The Straw Hat Pirates have finally arrived in Elbaf, the legendary land of giants, marking a significant milestone in the One Piece saga. As they step into this new world, inspired by Viking culture, the crew sports bold new outfits that reflect the unique aesthetic of their surroundings. Eiichiro Oda, the series creator, has once again showcased his fashion design skills, giving each Straw Hat a distinctive look while staying true to their personalities. However, some outfits undoubtedly stand out more than others. Here’s a ranking of the Straw Hats’ Elbaf attire, from least to most impressive.
The Elbaf Fashion Show: A Crew of Vikings
The Elbaf arc marks the beginning of the final saga in One Piece, and the Straw Hats’ new outfits are not just aesthetic choices, but a visual representation of their growth and the challenges they face. The influence of Viking culture is clear, with fur, leather, and rugged designs dominating the crew’s new look. These changes highlight how the crew adapts to the varying environments and cultures they encounter on their journey.
10. Tony Tony Chopper: Cute, but Understated
Chopper’s Elbaf outfit, while still adorable, is the least remarkable of the crew. It features a helmet with a great design, but the outfit itself is rather plain and doesn’t have much going on. Usually, Chopper’s outfits amplify his cuteness, but this one feels a bit underwhelming. The lack of screentime showing off the full look might contribute to its low ranking. While he is as cute as ever, his outfit fails to make a significant statement.
9. Brook: The Skeleton Rocker in Fur
Brook maintains his signature rocker style while embracing the Viking theme. He sports traditional Viking armor, complete with a horned helmet, albeit without curved horns. A skull belt further enhances his look, which is fitting for his skeleton persona. He also dons a long fur coat, adding a touch of rock-star flair to his Viking attire. While the outfit is good, it lacks the wow factor of some of the others.
8. Franky: A Viking with a Beard
Franky receives a Viking-style beard, an unusual addition to his cyborg physique. The beard, combined with his usual bold and eccentric style, creates an interesting look that aligns with Elbaf’s culture. The addition of horns further emphasizes the Viking aesthetic, making Franky look like a cool and imposing figure. Though the look is a bit unusual it still suits his character.
7. Usopp: Embracing the Goofiness
Usopp’s Elbaf look is as goofy as one might expect, complete with a fake beard and mustache, reminiscent of his Wano outfit. While it might not be the most stylish of the bunch, it perfectly suits his character. His outfit is true to his nature and is intentionally designed to be somewhat comical, which aligns with his role in the crew. His goofy style is a deliberate choice to emphasize his personality.
6. Zoro: Ready for the Cold
Zoro’s Elbaf outfit is practical, looking prepped for a cold environment, which is fitting for the Nordic-inspired setting. However, his new attire also includes large goggles which have become a point of debate within the fandom. While the outfit itself is great and true to his nature, the goggles have been considered by some to be a bit goofy. Despite the mixed reaction to the goggles, the rest of the outfit aligns with his rugged swordsman persona.
5. Jinbe: A Sea Dragon Belt
Jinbe’s outfit incorporates a unique sea dragon belt, fitting for the “Son of the Sea”. The belt is a great addition that connects his character to his aquatic roots. His attire is simple yet fitting, and it compliments his strong and reliable nature. While it’s not the most extravagant outfit, it perfectly represents Jinbe’s persona and his connection to the ocean.
4. Sanji: The Knight in Shining Armor
Sanji’s Elbaf outfit presents him as a knight, complete with iron armor and a scarf. This look is a significant departure from his usual suits, fitting the Viking theme well. The iron armor adds a layer of protection to his attire while maintaining his suave style, and the scarf gives a sense of sophistication. The outfit is bold, and it is also considered to be one of the best by fans.
3. Luffy: A Viking Captain
Luffy’s Elbaf outfit is simple, as usual, allowing him to move freely. It includes a large axe, emphasizing his connection to the Viking aesthetic. The outfit is reminiscent of a Viking captain, suiting his role as the leader of the Straw Hats. Crucially, it does not hide his iconic X-shaped scar, which is a major part of his character. Even without his signature straw hat, Luffy’s outfit still carries a captain-like presence.
2. Nami: A Viking Warrior
Nami’s Elbaf outfit showcases a striking resemblance to a Viking warrior, perfectly blending strength and style. Her attire is a bold expression of her character, with the hair being a standout feature. Her Viking-inspired outfit, complete with warrior-like elements, presents her as a powerful and capable member of the crew. Many fans consider this one of her best looks.
1. Robin: A Bold and Rebellious Look
Robin’s Elbaf outfit is a standout, with a bold and rebellious style. This is a significant departure from her usual elegant looks. This new look is considered a refreshing change, and it presents Robin as a strong and fashionable character. It is her most “out there” outfit so far and is considered by many to be her best.
The Significance of Fashion in One Piece
In One Piece, clothing is more than just a cover, it’s a reflection of character, culture, and environment. Oda uses fashion to tell stories and develop characters, from the formal wear of Whole Cake Island to the desert attire of Alabasta. The Straw Hats’ new Elbaf outfits are a testament to Oda’s talent for creating unique and memorable designs. They are not just costumes but a visual narrative of their journey and growth.
Elbaf: A New Chapter in the Final Saga
The Elbaf arc is a pivotal moment in One Piece, marking the beginning of the final saga. It is the culmination of years of build-up and is expected to be one of the most important arcs of the series. As the Straw Hats navigate this new world, their outfits will continue to evolve, reflecting the challenges and triumphs they will face. The Elbaf arc will also introduce new characters, deepen the lore, and set the stage for the ultimate conclusion of One Piece. The Straw Hats’ new looks are just the beginning of this grand adventure.
