Translating animated characters like Chris and Zach from Hellbenders into real-world costumes comes down to crisp color blocking and straightforward casual pieces. Because the source material uses flat, unshaded cartoon art, the visual identity relies almost entirely on getting the main garment shades right rather than finding complex cuts or custom accessories.
Both outfits rely on off-the-rack streetwear basics, making this an accessible DIY cosplay project. The challenge is matching the saturation of the tops while keeping the relaxed, everyday silhouette intact so the look feels deliberate rather than just random clothes from your closet.
Chris: The Royal Blue Tee
Chris’s outfit is defined by a solid T-Shirt in Royal Blue. A crewneck cut made from midweight or heavyweight cotton ensures the collar holds its shape without flopping or stretching out. The shade is critical here: standard navy or baby blue will miss the mark, so aim for an unapologetically bright royal hue that matches the flat digital tone of the animation.
Choose a standard unisex fit rather than a slim-cut athletic shirt. The animated design features clean, boxy torso lines that hang naturally over the waistband without bunching. Keeping the front completely free of graphics, pocket details, or visible logos preserves the stark animated simplicity.
Zach: The Orange Polo and Web Belt
Zach opts for a slightly sharper but still casual upper half, wearing a vibrant Polo Shirt in Orange. A standard pique or jersey knit with a traditional ribbed collar and a two-button placket provides the right collar structure. Leaving the top button unfastened maintains his casual, unhinged energy.
Unlike Chris, Zach tucks his shirt in, which brings his belt line into focus. Pair the polo with a Black Canvas Web Belt with Brass Plate Buckle. The solid brass slider buckle provides a distinct metallic contrast against the orange fabric and dark pants. Military-style web belts are easy to trim to length so you do not have excess strap flapping at your hip.
Pants and Everyday Denim
Both characters wear dark, no-nonsense bottoms, and a standard pair of Jeans in Black or Dark Blue covers either outfit easily. A straight-leg or regular relaxed cut mirrors the clean, straight leg silhouettes of the animation far better than skinny jeans or tapered joggers.
Stick with a solid wash that has minimal factory distressing, fading, or whiskering. For Chris, let the pant cuffs stack slightly over the tops of your shoes. For Zach, position the waistband comfortably at your natural waist so the tucked polo stays neatly anchored throughout the day.
Canvas Sneakers and Hair Details
Complete the lower half with Converse Sneakers in Cyan Space or Roasted Carr. Classic low-profile canvas sneakers with white rubber toe caps and foxing fit the slacker aesthetic of the series. Dressing as Chris pairs naturally with cyan or blue tones to complement his shirt, while earthy roasted tan shades ground Zach’s bright orange top.
Hair is the final element that cements the character identity. Chris has messy, slightly parted dark brown hair that falls loosely around the forehead, while Zach sports disheveled, lighter dirty-blond or light brown hair. A dab of matte styling paste is all you need to shape natural hair into that rumpled, hand-drawn look.
While either costume works fine solo, these outfits are at their best when worn as a pair. The stark contrast between the bright royal blue tee and the vivid orange polo makes the duo immediately identifiable to anyone familiar with the classic animated shorts.
