Make a Ninja Uniform

It can happen to anyone – suddenly you find you have to make a ninja uniform. Maybe it's for a party, maybe it's for your child, or maybe you just really want to look like a ninja. Good news! It's not that hard.

Make a Ninja Uniform

First, you need to determine exactly what elements you need for your ninja uniform. One of the first questions is color: are you a traditional black-garbed ninja? Or are you more like the Storm Shadow ninja, in spotless white? The character of Elektra was a female ninja who wore red (though her costume was not very traditional – more like a bikini ninja).

Once you've picked a color, though, here are the elements you'll have to create or acquire:

1. Uwagi: For traditional ninjas, this was a jacket similar to a martial arts gi. For modern day ninjas, though, it is probably more effective to simply get a "hoodie" style sweatshirt – preferably without pockets, or at least without zippers (no ninja would be caught dead with a zipper). A hoodie will give you the top, side, and back covering for the head – you'll just have to get a mask for the front.
2. Zukin (face mask): Various styles of facemasks have been used by different ninja characters, ranging from the high-tech visor worn by "SnakeEyes" in the GI Joe pantheon to the very simple wrap that was used by the ninja portrayed in The Last Samurai where they fought against a Cavalry officer. Probably the easiest way is simply to get some long strips of black cloth – like a scarf, or even a dark bandanna. The key is to have it covering as much of your face – forehead, nose, mouth, chin – as possible without blocking your sight. For a tighter fit, you could use vet wrap (available at farm supply stores) but make sure you leave a space to breathe and hiss obscure-but-menacing threats at your enemies.
3. Hakama: Like many martial artists, loose, light, baggy pants are a staple when you make a ninja uniform. Some people simply use sweatpants, others use cotton yoga pants or similar athletic wear, but really the best and most authentic way to outfit your trousers is the same as the top – purchasing a gi from an online source. These usually have a drawstring waist, though some will have elastic as well. It depends on how much you want to spend on your ninja uniform. Often ninja pants will have drawstrings at the ankles and knees to make the pants more maneuverable.
4. Teko – Ninja gauntlets need to be two things: gripping and covering. Usually in black, they sometimes go up over the forearm, but could also be as simple as work gloves from a hardware store with textured palms.
5. Jika Tabi Boots – The final element of a ninja uniform (excluding the tools of the trade) are the boots, and unfortunately there is not really a way for westerners to get the traditional split-toed tabi boots that are worn in Japan. However, many people go for the function over the style – ninja boots need to be comfortable, durable, and silent, and so wrestling shoes or even vibram toe-sandals (of course in a matching color to the rest of the outfit) are used to complete the uniform.

Of course, assembling all of this gear may be more work than you really want to put into your costume. Because ninjutsu is popular both as an actual martial art and also as an element for role-playing, complete ninja uniforms can be purchased online. Unlike other recreations such as Roman soldiers or Knights Templar, the ninja uniform is also practical for many athletic activities

Keep in mind that ninja uniforms should be loose, so order your gear looking to the large end of your size. Also, getting the gear in a breathable but durable fabric such as cotton, hemp, or canvas will pay off in the long run. While ninja gi made of polyester or other artificial materials may seem both cheap and shiny, they are not going to last the rigors of a true ninja's life.

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