Toku Kei: Fashion Advice from the Seven Legendary Riders

Let these legendary Kamen Riders teach you how to dress the part while out of suit and snag some quick cosplay ideas for that convention coming up.

It’s the start of new article series TokuKei @ TokuNet, your connection between tokusatsu news and fashion! TokuKei began one year ago on Tumblr to bring fashion related news directly to toku fans. In collaboration with TokuKei, we’ve created this series to bring exclusive in-depth looks into tokusatsu fashion history and trends right here at The Tokusatsu Network. To kick things off here’s a fashionable look into Kamen Rider history:

The legendary seven Kamen Riders had their reign between 1971 and 1975, thus creating a little time capsule of Japanese street fashion of the early 1970s. Let’s learn a little bit about their signature toku style.

Showa Era Essentials

If you want to dress the part of the hero, you’ll probably need at least a few of these wardrobe staples:

• Flare (or Bell-Bottom) Cut Pants
• Blazer with Wide Lapels
• Turtleneck (Various Colors)
• Leather Jacket
• White Button Down (Leave the Top Button Open)
• Riding Gloves

Each rider of the Legendary Seven has their own spin on the early 1970s look, but these basics will help you pull almost any of them off. Pair with a medium length hair cut in loose waves or a sleek straight style.

Quick and Easy Inspiration

Draw quick inspiration from some of these well known Kamen Riders. Check out their unique take on 1970s style:

Shigeru Jo (Kamen Rider Stronger) has a simple style that shows off his iconic Stronger “S”. Dig through your winter essentials or run to your nearest thrift store and pick up a turtleneck in a primary color and a jean jacket. With these two basic pieces paired with black gloves you can instantly become stronger (pun intended.)

Grab a handful of iron-on patches from your local craft store and get ready to get to work. You’ll need some roses for the arm and back of your jean jacket as well as your jeans, as well as a black varsity “S” for your turtleneck. If you can’t find patches, you can always paint these details on for better accuracy!

If you’re looking for something a little more classic, try out a coordinate from Takeshi Hongo (Kamen Rider). For a crisp clean look, try a white shirt buttoned-up a little more than half way paired with white pants and a large brown belt. If you’re looking for something a little more formal, a burgundy sport coat and pink button up is the way to go. Add brown fingerless gloves to either of these looks and you’ll be ready to fight Shocker any time.

If you want to go really wild, why not try Daisuke Yamamoto (Kamen Rider Amazon)’s look as Amazon? This look involves the most DIY of them all. Get out your red paint and make zebra stripes all over a pair of dark green shorts. Cut the bottom of the shorts into a fringe once you’re done. Complete your look with tan gladiator sandals and a white bandana tied around the upper arm. If you’re not one to go topless, paint a t-shirt or tank top to match.

From TokuKei and TokuNet: Let’s get out there and show the world our super hero style!