Black and White Kigurumi that Aren't Pandas

Pandas, at least personally for me, are the poster animal for the simplest and most straightforward kigurumi onesie in terms of color palette. In fact, the pattern is so simple that it is unmistakable, and can still be seen as a panda for any slight deviations that you make with it.

Of course, as many of you are already about to point out, pandas are not the only animal theme that can be represented (almost) purely in black and white. We have other contenders, though each with a bit of a caveat that might stretch the classification a bit farther than how you would expect.

DISCLAIMER: This is not an exhaustive list, just mostly what I know and technically speaking, my personal picks.

 

Penguin Kigurumi Onesies

We have already discussed before the mystery of why penguin kigurumi are more often than not represented by the color blue in Japanese animated pop media. But in real life, at least, black is the dominant color for penguin kigurumi onesies, along with that unmistakable white belly. We, of course, also have the beak part, which kind of splashes a tint of yellow or orange, depending on the manufacturer. But I believe the classification still counts.

In terms of how the blacks and whites are laid out, penguin kigurumi onesies are actually simpler than panda kigurumi. The uniqueness factor is also an edge, since the sleeves are designed as flippers rather than the regular sleeves of a onesie. You also have the option to either simply incorporate the beak part into the hood, or actually make a sort of hard cap that represents the beak.

The elements make it so that it can easily trump panda kigurumi onesies when it comes to one-for-one comparison, hence why it is the very first on our list.

Orca Kigurumi Onesies

Now this is where we start to get into some interesting territory. Orcas are technically black and white, but the proportions are quite different from what you might expect if you're coming from panda territory. The black takes up most of the real estate, with white relegated to specific patches - the belly area, and those distinctive white spots behind the eyes that translate into the hood design.

The dorsal fin is obviously the standout feature here, and manufacturers handle this in different ways. Some go with a soft fin that's sewn into the back seam, others make it more structured so it actually stands up. Either way, it gives the kigurumi a very different silhouette compared to the more rounded designs of pandas or even penguins.

One thing to note is that orca kigurumi tend to look more dramatic in photos than they do in person, mainly because of that stark contrast between the black and white sections. It photographs really well, but the actual wearing experience is closer to wearing a mostly-black kigurumi with some white accents.

Cow Kigurumi Onesies

Cow kigurumi are where the black and white definition gets a bit more flexible, since real cow patterns can vary quite a bit depending on the breed and individual animal. Most manufacturers go with the classic Holstein dairy cow approach. You know, the black patches on white base. But some try for more of a balanced distribution between the two colors.

The irregular patch pattern is actually one of the practical advantages of cow kigurumi. If a seam is slightly off or the pattern doesn't line up perfectly, it just looks like natural cow variation rather than a manufacturing defect. Every cow kigurumi ends up with its own unique spot configuration, which is kind of charming in its own way.

The horn details are usually incorporated into the hood design as soft fabric elements rather than anything that could poke someone. Some versions also include a little bell detail, though that can get annoying if you're trying to be stealthy around the house.

Zebra Kigurumi Onesies

Zebras present an interesting case because the stripe pattern is so iconic that you really can't compromise on it. Either you commit to the full striped experience, or it's not really a zebra anymore. Most manufacturers handle this with black base fabric and white stripe appliques, though some try the reverse approach.

The stripe placement becomes critical for the overall look. Too few stripes and it looks lazy, too many and it becomes visually overwhelming (not to mention expensive to produce). The best zebra kigurumi finds that sweet spot where the stripes are recognizable but not distracting when you're actually wearing the thing.

The mane detail is where zebra kigurumi can really shine or fall flat. A good mane adds texture and movement to the hood, but a poorly executed one just looks like someone glued some fabric scraps to the back. The standing mane versions look more dramatic, but the floppy ones are definitely more practical for everyday wear.

Or just ignore the mane thing altogether, which might actually be the solution depending on who you ask.

Skunk Kigurumi Onesies

This is probably the most polarizing entry on our list, and not just because my sample image looks helluva like a cat (trust me, that is a skunk). Skunk kigurumi are mostly black with that signature white stripe running down the back, which creates a very clean, graphic look that's almost minimalist compared to busy patterns like dalmatians or zebras.

The tail is obviously a key design element here, and it's where manufacturers can get creative. Some go with a big, fluffy white-tipped tail that's permanently attached, others make it removable. The permanent versions look better but can be annoying when you're trying to sit down or lie on the couch.

What I find interesting about skunk kigurumi is that they're probably the most "stealth" option on this list. From the front, they just look like a black kigurumi with some white detailing. It's only when you turn around that the full skunk effect becomes apparent.