What You’ll Need
Brown Ponytail Synthetic Cosplay Wig
Last of US 2 Ellie Temporary Waterproof Tattoo
Fake Blood Makeup Spray
Baggy Charcoal Blue Denim Shirt
Light Gray T-Shirt
Dark Charocal Gray Jeans
Black Low-Top Converse
Outdoor Backpack
Machine Gun Firearm Prop
Bow and Arrow Costume Prop
Are you ready to step into the dangerous, post-apocalyptic world of The Last of Us Part 2?
Cosplaying as Ellie is an incredibly intense and deeply rewarding experience for any fan of the franchise.
Her look is rugged, practical, and packed with environmental storytelling details.
Whether you are heading out to a major convention or planning a gritty, outdoor photoshoot, this guide will help you nail her iconic look.
We will break down every single piece of her outfit, from her signature arm tattoo to her trusted weapons.
Building an authentic Ellie cosplay is all about mastering the art of layering and weathering.
You want to look like you have been surviving in the harsh, unforgiving wilderness for years.
Comfort and mobility are key, as she is constantly on the move, sneaking through ruins and fighting off enemies.
Let us dive deep into the essential clothing and prop pieces you need for a stunningly accurate Ellie costume.
Complete Costume Breakdown
Clothing & Core Pieces
The foundation of Ellie’s outfit is built purely for survival, stealth, and daily utility.
Start with a simple, well-worn light gray t-shirt as your comfortable base layer.
Over this t-shirt, you will need a baggy, durable charcoal blue denim shirt.
This work shirt provides a bit of protection while still being lightweight enough for travel.
Leave the denim shirt unbuttoned or only partially buttoned for a relaxed, lived-in feel.
Roll up the sleeves to just below the elbow on both arms.
This specific styling choice is crucial because it reveals her famous moth and fern tattoo on the right forearm.
For the lower half of the outfit, opt for a tough pair of dark charcoal gray jeans.
They should fit you comfortably but allow for plenty of crouching, running, and dynamic movement.
You might want to add some strategic rips, fraying, and dirt to make the jeans look genuinely authentic.
Finish off the core clothing layers with a pair of classic black low-top Converse sneakers.
These shoes are iconic to Ellie’s character design and highlight her youthful, grounded nature.
Make sure to scuff the white rubber toes and distress the canvas nicely before you wear them out to a convention.
Accessories & Details
The accessories and small props are where this particular cosplay truly comes to life.
Ellie’s hair is entirely practical, usually pulled back hastily to keep it out of her face during combat.
A brown ponytail synthetic cosplay wig is perfect if you do not naturally have similar hair to style.
Next is the absolute must-have detail for this specific version of the character: her moth and fern tattoo.
A high-quality temporary waterproof tattoo saves you the massive trouble of drawing it by hand every single time.
It covers her bite mark and is a deeply symbolic part of her identity in the sequel.
You will also need a sturdy, reliable outdoor backpack to carry your essential survivor supplies.
Look for something rugged, preferably in a dark, faded color scheme with plenty of straps and pockets.
To sell the brutal, post-apocalyptic survivor look, fake blood makeup spray is going to be your best friend.
Apply it sparingly but deliberately to your clothes and skin to simulate recent hostile encounters.
Finally, Ellie is rarely seen navigating the ruins of Seattle without her trusted weapons at the ready.
A realistic bow and arrow costume prop is an excellent, lightweight choice for stealthy, dynamic poses.
You can also choose to carry a machine gun firearm prop for a much more aggressive, action-ready combat look.
Cosplay Tips
Weathering and distressing is arguably the most important part of completing any Last of Us cosplay.
Your clothes should never look brand new straight off the department store rack.
Use coarse sandpaper on the edges of your denim shirt collar and jean cuffs to create realistic fabric wear.
Diluted acrylic paint washes in shades of brown, black, and dark green can perfectly simulate years of accumulated dirt and grime.
Focus the simulated dirt on areas that naturally get messy first, like the knees, elbows, shoulders, and bottom hems.
Do not forget to dirty up your hands, neck, and face when applying your final dirt makeup.
Practicing your poses in front of a full-length mirror will significantly help you embody the character’s physical presence.
Study how Ellie holds her various weapons, how she crouches in stealth, and how she carries herself in the game.
Character Vibe & Styling Notes
Ellie’s core energy in Part 2 is intensely driven by determination, profound grief, and raw survival instinct.
Your facial expressions in photos should reflect a hardened, focused, and occasionally exhausted demeanor.
She is incredibly fierce and capable, so be sure to project quiet confidence and readiness in your stance.
When styling the brown ponytail wig, make a conscious effort not to make it look too neat or styled.
Pull out a few loose strands around the face and nape of the neck to mimic a messy, sweaty, unkempt look.
The application of fake blood and dirt should ideally tell a specific visual story.
Maybe you just barely escaped a terrifying clicker, or perhaps you survived a grueling fight with enemy factions.
Less is often more with fake blood, so apply it strategically with a specific combat scenario in mind rather than splattering it everywhere.
Final Thoughts
Cosplaying as this older, battle-hardened version of Ellie allows you to embody one of modern gaming’s most complex and compelling characters.
It is surprisingly a very comfortable costume to wear all day, relying heavily on attitude, acting, and weathering details rather than restrictive armor.
Take your time with the distressing and painting process to make the ordinary clothes feel truly yours and authentic to the world.
Once you have the entire outfit put together and perfectly weathered, step confidently into her worn-out shoes.
Bring that fierce, uncompromising survivor energy to your next convention floor or outdoor photoshoot.
Stay safe out there in the overgrown ruins, and always watch out for the infected!
