Bleachis one of the most popular shonen anime of all time, with its protagonist transforming from a lowly Substitute Shinigami who barely understood how Soul Society works into one of the strongest fighters around who won over the hearts of many with his dogged determination and zeal to protect people. Ichigo may not be the most well-written main character, but he can captivate audiences with his presence.
It’s clear thatTite Kubo loves his character designs, and one need only check out Ichigo’s numerous outfits to see just how fashionable this protagonist has been throughout the series. Somehow, the simple design of a robe has been manipulated numerous times by Kubo to give Ichigo a unique look that makes him look iconic no matter how many times his clothing changes.
Makes Him Look Like A Wandering Swordsman
After training under the watchful eyes of Division Zero, Ichigo learned about the true nature of his Shikai and attained the means to fight against his enemies once again. However, while he was regaining his Shikai, the Seireitei was attacked by the Quincy. This meant that Ichigo had to find the fastest way possible to descend from the Soul King Palace to this battle arena, which was easier said than done because of the seventy-two barriers meant to protect the palace.
So, the Royal Guard gave Ichigo the means to reach Seireitei by giving him the Oken clothing, which would let him descend from the palace to the scene of the battle in no time. There’s no denying that he looks amazing in this unique clothing, even if it barely lasts for an episode before being blasted to smithereens by Liltotto, Bambietta, and Candice. To make things worse, the holes made in these barrierslet Yhwach infiltrate the Soul King Palaceand take on the Royal Guard with the Sternritter.
4The Initial Outing As A Substitute Shinigami
A Classic Outfit That Fits Ichigo Well
The first episode ofBleachis a rollercoaster, with both the viewer and the protagonist finding out about the existence of shinigami and spirits that threaten humans with their malevolence. After Rukia is pushed against the ropes by a powerful Hollow, Ichigo steps in to save the day and manifests a Zanpakuto that lets him take out this Hollow and become a Substitute Shinigami.
His Shikai may change later on afterbeing humiliated by Renji and Byakuya, but his outfit remains consistent until the advent of the Thousand-Year Blood War. It’s a classic look that may overstay its welcome, but Ichigo eventually dons a different set of clothing in the final arc. It makes for a melancholic farewell to Ichigo’s old Substitute Shinigami clothing, but fans will never forget the simple black robe with white highlights that became such an iconic part of his look.
A Much-Needed Glow-Up After His Initial Outfit Wore Out Its Welcome
Afterhis Bankai is broken by Haschwalth, Ichigo undergoes extreme training at the hands of Division Zero to learn the true name of his Shikai. It’s a powerful moment in the series that leads to the protagonist acquiring a dual-wielding Zanpakuto that looks amazing, but that’s not where things end. Along with this new weapon, Ichigo dons a different set of clothing that enhances his look and gives him a much-needed fashion glow-up.
His black robe now features stronger white hues, giving him makeshift holsters to put his blade away in style. The look is completed with red shoulder pads that fit perfectly with his look and lend a sense of power to Ichigo’s look. He meant business with his Shikai, setting him on a collision course with Yhwach as the two unveil their amazing powers.
Makes Him Look Like A Completely Different Being
Aizen is one of the strongest villains inBleach, with his incredible powers being augmented with a transformation allowed by the Hogyoku. While on his way to take on this insurmountable foe, Isshin makes it clear to his son that there’s no way for him to attain victory in his current state. He needed to do something amazing toturn the tide against Aizen, and the slowed flow of time in the Dangai gave them the perfect opportunity to train for this encounter.
After a long period of intense training, Ichigo emerges from the Dangai a changed man. Not only is he able to humiliate Aizen and force him to bend to his will, but the protagonist also reveals a new version of Getsuga Tensho that will supposedly wreck Aizen. It’s a flamboyant claim that’s made believable with Ichigo’s transformation when he unleashes the final version of Getsuga Tensho, undergoing a transformation that makes him look as intimidating as they come. His hair grows to ridiculous levels, his body is covered in grey bandages, and his aura pulses with the power of Getsuga Tensho. In this form, he unleashes Mugetsu, a powerful technique that takes out Aizen at the cost of Ichigo’s powers.
1Transforming After Using His First Bankai
A Look That Fans Will Never Get Tired Of
The allure of the Bankai is talked about time and time again during the Soul Society arc. Ichigo needed to master this moveto stand a chance against Byakuyaduring their rematch. Under Urahara’s watchful gaze, the Substitute Shinigami overcame the odds and attained his Bankai in three meager days, which is a ridiculously short time. Watching Byakuya’s surprise as Ichigo pulls off this transformation is a treat for the eyes, in part because of Ichigo’s amazing look in this state.
Along with a modest black katana that looks sleek yet intimidating, Ichigo’s clothing changes to a black robe with red lining that makes him look as intimidating as they come. Byakuya comments on how this Bankai looks pathetic, only to be taken aback by his opponent’s strength as Ichigo pushes him back with the sheer force of this transformation. It’s an incredible look that fans will never get tired of, letting Ichigo battle the toughest foes by using this power-up to great effect.
