Eiichiro Oda's One Piece is undeniably enormous, with over 1000 anime episodes and 1000 manga chapters spread across 106 volumes, making it one of the longest-running series in the world. With such a vast array of characters, it's no surprise that fans in the anime community would want to cosplay as them. But with so many unique personas, which ones are the best to emulate?
One Piece: 10 best characters to cosplay as
1) Uta
Uta in One Piece: Red (Image via Toei Animation)
Uta recently appeared as the main antagonist in the film One Piece: Red, and later made her anime debut in episode 1082. She is a well-known singer and "diva," as well as the daughter of Shanks. Before he departed, she was a musician in his crew. After being left behind on Elegia, Gordon posed as her foster parent and supported her goal of bringing in a "New Era."
Her outfit looks relatively easy to assemble. However, her hairstyle could present a different challenge. Achieving the look may prove to be a bit difficult but when done correctly, can yield amazing results.
2) Silvers Rayleigh
Silvers Rayleigh is known by his alias "The Dark King" and is a highly skilled and powerful retired swordsman. He once served as the first mate for the Roger Pirates and was also the Right Hand of the Pirate King. After the crew disbanded and Gol D. Roger was executed, Rayleigh chose to live a quieter life as a mechanic at the Sabaody Archipelago. He is a supporter of the Straw Hat crew and played a crucial role in mentoring Luffy in the use of Haki.
His outfit is easy to replicate and would exude a majestic vibe, just like Rayleigh himself. Enhancing the cosplay with a sword and a flask would be the perfect finishing touch for this choice.
3) Brook
"Soul King" Brook and Tony Tony Chopper from the popular anime series One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)
"Soul King" Brook plays a vital role within the Straw Hats crew, serving as the Grand Fleet's talented musician, one of their skilled swordsmen, and holding the title of Senior Officer. Brook's arrival to the crew occurred at the conclusion of the Thriller Bark Arc. After consuming the Yomi Yomi no Mi, he was resurrected and later gained the ability to manipulate his own soul as well as the souls of others through tapping into its powers.
4) Boa Hancock
Creating this outfit can be a bit challenging due to the intricate skull and bony arms and legs, but when cosplayers embody One Piece's "Soul King," they are sure to leave a lasting impression wherever they go.
Boa Hancock, as seen in the anime One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)
The formidable Boa Hancock serves as the captain of the Kuja Pirates and is renowned as the "Pirate Empress." Notably, she was the sole female Warlord of the Sea. In the present day, she leads the Amazon Lily as the "Snake Princess" and governs the Kuja Tribe alongside her siblings. Tragically, she was abducted, subjected to torment, and forcibly consumed the Mero Mero no Mi, granting her the ability to petrify both animate and inanimate objects.
5) Nico Robin
Boa Hancock is a beloved character among One Piece fans, known for her various iconic looks throughout the series, particularly her signature pink-themed outfit. When it comes to cosplaying as Boa Hancock, attention to detail is key, allowing each cosplayer to incorporate their own unique touch to truly embody her character.
Nico Robin from the popular anime series One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)
The daughter of Nico Olvia, Nico Robin is also known as the "Devil Child" and "Light of the Revolution." She serves as the archaeologist for the Straw Hats and holds the position of Senior Officer in its Grand Fleet. With the Hana Hana No Mi Devil Fruit, she is able to replicate her body parts, or even her entire body, on any surface at will.
Prior to joining the Straw Hats, she played the role of the secondary antagonist in the Arabasta Saga. Her main goal is to locate the Rio Poneglyph, a stone that contains the true history of the world, particularly the events of the Void Century. Nico Robin is known for her different looks, each representing a different time period. A standout feature of her cosplay is her love for high heels, which she often includes as part of her outfit.
6) "Red- Haired" Shanks
The character "Red-Haired" Shanks from the anime One Piece is depicted in this image from Toei Animation. Shanks, also known as "Red Hair," holds the position of Chief within the Red Hair Pirates and is counted as one of the Four Emperors of the New World. His early days include serving as an apprentice in the Roger Pirates alongside Buggy, and eventually establishing his own crew following Roger's passing. It is worth noting that Shanks played a crucial role in inspiring Luffy to pursue a career as a pirate, giving him the iconic Straw Hat originally owned by Gol D. Roger himself.
7) Vinsmoke Reiju
Portraying Shanks from One Piece will always be considered iconic within the anime and manga community. His uncomplicated yet commanding appearance, accentuated by his facial scars, presents a formidable challenge to emulate.
Reiju, also known as "Poison Pink," is the eldest child of the powerful Vinsmoke Family and the Princess of the Germa Kingdom. In addition to her royal status, she also commands the military army known as Germa 66. During the Whole Cake Island Arc, Reiju forms an alliance with the Straw Hat Pirates, proving herself to be a formidable and complex character in the One Piece series. (Image via Toei Animation)
"Poison Pink's" ensemble has become a hit among female cosplayers, who put their own spin on the character's outfit. While her dress, cape, earmuffs, and hair are relatively easy to replicate, the standout piece is undoubtedly her choice of footwear - her boots.
8) Nami
Nami from One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)
The "Cat Burglar" Nami serves as the navigator for the Straw Hat Pirates and was the second member to join Luffy's crew. After being orphaned at a young age, she was taken in by Bell-mère. Initially, Nami had intended to rob the Straw Hats in order to buy back her village from Arlong, but she ultimately joined them after they defeated Arlong. Her goal is to map out the entire world.
9) Sanji
Nami, as one of the main characters in One Piece, has displayed a variety of outfits, each unique to the arc in which she appears. This provides cosplayers with numerous options when choosing to portray her.
Sanji from the anime One Piece (Image by Toei Animation)
Known as "Black Leg" Sanji or Vinsmoke Sanji, he takes on the role of the cook for the Straw Hats. As one of the Senior Officers of the Grand Fleet, he became a part of Luffy's crew following the Baratie Arc. Sanji, the third son and fourth child of the Vinsmoke Family, escaped from their clutches early on and found refuge under Zeff, who took him in as the Baratie sous chef.
10) Monkey D. Luffy
Following his encounter with Luffy, he went on to become a member of the Straw Hats. As part of the "Monster Trio," his goal is to discover the legendary chef's haven, All Blue. Vinsmoke Sanji is recognized for his stylish black suit, which has become iconic. Although he has sported various looks throughout One Piece, the black suit remains a fan favorite.
Monkey D. Luffy from the popular anime series One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)
Monkey D. Luffy, the central character of One Piece, is the leader and captain of the Straw Hats, as well as their strongest combatant. Influenced by Shanks, he sets out on a journey across the seas with the ultimate goal of discovering the legendary treasure left behind by Gol D. Roger, in order to claim the title of Pirate King.
The son of Monkey D. Dragon and the grandson of Monkey D. Garp, Luffy ate the Gomu Gomu No Mi Devil Fruit, giving him the ability to stretch his body like rubber. He has become one of the most popular characters to cosplay, known for his simple yet iconic outfit consisting of a red sleeveless top, blue shorts, slippers, and a hat.
Editor's P/S
As a passionate One Piece fan, I am thrilled to see the spotlight on some of the most iconic characters in the series. Eiichiro Oda has created a vast and diverse world, and each character brings their own unique personality and abilities to the story. From the enigmatic Uta to the legendary Silvers Rayleigh, there is something for everyone in the One Piece universe.
Personally, I have always been drawn to the Straw Hat crew, and I would love to cosplay as one of them. Whether it's Luffy's infectious enthusiasm, Zoro's unwavering determination, or Nami's sharp wit, each member of the crew embodies a different aspect of what makes One Piece so special. I believe that cosplaying as one of these characters would be a fantastic way to show my love for the series and connect with other fans.