressing up feels like an otherworldly experience. Therefore, wearing their costumes will feel special, so consider dressing up as someone from an anime that represents you.
If you’re tough, blunt, and thoughtful (as well as a clean freak), you might want to dress up as Levi Ackerman from Attack on Titan. The costume can be found online, but you might also want to build it yourself, as many parts, such as the white pants and boots, can be thrifted.
Another impactful character is Nezuko from Demon Slayer, whose distinctive pink kimono and black robe reflect her kind and caring personality.
Get creative with a cosplay
As mentioned before, creating your own cosplay costume is possible, even if it takes time. However, it’s often more affordable than purchasing an online costume. In most cases, you’ll need E.V.A foam for cosplay that requires armor or props, since it’s a formable yet cheap material.
However, depending on the character and its accessories, finding and completing a template and patterns can be challenging. A Pep file will help you model a 2D object into 3D, allowing you to print it and cut the foam according to the measurements.
Working with foam also includes:
- Cutting and trimming with blades, scissors, or hot knives;
- Forming and shaping with a heat gun and a lot of patience;
- Gluing with adhesive;
- Fixing seams and gaps;
- Weathering and detailing;
This is a lengthy process, so you may choose to piece together suitable components by thrifting various clothing pieces or improving your makeup skills to make the most of your resources.
Dress up as a duo
There are numerous duos in anime that couples or friends can do when participating in a party. Having someone by your side dressed in the same theme can feel more fun and also help you navigate nervousness when showing up in cosplay. For example, an easy duo can be found in Chainsaw Man, where you can both dress up as Denji and Makima (you only need wigs besides a normal suit). Another approachable example is Tohru and Kyo from Fruits Basket, as they’re wearing simple clothes.
However, if you want to impress the others, you can show up as:
- Hinata and Naruto from Naruto;
- Nezuko and Zenitsu from Demon Slayer;
- Lucy and David from Cyberpunk Edgerunners;
How to make the most out of an anime party
An anime party where people share many common interests sounds fun, but there are ways to make it even more enjoyable. For example, creating a photoshoot space where everyone can take a high-quality picture will be a success. Of course, it wouldn’t be an anime party without appropriate foods, such as sushi, mochi, or the anpan filling bread. Some may also want to cook delicious foods, such as ramen, as seen in anime.
Creating a home theater experience would also be amazing, as everyone can watch anime on a big screen at home. You only need a good audio system and a projector; the rest is largely about ambiance, with the right lighting and décor.
Are you ready to dress up?
As anime has become increasingly popular among teenagers and adults alike, themed parties are trending, with people dressing up as their favorite characters. Regardless of their budget, most people can create a fairly accurate costume, especially when it comes to characters from Chainsaw Man or Spy x Family. Moreover, besides buying an already-made cosplay, youngsters like to craft their costumes at home.
