Hey Arnold Cosplay: At a Glance
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ABOUT ARNOLD SHORTMAN:
Arnold Shortman is the optimistic and kind-hearted protagonist of Hey Arnold! Known for his distinctive football-shaped head, he is a 9-year-old fourth grader living in the Sunset Arms boarding house with his grandparents. Arnold is a dreamer and idealist, often helping friends and neighbors with their problems, showcasing his strong moral compass.
1. SWEATER – Begin your Hey Arnold costume with a plain turquoise sweater or long-sleeve shirt.
2. SHIRT – Next, you will need a burnt-orange plaid shirt in an extra-long length so it falls under your top layer.
3. JEANS – Pick out the skinniest pair of denim jeans you can find for this look.
4. MASK – If you don’t feel like doing your hair then this pair of Arnold Shortman shades are an easy alternative.
5. SHOES – Finish with a regular pair of black sneakers and that is all there is to it!
Arnold Shortman is easily one of the most iconic cartoon characters from the golden age of childhood television.
It is also a super easy cosplay to make yourself, perfect for a last-minute party or themed event!
Discover our complete Hey Arnold costume collection below for even more outfit guides for all of your favorite characters!
Hey Arnold! Costume Collection
Layer a teal sweater over a long red plaid shirt, allowing the shirttails to remain visible. Add fitted blue jeans, black sneakers, spiky blonde hair and Arnold’s tiny blue cap.
No. The garment visible beneath Arnold’s sweater is the bottom of his long, untucked plaid shirt. Its length and shape create the illusion that he is wearing a plaid skirt or kilt.
Style a blonde wig into long spikes that extend horizontally on both sides of the head. Lightweight craft foam can provide additional width, while a tiny blue cap placed between the spikes completes the silhouette.
Helga uses “football head” as a nickname because Arnold’s head is unusually wide and shaped like an American football. Recreating that distinctive shape makes the costume immediately recognizable to Hey Arnold! fans.
Arnold’s confirmed surname is Shortman. Series creator Craig Bartlett has also identified his full name as Arnold Phillip Shortman, with Phillip referencing his grandfather, Phil.
Pair Arnold’s teal sweater and plaid shirt with Helga’s pink dress, white undershirt, oversized bow, blonde pigtails and unibrow. Gerald, Phoebe, Harold and Rhonda can be added for a larger Hey Arnold! group costume.