Final Fantasy Protagonists With The Best Fashion Choices

Summary

Final Fantasy heroes prove they can slay monsters and bosses while looking sharp in stylish attire.
Character designs by Amano and Nomura showcase the heroes’ fashion flexibility through costume changes.
Lead protagonists like Cloud, Terra, and Squall don iconic outfits that have stood the test of time.

Despite their virtues, bravery, and principles, the protagonists of the Final Fantasy series excel at something else just as impressively – style. Spanning 16 mainline games, spin-offs, and films, some of the most legendary heroes in the Final Fantasy universe can also be considered fashion trendsetters. They demonstrate that not only are they capable of defeating countless monsters and bosses, but they do so while looking stylish.

Due to the exceptional character design work by artists like Yoshitaka Amano and Tetsuya Nomura, the most memorable heroes from Final Fantasy are not only well-developed in terms of personality but also stylishly dressed. It’s not just their initial appearance that stands out, as characters in Final Fantasy games frequently change costumes during an adventure. The ranking of these characters takes into account not only their starting designs but also any accessories or alternative costumes that might become available throughout a project.

7. Aki Ross

Scientist From Final Fantasy Spin-Off Is Sharply Dressed

Despite flopping at the box office and shutting down Square’s film division, Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within continues to be recognized as one of the most technologically advanced and innovative films ever produced. Moreover, its main character, the scientist Aki Ross, is often seen in fashionable ensembles that align perfectly with the movie’s modern, science-fiction atmosphere.

Characters such as Ming-Na Wen from ER, Aki is predominantly seen in a stylish jumpsuit, occasionally accessorized with an eye-catching gadget that completes her ensemble. In certain parts of the movie, she dons formal attire, specifically a striking blazer and skirt set during a key sequence in the film. Aki’s character is dynamic, as her fashion choices subtly change throughout the movie, lending an element of authenticity to the storyline.

6. Tidus

Bright Colors Work Brilliantly In Tidus’ Design

In the realm of Final Fantasy 10, influences from Polynesian and Southeast Asian cultures are strongly apparent, manifesting not only in the visual aesthetics but also in the unique attire of the characters. This is particularly true for Tidus, one of the franchise’s most stylish leads, who epitomizes this cultural influence.

The vibrant garment showcases a mix of red, blue, and yellow hues, beautifully standing out against the darker tones of black towards its base. This extraordinary ensemble features various pieces of jewelry reminiscent of Tidus’ necklace and high collar. It is one of Final Fantasy’s most recognizable costumes, and Tidus carries it off effortlessly.

5. Terra

Iconic Female Protagonist With An Incredible Outfit

One of the standout heroes from the Final Fantasy series, Terra, seeks safety with a band called the Returners and instigates a rebellion against a cruel empire. Much like other main characters in this franchise, she does this while maintaining an impeccable style, donning a timelessly iconic attire that continues to captivate viewers even today.

In later iterations of Terra, particularly in games like Dissidia and Explorers, we see how beautifully she is portrayed. The color scheme is impeccable, with her cape and top boasting hues of pink, red, and white. Her boots are striking, while her accessories – a sash hanging from a multi-colored belt and a chic hair tie – add an air of sophistication and strength to her overall appearance.

4. Lightning

Reserved Final Fantasy 13 Protagonist Utilizes Stylish Outfits

In a major shift for the Final Fantasy series, Final Fantasy 13 introduced numerous changes, including featuring a female lead character, Lightning, who was first seen in a main role since 1994. Interestingly, Lightning appeared not just once but twice in separate FF games as the protagonist. However, despite these innovations, some things remain constant – Lightning continues to be one of the most stylishly attired characters across the entire Final Fantasy franchise.

Her starting ensemble is simply marvelous; the pristine white coat harmoniously blends with the black gloves and sleeves, while her vivid red half-cape and ornate boots add a stunning touch to the overall look. Throughout the Final Fantasy 13 trilogy, her appearance underwent various changes, incorporating additional armor and layers, demonstrating that she is one of the franchise’s most fashionable heroines.

3. Yuna

Legendary Summoner Is One Of Final Fantasy’s Best Dressed

Yuna’s demure and reserved character traits endeared her to many fans as one of the most cherished protagonists in the “Final Fantasy” series. Her attire from “FFX” complements her personality flawlessly, with Asian and Japanese influences evident through its resemblance to Geishas and Chinese monks. Fast-forwarding to “Final Fantasy X-2”, Yuna’s appearance has undergone development, embodying a vibe reminiscent of 2000s pop stars.

Accompanied by Rikku and the latest character Paine, Yuna embarks on a journey where she switches her attire, incorporating more leather and fur elements into it. This transformation from one style to another is quite striking, yet Yuna handles it with great finesse. Even after this change, Yuna remains one of the most graceful characters in the “Final Fantasy” series, a trait that has been reflected in her fashion sense since her initial appearance in the games.

2. Cloud

Ex-Soldier Shows Off His Fashion Sense

In a spectacular entrance characteristic of Final Fantasy’s Cloud Strife, he leapt from a train bound for mako reactor 1 while donning his well-known attire, an outfit now synonymous with gaming. His distinctive large shoulder pads, paired with the belt wrapping around his torso, are part of this iconic look. Yet, when not in that getup, he demonstrates a knack for fashion as well.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but admire how fearlessly Cloud struts his stuff in the iconic scene where he dons a dress to sneak into Honey Bee Inn. It’s clear that he isn’t shy about showcasing different aspects of himself. And let me tell you, the beachwear he sports in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is just another addition to his ever-evolving fashion sense. When it comes to dressing for a moment, Cloud does it with style, and he often outshines many other characters within the Final Fantasy universe.

1. Squall

Soldier At Balmb Garden Makes Use Of Multiple Outfits

In the 1990s, Squall Leonhart embodied the edgy vibe Square aimed for in Final Fantasy 8. His style is iconic, from his black leather jacket with a fur-trimmed collar to his unique accessories like a griever necklace and assorted straps. But Squall’s fashion isn’t limited to that – during the dance with Rinoa, he switches to a sophisticated outfit, featuring a blend of black and gold trim, and intricate jacket embellishments.

In the course of events, Squall undergoes style changes, donning for a short while a SeeD uniform featuring a striking light blue jacket adorned with impressive silver accents. Notably, Square seldom delved into fashion evolution for characters later on, but this subtle touch added authenticity to the game world and Squall’s attire in Final Fantasy 8 remains among the franchise’s most iconic outfits to date.

2025-01-22 18:35