Netflix’s survival K-drama, Squid Game, has quickly become an international hit thanks to its compelling plot, memorable characters, and unique aesthetics. One aspect of the show that immediately draws fans in is its costume design.
The most distinctive outfits on the show are the players’ teal tracksuits, the guards’ hot pink uniforms, and the Front Man’s all-black attire. The subtle details in these costumes highlight how much work went into the show. Various interviews with Director Hwang Dong-hyuk also give clues about the inspiration and creative process behind the costumes.
The Front Man’s Mask Is Surprisingly Intricate
The enigmatic Front Man is at the center of a fascinating subplot that leads to a heartbreaking death in Squid Game. He wears an all-black outfit that adds to his character’s intimidating personality and mysterious background. But the most intriguing part of his costume is his mask, which looks like it was meticulously crafted to be perfectly symmetrical. Its geometric pattern and matte finish make it look sleeker compared to the guards’ masks.
Director Hwang has revealed that the Front Man’s mask is actually an homage to the Star Wars villain, Darth Vader. In an interview with Joongang, Hwang explains that the mask is meant to give the Front Man “a little personality.” It sets In-ho apart from the guards, players, and VIPs on the show and is connected to his distinct role in a thrilling B-plot.
There’s A Gaming Reference On Guards’ Masks
Eagle-eyed fans have spotted a fun reference on the guards’ masks. Although it hasn’t been confirmed by the director, some viewers are convinced that the shapes on the masks are based on the same shapes that can be found on a PlayStation controller. It makes a lot of sense to include this Easter egg in the show since it does portray different games.
The only fact the director has confirmed is the set meaning behind the symbols, which fans may find useful if they’re planning on replicating the costumes. According to Somag News, Hwang has said that “circles are workers, triangles represent armed soldiers, while squares are for managers,” which was also mentioned in passing by Jun-ho in Squid Game.
Guards Wear A Balaclava Under Their Masks
The Front Man is responsible for some of the most horrific moments in Squid Game, with one scene highlighting how far he will go to hide participants’ identities. When a guard is forced to remove his mask in front of a player, In-ho doesn’t hesitate to shoot him to prove a point.
In that scene, viewers get a glimpse of what exactly is under the guards’ masks. All of the guards on the show seem to be wearing a balaclava-style hood or a ski mask beneath their metallic headgear. Director Dong-Hyuk has expressed how crucial it is for them to “cover their entire body” and emphasized the “need to cover their faces” (as reported by Koreaboo). The ski mask serves as an extra layer that protects the guards’ identities.
The Front Man’s Sleek Jacket Has Deep Pockets
In-ho’s intricate mask can be so distracting that some fans may miss the fact that his jacket is just as cool as his headgear. The dark metallic jacket is a minimalist fashion piece that brilliantly hides any buttons or zippers.
Audiences who take a closer look will find that there are two deep pockets on the front of the jacket that look like they were designed to blend in. There’s no telling exactly what one of the smartest characters in Squid Game would keep in his pockets. It may be weapons, tools, or possibly even Jun-ho’s ID.
Players Wear Numbered White Shirts
The players’ teal jackets have become iconic in the fandom. Each of these jackets features the characters’ player number on the upper-right part of the chest area. When Gi-hun gives his jacket to Il-nam before the fourth game, viewers can easily spot the white shirt that’s often obscured during the games.
Aside from prominently featuring the player number on the front, the simple shirt also has an appealing design. The rounded collar and sleeves sport the same teal color that’s used in the rest of the tracksuit. It’s a small aspect that shows how much the designers paid attention to the tiny details of every outfit.
The VIPs’ Masks Are Reflective
There are a few unpopular opinions about Squid Game that focus on the VIPs, with some fans complaining that they felt underwhelmed by the show’s antagonists. However, most fans would agree that the VIPs are well-written characters with memorable costumes – their masks are fashionable pieces that viewers won’t soon forget.
It won’t be easy to replicate the VIPs’ stunning animal masks. The deer, lion, owl, and other animal headgear are all made with silver and gold metallic items. They’re slightly reflective and are reminiscent of expensive things like diamonds or chandeliers. It does seem like they’re designed to reflect the immense wealth and opulent lifestyles of the VIPs.
The Guards’ Masks Are Foldable
A fun little detail about the guards’ masks is the fact that they’re all foldable. The art director for the show, Chae Kyung-Sun, explains how it’s one of the “neatest production details” that was specifically requested by Hwang (according to Koreaboo).
In that same interview, the director says that the inspiration for the guards’ and players’ attires are ant colonies — if everyone wears the same outfits, their sense of self disappears. The show’s art director was pleasantly surprised when she made the masks foldable, saying it “added detail” that made the masks feel more “like an ant’s mouth.” The portability also fits perfectly into the context of Squid Game, as guards can easily hide their masks when they’re outside blending in with civilians.
Players Wear Comfortable Slip-On Shoes
In the first episode of the show, there’s a sequence that shows players familiarizing themselves with their strange dorm room and new outfits. Most fans likely noticed the tracksuit and white shoes, but the details on the footwear are never really highlighted in the following episodes.
The slip-on shoes look a lot like the fashionable footwear available on the market today. They have thick soles that are probably meant to withstand every violent game. The shoes don’t have any shoelaces, which is a good decision on the part of the designers, as these could easily be weaponized by players or even cause them to trip during the competition.
Guards Have The Most Pockets
The guards’ striking jumpsuits have the most pockets out of all the costumes in the show. Fans can easily spot the front pocket on the upper right part of the outfit but may miss the two others on the bottom half.
There are two extra pockets on both sides of the lower half of the guards' jumpsuits, which look like they were modeled after cargo or utility pants. The pockets are likely a necessary part of their grueling job, considering the guards probably have to carry around tools all the time for repairs or even self-defense.