Ready to channel your inner medium and talk to the dead? Klaus Hargreeves, also known as Number Four or The Seance, is a beloved and fan-favorite character from The Umbrella Academy.
His eclectic, chaotic, and heavily layered style makes him an incredibly fun and recognizable character to cosplay. Plus, it is a very comfortable outfit you can wear all day at crowded conventions.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through exactly what you need to put together an authentic and impressive Klaus Hargreeves costume. We will focus specifically on his iconic casual look that fans know and love.
Whether you are heading to a massive comic con, attending a local cosplay meetup, or just dressing up for a Halloween party, this outfit is sure to turn heads and maybe summon a few spirits.
Let us break down each piece of The Seance’s unique wardrobe so you can perfectly nail that flawless mix of thrift-store chic and effortless, disheveled cool.
Complete Costume Breakdown
Clothing & Core Pieces
The foundation of any truly great Klaus cosplay starts with his clothing. His entire look is all about mismatched layers and a relaxed, slightly messy fit that screams apathy.
First, you will need a classic black tank top. This serves as the essential base layer that peeks out from under his wildly colorful outer shirts.
Go for a standard ribbed cotton material that fits snugly against your body but remains comfortable for all-day wear. It should look like something you could comfortably sleep in or wear to an underground party.
Next is the absolute statement piece of the entire ensemble: a bright, eye-catching red Hawaiian shirt. This bold and loud choice perfectly contrasts with his darker base clothing and adds a necessary pop of chaotic energy.
You should wear the Hawaiian shirt completely unbuttoned to show off the black tank top underneath. The looser and flowier the fabric of the shirt, the better it fits his relaxed, bohemian vibe.
For the bottom half of the costume, you will want a reliable pair of black slim-fit pants. These keep the overall silhouette clean and ground the loud upper half of the outfit.
They should not be overly tight or restrictive, but a proper slim cut works best to balance out the baggy, oversized nature of the Hawaiian shirt on top.
Make sure the pants are flexible and comfortable enough for walking around convention halls all day, as Klaus is a character who is always on the move.
Accessories & Details
A Klaus Hargreeves outfit truly comes alive and feels complete only with his specific accessories. These small but crucial details are what transform a standard everyday outfit into a highly recognizable and beloved cosplay.
A sturdy, classic black leather belt is absolutely essential. It adds a touch of rugged texture and helps visually break up the dark, monochromatic base layers of the black tank top and slim pants.
You will also need to pick up a pair of black retro sunglasses. Klaus frequently wears dark sunglasses, even when he is indoors, to hide his tired eyes and maintain his mysterious, slightly detached aura.
Look for round or slightly angular vintage-style frames. They should look fashionable and stylish but just a little bit out of place, matching his overall eccentric aesthetic.
Finally, no Klaus cosplay could ever be considered complete without his most important and thematic prop: a classic Ouija board. It perfectly and instantly captures his unique powers as The Seance.
Carrying a Ouija board around a convention instantly tells everyone exactly who you are cosplaying. It is a fantastic, interactive prop for taking dynamic photos and striking up conversations with other Umbrella Academy fans.
Cosplay Tips
When you are cosplaying The Seance, personal comfort should be your top priority. Make sure your chosen shoes are thoroughly broken in if you plan on walking or standing a lot.
Do not worry for a second about keeping the clothes perfectly ironed, neat, or pristine. Klaus looks his absolute best when his outfit is slightly rumpled, wrinkled, and visibly lived-in.
If you want to go the extra mile and impress fellow fans, you can add some of his temporary tattoos. Klaus has several iconic and visible tattoos, most notably the ‘HELLO’ and ‘GOODBYE’ inked onto his palms.
Using liquid eyeliner or a high-quality, skin-safe marker is a quick and affordable way to recreate these palm tattoos if you do not want to purchase custom temporary tattoo transfers.
Character Vibe & Styling Notes
To truly become Klaus, you need to master his unique posture and overall attitude. He is heavily relaxed, often visibly slouching, and moves with a strange, fluid, and entirely unpredictable grace.
Practice a charming but deeply chaotic smile in the mirror. Klaus frequently uses humor and sarcasm as a defense mechanism, so a wry, knowing smirk works perfectly for all your cosplay photos.
For your hair styling, you should aim for a messy, purposely unstyled look. If your natural hair is long enough, simply let it fall naturally and perhaps use some texturizing sea salt spray to add volume and grit.
If you are utilizing a wig for the costume, take the time to style it so it looks purposely unkempt and wild. The ultimate goal is to look exactly like you just rolled out of bed but still somehow look effortlessly and undeniably cool.
Final Thoughts
Cosplaying Klaus Hargreeves is an absolute blast and a highly rewarding experience. His eccentric character allows for a massive amount of creative freedom and encourages playful, improvised interactions with others.
By focusing carefully on these core wardrobe pieces and fully embracing his incredibly unique, erratic energy, you will effortlessly put together a fantastic and memorable Seance costume.
Always remember to have fun with the process and do not take yourself or the cosplay too seriously. That carefree, rebellious attitude is exactly what Klaus would want to see.
Now get your outfit together, grab your trusty Ouija board, practice your best palm tattoos, and get ready to talk to some ghosts at your next big event!
