Street Rat to Prince: How to Cosplay as Aladdin

Aladdin, the charming and adventurous "diamond in the rough" from Disney’s Aladdin, is a popular choice for cosplay. With his iconic street rat look and royal Prince Ali transformation, there’s a lot of versatility in how you can portray this beloved character. Whether you’re going for the classic vest and harem pants or opting for the more regal look, this guide will help you create the perfect Aladdin cosplay. Let’s dive into how to bring this iconic Disney hero to life!

Costume Components Outfit Overview

Outfit Overview

Aladdin’s outfit is simple, yet it’s instantly recognizable. The core elements of his costume remain consistent whether you’re cosplaying his "street rat" look or his royal Prince Ali transformation. The essentials are an open vest, loose harem pants, a sash, and simple footwear. The version you choose to portray will guide your accessory choices, fabrics, and level of detail.

Street Rat Aladdin (Classic Look)

Aladdin’s classic look is casual yet iconic, consisting of the following key pieces:

1. Vest: A sleeveless, open vest in either purple or red is a must for Aladdin’s classic outfit. It should be loose-fitting and casual.

2. Pants: Baggy harem-style pants in an off-white or cream color add to his street-smart vibe.

3. Sash: Aladdin wears a red sash tied around his waist. It adds a pop of color and accentuates the waistline of the pants.

4. Shoes: Brown, pointy-toed shoes or simple sandals complete the look.

DIY Tips: You can easily find a plain vest and alter it to fit Aladdin’s style. Harem pants can be made from lightweight fabric for comfort. For the sash, you can use any red fabric or scarf tied around your waist. Aim for lightweight, breathable materials, especially if you’ll be wearing the costume for extended periods.

Prince Ali (Royal Aladdin)

Aladdin’s transformation into Prince Ali is a fancier, more regal version of his classic outfit. This version includes:

1. Jacket: A white or gold embroidered jacket with royal detailing. The more luxurious, the better!

2. Pants: White harem pants or more tailored, slim-fit white pants.

3. Sash and Accessories: A gold sash tied around the waist, with accessories like a turban or royal headwear.

4. Shoes: Gold or white slippers or sandals to match the royal theme.

DIY Tips: To create the Prince Ali look, consider adding gold trim or embroidery to a white jacket. Use gold or metallic fabric for the sash, and finish the look with royal accessories like a headdress or turban.

Accessories

Magic Lamp

One of the most iconic props from Aladdin’s story is the magic lamp. For a complete Aladdin cosplay, carrying a magic lamp adds a fun, interactive element.

1. DIY Tips: You can create a lightweight magic lamp prop using foam, plastic, or clay. Paint it gold to match the version seen in the movie.

2. Pre-made Option: Pre-made magic lamps are widely available online and in stores, especially around Halloween.

Headwear (Optional)

Depending on the version of Aladdin you choose to cosplay, headwear may be optional or essential.

1. Street Rat Version: Aladdin’s classic look doesn’t always require headwear, but if you want to include it, a simple red fez can add a fun touch.

2. Prince Version: For Prince Ali, a white or gold turban with a feather or gemstone centerpiece is essential to completing the royal transformation.

DIY Tips: For a turban, use lightweight fabric and a crafting form to shape it. Add a feather or faux gemstone to give it that royal flair.

Jasmine’s Jewel (Optional)

For a small but meaningful prop, you can carry a replica of the jewel that Aladdin gives to Princess Jasmine in the movie.

DIY Tips: This can be created using resin or plastic and painted to resemble a royal jewel. You can also find similar items online.

Hair and Makeup

Hair

Aladdin’s messy, black hair is an important part of his overall look.

1. If you have short to medium-length black hair, style it with slight waves or tousled volume to match his carefree street rat vibe.

2. For those without naturally dark hair, a black wig with short, textured layers can easily give you the Aladdin look.

DIY Tips: For those using their natural hair, use a small amount of hair gel or styling cream to create a relaxed, tousled look.

Makeup

Aladdin’s makeup is minimal, focusing on a natural and clean look.

1. Face: Light contouring can give your face a sun-kissed, street-smart appearance.

2. Eyes: You can add a small touch of eyeliner for a more animated look, especially if you want to mirror his cartoon portrayal.

Tips: Keep the makeup simple and clean. The goal is to highlight your features while maintaining Aladdin’s natural, rugged look.

Cosplay Contacts

To take your Aladdin cosplay to the next level, consider using colored contacts to enhance the overall look. Aladdin is typically depicted with dark brown eyes.

1. Dark Brown Contacts: Using brown or hazel contacts can help complete the accuracy of your Aladdin cosplay, especially if your natural eye color differs from the character’s.

2. Optional: While contacts aren’t necessary for everyone, they can add depth to your portrayal of the character.

Make sure to choose comfortable, high-quality contacts, and ensure they’re safe for extended wear.

Props

Abu the Monkey (Optional)

To bring Aladdin’s faithful sidekick Abu into the mix, consider carrying a small stuffed version of the character.

1. Pre-made Option: You can easily find plush Abu figures online.

2. DIY Option: Create a mini Abu prop using felt or fabric to add a charming touch to your cosplay.

Magic Carpet (Optional)

Though it might be difficult to carry a full-size magic carpet, a smaller, lightweight version can be a fun accessory for photoshoots.

1. DIY Tips: Use colorful fabric with patterns that mimic the magic carpet from the movie. Add foam backing for structure.

2. Mini Version: Consider making a miniature magic carpet to carry with you.

Poses and Characterization

Aladdin is known for his playful charm, quick wit, and adventurous spirit. To fully capture his character, practice some of his signature poses and stances.

1. Key Poses: Holding the magic lamp, posing with Abu, or standing confidently with your arms crossed.

2. Characterization: Aladdin is brave and street-smart, but also kind and humble. Portray him with confidence, a smile, and a sense of adventure.

Buying vs. DIY

Pre-made Aladdin costumes are widely available online and in stores, especially during the Halloween season. These costumes usually come with the basic pieces like the vest, pants, and sash, but you can always add your own personal touches.

1. Enhancement Tips: Elevate a store-bought costume by adding DIY accessories like a custom-made magic lamp or more detailed fabric choices for the vest and pants.

DIY Options

If you prefer to create your own custom Aladdin costume, here’s a simple guide:

1. Vest: Find or sew a simple red or purple vest using breathable, lightweight fabric.

2. Pants: Baggy harem pants can be easily sewn from lightweight materials, or you can modify loose pants you already own.

3. Sash: Use red fabric to create the waist sash, which can be tied around the pants for that iconic look.

4. Accessories: Add finishing touches like a magic lamp, headwear, or shoes to complete your look.

Final Tips for a Successful Cosplay

Aladdin’s costume is simple and comfortable, but it’s important to make sure everything fits well and is breathable, especially if you’re attending a convention or event for long periods. Ensure that your accessories, such as the magic lamp or Abu prop, are easy to carry and won’t get in your way.

Cosplaying as Aladdin is a fun and exciting way to channel this beloved Disney character. Whether you opt for his classic street rat look or his royal Prince Ali ensemble, focus on the essential elements: the vest, pants, accessories, and props. Don’t forget to embrace Aladdin’s playful, adventurous spirit to truly bring this iconic character to life. With a little creativity and effort, you’ll have a magical Aladdin cosplay ready to dazzle at your next event.