Ellie Williams cosplay has become one of the most popular character choices in the gaming community, and honestly, I totally get why.
She’s tough, she’s relatable, and her style is iconic without being super complicated to pull off.
Whether you’re prepping for your first convention or just want to channel some post-apocalyptic energy, getting Ellie’s look right is all about nailing those gritty, lived-in details that make her feel real.
I’ve spent way too many hours studying screenshots and gameplay footage to figure out what actually makes an Ellie cosplay work versus what just kinda looks like “girl in flannel.”
And trust me, there’s a difference.
The thing about Ellie is she’s got different looks depending on which game or show version you’re going for, so you gotta decide that first.
But don’t worry—I’m gonna walk you through everything you need to know to create a cosplay that’ll make people do a double-take at your next event.
No fluff, no fancy talk, just real advice from someone who’s been there.
Why Ellie Williams Is the Perfect Cosplay Choice
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Let me be real with you for a second.
Ellie’s not your typical video game character who wears armor that defies physics or dresses that somehow stay clean in battle.
She’s practical, she’s scrappy, and her outfits actually make sense for someone surviving in a zombie apocalypse.
That’s what makes her so fun to cosplay—you’re not trying to engineer some impossible costume that requires a degree in engineering.
Here’s why so many people (including me) love cosplaying Ellie:
- Her outfits are based on real, wearable clothes
- She’s got multiple iconic looks to choose from
- The character resonates with people on an emotional level
- You don’t need a huge budget to pull it off
- Her style works for all body types and ages
Plus, after the HBO show came out, even more people recognize her now.
Which means better photo ops and more people who’ll actually get your cosplay.
I’ve noticed that Ellie cosplays photograph really well too, especially if you find some urban decay or forest settings for your shoots.
The character just fits into those environments naturally.
Choosing Your Ellie Williams Version
Okay so this is actually the first big decision you gotta make.
Ellie looks different throughout the games and in the TV show, and each version has its own vibe.
The Last of Us Part I (Young Ellie):
This is the 14-year-old version with the red brick shirt, purple hoodie, and jeans.
Her hair is in a side ponytail, and she’s got that backpack that’s almost as big as she is.
This version screams scrappy kid who’s tougher than she looks.
The Last of Us Part II (Older Ellie):
Now we’re talking 19-year-old Ellie with the flannel shirts, tattoo on her right arm, and that intense look in her eyes.
This version is way more popular at conventions because it feels more mature and honestly, the costume pieces are easier to find.
HBO Series Ellie:
Bella Ramsey brought a slightly different energy to the character, and the costume department made some changes to her outfits.
The colors are a bit different, and some details vary from the game.
I personally think Part II Ellie is the easiest to start with if you’re new to cosplay.
The clothing is more accessible, and you can find most pieces at thrift stores or online.
Plus, that flannel shirt is something you’ll actually wear again, which is a bonus.
Building Your Ellie Williams Costume: The Essential Pieces
Alright, let’s break down what you actually need.
I’m gonna focus mainly on Part II Ellie since that’s what most people go for, but I’ll mention the other versions too.
The Clothing Basics
Flannel Shirt:
This is probably the most recognizable part of Ellie’s look.
You want a red and black plaid flannel, kinda worn looking, with the sleeves rolled up to show her tattoo.
Don’t go for something brand new and crisp—Ellie’s been through hell, and her clothes should look like it.
I actually found my flannel at a thrift store for like five bucks and it was perfect because it already looked lived-in.
If you’re buying new, consider washing it a bunch of times or even doing some light distressing with sandpaper.
T-shirt Underneath:
Ellie usually wears a simple gray or white t-shirt under her flannel.
Nothing fancy, just a basic tee that looks comfortable and practical.
Make sure it’s fitted but not tight—she’s moving through dangerous situations, not going to a fashion show.
Jeans:
Dark blue jeans, straight leg or slightly skinny fit.
They should look durable and broken in, not like fashion jeans with fancy stitching.
I see people make the mistake of wearing jeans that are too clean or too stylish, and it throws off the whole vibe.
Ellie’s jeans have seen some stuff—maybe add some dirt stains or small tears if you wanna go the extra mile.
Boots:
This is where you don’t wanna cheap out if you’re planning to wear this cosplay for a full convention day.
Ellie wears brown combat-style boots that look sturdy and practical.
You need brown lace-up boots that you can actually walk in comfortably for hours.
I learned this the hard way at my first con when I wore boots that looked perfect but destroyed my feet by hour three.
Backpack:
Depending on which version you’re doing, you’ll need a backpack.
For young Ellie, it’s that oversized green backpack.
For older Ellie, she sometimes has a more tactical-looking bag.
A canvas backpack works great and you can weather it to look more authentic.
The Iconic Tattoo
Now this is what really sells the Part II Ellie cosplay.
That fern tattoo on her right forearm is super recognizable and covers up her bite mark from the first game.
You’ve got a few options here:
Temporary tattoo transfers:
You can buy these specifically made for Ellie cosplays online, or you can print your own if you’re crafty.
The quality varies a lot though, so read reviews before buying.
Body paint or makeup:
If you’re artistic, you can draw it on with body paint or even use an eyebrow pencil for the outline.
This gives you more control but takes more time and skill.
Tattoo sleeve:
Some people use a mesh tattoo sleeve that you can just slip on.
Super easy, reusable, and looks pretty good from a distance.
I’ve tried all three methods and honestly, the temporary tattoo transfers work best for me because they last all day and look realistic in photos.
Just make sure you apply it the night before your event so it has time to fully set.
Getting Ellie’s Hair and Makeup Right
Ellie’s look is pretty natural, which is actually harder to pull off than you’d think.
She’s not wearing makeup in
