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The deadly spy of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Black Widow, is one of the best Marvel characters to cosplay. If you need Black Widow cosplay ideas, fear not. Black Widow, also known as Natasha Romanoff, has a sleek and simple look, making her easy to cosplay and great for beginner cosplayers.
The essentials for a Black Widow cosplay costume are a black tactical suit, red wavy hair, and a fake pistol. With these basics, no one will doubt that you are Marvel’s favorite spy. But there are plenty of ways to accessorize a Black Widow costume and small details you can add to really make your cosplay pop.
In this guide, we’ll give you an overview of who Black Widow is (since attitude makes up more than half of cosplaying this lethal S.H.I.E.L.D. agent) and offer some tips and ideas for creating a Black Widow cosplay costume.
Whether you want to invest in a full Black Widow cosplay costume or you’re wondering how to make a DIY Black Widow costume, we’ve filled this guide with tips and tricks for cosplayers to get Natasha Romanoff’s sleek yet rebellious vibe.
Who is Black Widow?
Black Widow was once a KGB spy and assassin. Her childhood in Russia and training in the KGB’s Red Room Academy made her a cold and calculated killer.
As one of the most dangerous assassins in the world, Natasha Romanoff earned the title of ‘Black Widow’, just like the deadly spider. Black Widow cosplayers don’t need to be trained in the art of assassination, but some martial arts poses would look great in photos.
When Black Widow first popped up on S.H.I.E.L.D.’s radar, they sent Hawkeye to assassinate her. But Hawkeye quickly realised that Black Widow’s talents would be an asset to S.H.I.E.L.D. and recruited her instead.
Over time, Black Widow and Hawkeye became close friends and often worked together on missions. So if you and your friend or partner want to wear a couples’ costume, Black Widow and Hawkeye make a great, kick-ass combo.
Whilst working for S.H.I.E.L.D., Black Widow also modelled in Tokyo and earned several degrees in History. So remember, if you’re cosplaying as Black Widow, you are the perfect combination of beauty and brains.
Black Widow can speak many languages – French, German, Chinese, Italian, Vietnamese, and even Latin – though she would remind you that no one ‘speaks’ Latin, but she can read and write it.
In the MCU movies, we saw that Black Widow has a sarcastic sense of humour and is brutal against her enemies, but beneath it all, she has a caring heart for her friends. Her compassion not only for her friends but for all living beings was revealed in Avengers: End Game when *spoilers*…she sacrificed herself.
This was a heartbreaking moment but showed that despite Black Widow’s apparently cold personality, she was willing to give up her life for the sake of others.
Black Widow is played by the gorgeous Scarlett Johannson in the MCU. Scarlett’s sultry voice and full lips made it unsurprising that Black Widow is seen as the ultimate femme fatale – often using her looks to get what she wants. But Scarlett also showcased a flawed yet loveable side of Natasha Romanoff.
Black Widow cosplay costumes will soon be increasing in popularity. Black Widow is getting her own movie in 2021, Black Widow.
Set after the events of Captain America: Civil War, Black Widow will dive into Romanoff’s past before she became an Avenger and will feature other ‘Black Widows’ – female assassins also trained in the Red Room Academy.
How to Cosplay as Black Widow
If you want to know how to make a Black Widow costume, there are loads of options. Whether you want to buy a ready-made Black Widow cosplay or you’re after a DIY Black Widow costume, this guide will run you through the essentials.
Black Widow’s Signature Red Hair
Though the color of Black Widow’s hair ranged from black to auburn in the comics, in the MCU, Black Widow’s hair is decidedly deep red. The length of her hair varies in each film. In her first appearance in Iron Man 2, Black Widow has long dark red curls.
In the later films, she often sported a wavy bob, sleek and straight hair, or a long plait.
If you want to keep your natural hair for your Black Widow cosplay, some non-permanent dark red hair dye will give you her signature deep red hair. Use curlers to give your hair a gentle wave or, if you’re going for early Black Widow, use a curler to form defined ringlets.
Alternatively, you can purchase a red wig. Black Widow’s hair in Avengers is arguably her most recognisable look, so a red wig in the style of a wavy bob will transform you into the iconic Black Widow.
Black Widow surprised us all in Avengers: Infinity War, however, when she dyed her hair blonde. This was because Black Widow and Captain America were forced to go on the run from the US government at the end of Captain America: Civil War.
Going for a blonde wig rather than red won’t be as recognisable, but if the rest of your Black Widow cosplay is spot on, true Marvel fans will get the reference.
A Tactical Black Suit
Black Widow’s expert skills in martial arts and covert operations mean she needs a sleek tactical suit that she can lurk in the shadows in. Black Widow wears a tight, long-sleeved black bodysuit with a leather appearance.
You could purchase a Black Widow costume for an authentic, professional look.
If you want to know how to dress like Black Widow without the expense of a cosplay costume, Black Widow’s outfit can easily be replicated with clothes you might already have.
A leather jacket over a black tank top, black leggings or leather trousers, and a pair of black combat boots will give you Black Widow’s sultry yet dangerous style.
For an accurate Black Widow cosplay, attach a black S.H.I.E.L.D. patch to your jacket to complete the look. You could even make your own S.H.I.E.L.D. patch. Print or draw a round black S.H.I.E.L.D. logo of about 8cm in diameter. Then, simply pin, glue, or sew this to the upper arm of your jacket.
Deadly Accessories
Black Widow often needs to grab her weapons at quick notice, so a black leg holster is a great accessory for a Black Widow cosplay. Alternatively, a black belt and some black fingerless gloves are an easy and cheap way to accessorize your Black Widow cosplay.
A great detail to add to your belt would be Black Widow’s memorable red belt buckle.
A fake pistol is a classic way to arm your Black Widow. For an extra touch, add a bullet belt or bracelet. For a DIY Black Widow cosplay, you could glue bullets to your belt or to some thin card that can be wrapped around your wrist and glued together.
If you don’t want to buy bullets, we’d recommend spray painting some crayons gold or silver and glueing those on instead.
If you really want some wow-factor, you could buy some light-up batons. These lethal weapons carry an electric charge which can shock enemies and incapacitate them. They first appeared in Avengers: Age of Ultron and their shimmering blue light will take your Black Widow costume to the next level.
Want to make a DIY Black Widow costume? Take two cardboard tubes from finished wrapping paper and paint them black and blue in the style of Black Widow’s iconic electro-shock batons.
Talk Like Black Widow
If you’re cosplaying as Black Widow, having some great Black Widow quotes at the ready will really enhance the transformation. Black Widow is a beloved character in the MCU due to her quick wit, sarcasm, and cold but caring demeanour. Some great Black Widow quotes include:
I’m always picking up after you boys.
Love is for children.
I get emails from a raccoon. Nothing sounds crazy anymore.
I only act like I know everything.
Well, I don’t judge people on their worst mistakes
Just because it’s the path of least resistance doesn’t mean it’s the wrong path. Staying together is more important than how we stay together.
You know, if you’re about to tell me to look on the bright side – I’m about to hit you in the head with a peanut butter sandwich.
When you’re quoting Black Widow, don’t forget to add that wry smile and sarcastic tone that makes her character so loveable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: How do I Make a DIY Black Widow Costume?
Answer: Red hair dye, a leather jacket, black leggings, and black boots. The great thing about cosplaying Black Widow is that her outfit is simple and can easily be created from clothes you already have.
Adding extra touches like a fake gun or a S.H.I.E.L.D. logo are also inexpensive ways to make an awesome DIY Black Widow cosplay costume.
Question: How do I do my Makeup like Black Widow?
Answer: If you’re wondering how to do Black Widow’s makeup, less is more. Subtle pink lipstick and winged black eyeliner are a must. You could also use an auburn eyebrow pencil on your brows for a finished look.
Question: How do I Make a Black Widow 2021 Movie Cosplay Costume?
Answer: With Black Widow’s solo movie soon to hit the cinemas, many cosplayers are hoping to create the new Black Widow 2021 costume. From what we know so far, Black Widow ditches her signature black tactical suit for a white tactical suit.
You can easily buy a Black Widow movie cosplay costume. But if you want a DIY look, a tight, long-sleeved white jumpsuit paired with the right accessories will do the job.
Your Black Widow 2021 movie costume can still be accessorized with a black leg holster and black combat boots. Some other important changes from the traditional Black Widow cosplay are:
• In the Black Widow 2021 movie, Black Widow has long, slightly wavy red hair with a single side braid.
• Black Widow pairs her white tactical suit with white fingerless gloves.
• Switch the pistol or blue light-up batons for two black batons. These foam sparring swords would look awesome!
Question: Do I Have to Look Like Scarlett Johannson to do a Black Widow Cosplay?
Answer: Absolutely not. Black Widow’s style is iconic. You do not have to look anything like Scarlett Johannson to pull off a Black Widow cosplay. Just grab your red wig, leather jacket, and a fake gun, and you’re ready to go. No matter what you look like, Black Widow’s costume will be recognisable wherever you go.
Most importantly, a Black Widow cosplay is all about attitude. Black Widow came from a difficult upbringing and has seen terrible things. And yet she still has it in her heart to care for her friends – even if she makes the occasional snarky comment!
Creating a great Black Widow cosplay is all about embodying Natasha Romanoff. Just don’t try any of those high kicks unless you want to pull a muscle.
Question: How do I Make a Kids’ Black Widow Costume?
Answer: Lots of kids look up to Black Widow as a symbol of female empowerment in a male-dominated world. So it’s no surprise that Black Widow is a popular Halloween costume for kids. Making a Black Widow costume for kids is as easy as it is for adults. There are plenty of children’s Black Widow costumes online.
But if you want to make a DIY Black Widow kids’ costume, styling them in a black leather jacket, black leggings, and black boots will do the trick. A temporary red hair color spray is also a great way for kids to get Black Widow’s signature red hair without paying for a wig.
Final Thoughts on a Black Widow Cosplayf
Black Widow is one of the coolest characters in the MCU. Creating a Black Widow cosplay costume is great for cosplay or Marvel-themed events. And Black Widow also makes a great Halloween costume! Her look is simple enough that even cosplayers on a low budget can create a budget Black Widow costume that still wows.
Getting the right accessories, from fingerless gloves to bullet bracelets, however, will make your costume stand out amongst the crowd. But we’ll say it again, the perfect Black Widow cosplay is nothing without attitude.
Embracing Black Widow’s sarcastic humor and calm yet deadly fighting style will take even the simplest cosplay to the next level.