Cosplaying as Lara Croft, one of the most iconic video game characters of all time, is a dream come true for many fans. From her classic outfit to modern adaptations, there’s something truly captivating about stepping into the shoes of this fearless adventurer.
But how can you create the ultimate Lara Croft cosplay? In this guide, we’ll reveal essential components and tips on crafting your perfect Tomb Raider ensemble while also showcasing some incredible cosplayers who have mastered their own stunning interpretations.
Key Takeaways
The iconic Lara Croft look includes a fitted turquoise tank top, light brown shorts, black fingerless gloves, tall lace-up combat boots, and holsters for pistols and various weapons. Modern outfit adaptations feature cargo pants or trousers and layered clothing for added realism.
Cosplaying as Lara Croft requires attention to detail when it comes to hair and makeup, wardrobe and accessories, as well as props and weapons. Researching inspiration from other cosplayers is key to perfecting your cosplay skills.
Crafting techniques like leatherworking, prop-making using foam board or PVC pipe, and sewing skills for altering existing clothing or creating new pieces from scratch are essential for an ultimate Lara Croft look. Attention to detail with each element of the costume can make all the difference in bringing Lara’s fierce and iconic image into reality.
Instagram is one great source of inspiration where you can follow top Tomb Raider cosplayers such as SOTTR Katamari, Illyne Cosplay, Nere_Raider, and Tanya Croft, who share behind-the-scenes photos that can give you ideas on how to craft your own props or design unique costumes.
Table of Contents
The Iconic Lara Croft Look
The iconic Lara Croft look consists of classic outfit elements such as her tank top, cargo pants, boots, and signature ponytail.
Classic Outfit Elements
The classic Lara Croft outfit is instantly recognizable and features key components essential for capturing her iconic look. Here are the fundamental elements to consider when creating your ultimate Lara Croft cosplay:
- Fitted turquoise tank top or sleeveless shirt
- Light brown or khaki shorts
- Black or brown fingerless gloves
- Tall lace-up combat boots, ideally in brown leather
- A thick leather belt with a large, rectangular buckle
- Holsters and straps for pistols and various weapons
- Backpack or satchel for carrying necessities
- The iconic braid hairstyle, often with a lock of hair hanging down the right side of her face
These classic components serve as a strong foundation for your Lara Croft cosplay while allowing you to add personal touches and modern adaptations that showcase your unique interpretation of the character.
Modern Outfit Adaptations
Modern outfit adaptations are inspired by the recent Tomb Raider games, including the Survivor trilogy and video game reboots, reflecting a more realistic and practical approach to Lara Croft’s attire. Here are some key elements of modern Lara Croft cosplay:
- Cargo pants or trousers instead of shorts, providing more protection during her adventures.
- Detailed weapons, such as Shadow of the Tomb Raider‘s bow, enhance the authenticity of your cosplay.
- Incorporation of survival gear like climbing axes and holsters.
- More rugged makeup reflects Lara’s grittier look in Rise of the Tomb Raider and other modern games.
- Layered clothing for added realism, such as thermal tops and jackets.
- Accessories like fingerless gloves, knee pads, and boots with treads for improved traction in diverse environments.
- Realistic hair styling options using Dutch braids or ponytails like those seen in Square Enix’s reboot designs.
With these modern outfit adaptations, you can highlight the evolution of Lara Croft while staying true to her iconic character within your cosplay creations.
Essential Cosplay Components
To truly embody the iconic Lara Croft, it’s essential to have the right hair and makeup, wardrobe and accessories, as well as props and weapons.
Hair And Makeup
Creating a realistic Lara Croft cosplay greatly depends on getting the hair and makeup just right. Here are some tips to help you achieve that perfect look:
- Hairstyle: Lara Croft’s signature hairstyle is a long, sleek ponytail. To recreate this, ensure your hair is at least medium-length and straightened before securing it into a high ponytail.
- Eyebrows: Lara has strong, arched eyebrows that frame her face well. Shape and fill in your own brows with an eyebrow pencil or powder to match this iconic feature.
- Eye Makeup: Apply earth-toned eyeshadow shades – like browns and taupes – to create depth and contour the eyes for an intense yet natural look.
- Eyeliner: Use black eyeliner to line your upper lash line, creating a slight wing on the outer corners of your eyes for added drama.
- Mascara: Don’t forget to apply several coats of volumizing mascara for more defined lashes, staying true to Lara’s expressive eyes.
- Contouring: Sculpt your cheekbones with bronzer or contour powder, as Lara has prominent facial features that add dimension to her character.
- Lip Color: Finish off with a natural-looking lip color such as soft pinks or nudes for that effortless adventurer vibe.
Remember, practice makes perfect when it comes to makeup application, so don’t be afraid to spend time experimenting with different techniques until you’ve mastered the ultimate Lara Croft look!
Wardrobe And Accessories
To achieve the ultimate Lara Croft cosplay, your wardrobe and accessories should be top-notch. Here are some tips to help you nail the look:
- Start with the basics: The classic Lara look includes a tank top, shorts, boots, and holsters for her weapons. You can also opt for modern adaptations of her outfit, such as cargo pants or a jacket.
- Choose durable materials: As an adventurer, Lara’s clothes go through a lot of wear and tear. Look for sturdy fabrics that can hold up to your own adventures.
- Pay attention to details: Little touches like buckles, zippers, and buttons can make all the difference in bringing the look together.
- Accessorize appropriately: From her iconic dual pistols to her climbing axe and bow and arrow, Lara is known for her vast array of weaponry. Don’t forget to add these important props to your cosplay!
- Hair and makeup must-haves: To complete the transformation into Lara Croft, consider investing in extensions or styling tools to achieve her signature braid or voluminous waves. Her makeup is minimal but impactful – focus on bold brows, subtle eyeshadow, and a touch of bronzer.
By following these tips for wardrobe and accessories, you’ll be well on your way to creating the ultimate Lara Croft cosplay.
Props And Weapons
Lara Croft is known for her iconic and deadly weapons. When it comes to cosplaying Lara, having the right props is essential. Here are some tips on creating props and weapons that accurately depict Lara’s arsenal:
- Research: Look up images of the specific weapon or prop you want to create to ensure accuracy. Knowing the details will help you craft a more realistic and true-to-life version.
- Crafting Techniques: Use materials such as foam, wood, or even PVC to create your props or weapons. Cosplayers often use 3D printing technology as well. Once you have your materials, utilize crafting techniques like sanding, painting, and heat shaping to bring your props to life.
- Attention to Detail: The devil is in the details when it comes to cosplaying as Lara. Pay attention to small aspects such as engravings, scratches, and wear-and-tear that make each weapon unique.
- Best Weapons for Beginners: If you’re new to prop-making, start with simpler weapons like Lara’s climbing axe or bow and arrow before moving onto more complex ones like her assault rifle or dual pistols.
- Safety First: Some convention rules prohibit real gun replicas and other sharp objects used by cosplayers in their outfits; be sure that any prop being carried at an event complies with the rules enforced by the organizers.
Whether it’s dual pistols or a makeshift machete, creating accurate props is essential for a perfect Lara Croft cosplay!
Tips For Creating The Ultimate Lara Croft Cosplay
To elevate your Lara Croft cosplay, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and draw inspiration from the many talented cosplayers out there. Crafting techniques and attention to detail are also crucial elements for creating an unforgettable outfit.
Research And Inspiration
To create the ultimate Lara Croft cosplay, research and inspiration are essential. Start by watching gameplay footage of all Tomb Raider games to get an idea of Lara’s classic outfit elements and her modern adaptations in games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider and Rise of the Tomb Raider.
Look out for details such as Lara’s signature dual pistols, backpacks, holsters, belts, and boots.
One great source for inspiration is Instagram where you can follow top Tomb Raider cosplayers such as SOTTR Katamari, CroftyCosplayer, Illyne Cosplay, Nere_Raider, and Tanya Croft.
These talented cosplayers often share behind-the-scenes photos and videos of their crafting process that can give you ideas on how to craft your own props or design unique costumes.
Crafting And DIY Techniques
Crafting a Lara Croft cosplay requires attention to detail and skillful execution. Here are some crafting and DIY techniques for creating an ultimate Lara Croft look:
- Leatherwork: Lara’s outfit is known for its iconic brown leather holsters, belts, and boots. You can use leatherworking tools to create these items or repurpose thrifted leather pieces.
- Prop-making: A crucial component of any Lara Croft cosplay is the props and weapons. You can make realistic-looking props using materials such as foam board, PVC pipe, and EVA foam.
- Sewing: To achieve classic or modern Lara outfits, you may need sewing skills to alter existing clothing or create new pieces from scratch.
- Painting: Whether it’s painting details on a prop weapon or distressing clothing for a more rugged appearance, painting is an essential technique for a great Lara Croft cosplay.
- 3D printing: For those looking for more advanced techniques, 3D printing can be used to create intricate parts such as belt buckles and accessories with high accuracy and precision.
Remember that practice makes perfect when it comes to crafting an ultimate Lara Croft cosplay! With the right tools and techniques, you can create a stunning look that embodies the spirit of this legendary game character.
Attention To Detail
Creating the ultimate Lara Croft cosplay requires attention to detail. Every element of the outfit, from hair and makeup to wardrobe and accessories, needs to be accurate to the chosen version of the character.
This attention to detail is what sets apart truly exceptional cosplayers. For example, some cosplayers will research ancient temples in Egypt for inspiration on how certain aspects of a costume should look or study screenshots from multiple video games for accuracy in recreating the outfit.
Additionally, props and weapons need to be crafted or bought with careful consideration and precision.
It’s not just about replicating everything perfectly; it’s about making sure every element works together seamlessly. The effort put into creating an authentic costume shows dedication as a fan of Tomb Raider fandom while also celebrating art through cosplay as an expressive outlet for creativity in portraying one’s favorite character.
Top Tomb Raider Cosplayers To Follow For Inspiration
Get inspired by the top Tomb Raider cosplayers in the world, including SOTTR Katamari, CroftyCosplayer, Illyne Cosplay, Nere_Raider, and Tanya Croft.
SOTTR Katamari
SOTTR Katamari is a Japanese cosplayer who has gained international recognition for her Lara Croft cosplay. She recreates every costume and prop seen in Shadow of the Tomb Raider with stunning attention to detail.
If you’re looking to create an ultimate Lara Croft cosplay, there’s no doubt that SOTTR Katamari can serve as great inspiration. Her commitment to accuracy and authenticity sets a high standard for all aspiring Tomb Raider cosplayers.
CroftyCosplayer
One of the most prominent Lara Croft cosplayers in the Tomb Raider community is CroftyCosplayer, a talented artist from Spain who has gained a following for her faithful recreations of iconic scenes and moments from across the Tomb Raider franchise.
Her attention to detail and commitment to accuracy is unmatched, with many fans singling out her intrepid spirit as one of her defining qualities. As someone who has been cosplaying since at least 2014, she is one of the top choices for new or seasoned Lara Croft cosplayers looking for inspiration on Instagram or other social media platforms.
Illyne Cosplay
One of the top Tomb Raider cosplayers to follow for inspiration is ILLYNE COSPLAY, also known as Tiphaine Vaudable. As an official Lara Croft ambassador, she has represented the brand at various gaming and pop culture events.
With her skill and talent in cosplay, ILLYNE COSPLAY brings Lara Croft to life through her own unique costumes and props. She is recognized within the community for her dedication, passion, and creativity in creating stunning portrayals of the character.
Nere_Raider
Nere_Raider is a talented cosplayer from the Basque Country who has gained recognition for her incredible Lara Croft cosplay. She pays meticulous attention to detail and accuracy, ensuring that her costumes and props are as close to the real thing as possible.
As one of the top Tomb Raider cosplayers to follow on Instagram, Nere_Raider provides endless inspiration for those looking to create their ultimate Lara Croft cosplay.
Her cosplay photoshoots often feature stunning locations reminiscent of ancient temples in Egypt or Venice, Italy.
Tanya Croft
Tanya Croft, a Ukrainian cosplayer, is one of the recognizable names in the Tomb Raider cosplay community. Her attention to detail and dedication to portraying Lara Croft has won her numerous awards and recognition.
Tanya’s realistic costumes have gained popularity among fans for their accuracy and intricate craftsmanship. She has also been featured in fan films, showcasing her talent as an actress.
Tanya’s cosplays include many classic Lara Croft outfits from games such as Tomb Raider II and Angel of Darkness, as well as modern adaptations from the Survivor trilogy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lara Croft Cosplay
What materials do I need to create a Lara Croft cosplay?
To create the ultimate Lara Croft cosplay, you will need several key items including brown boots or shoes, cargo pants or shorts, a tank top or sports bra, fingerless gloves, and accessories such as holsters, belts, and weapons. It is also important to invest in quality materials that match the character’s rugged look.
Can I customize my Lara Croft cosplay outfit?
Yes! One of the best parts about creating your own cosplay is being able to add your own personal touches to it. You can use different colors for your clothing pieces or even alter them slightly to fit your desired aesthetic.
How can I make sure my makeup matches Lara Croft’s iconic look?
Lara’s signature look includes minimal makeup with an emphasis on bold brows and rosy lips. To achieve this look you can trim and shape your eyebrows appropriately while using neutral-toned eye shadows along with blushes that complement your skin tone.
Do I need any special skills or experience to create a successful Lara Croft cosplay?
While some basic sewing knowledge may be helpful when crafting certain elements of her costume (such as holsters), there are many online tutorials available that show how other people have successfully created their own cosplays without prior artistry experience – so passion should definitely suffice if you’re committed enough!
Conclusion
In conclusion, creating the ultimate Lara Croft cosplay requires attention to detail and a love for the character. By paying close attention to classic and modern outfit elements, essential components like hair and makeup, wardrobe and accessories, and props and weapons can be chosen thoughtfully.
Researching inspiration from other talented cosplayers is also key to perfecting your cosplay skills.
