Customization changed everything. Back in the day, every trainer looked exactly the same, but by the time we hit the Alola region in the Gen 7 sequels, things got weird. And colorful. Honestly, Pokemon Ultra Sun outfits are probably the peak of 3DS-era character expression, mostly because Game Freak leaned so hard into that specific "island vacation" aesthetic that actually felt lived-in.
You aren't just a kid saving the world. You’re a kid in a tank top.
The Struggle for the Best Look in Alola
A lot of people think the clothing options in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are just ports from the original Sun and Moon. That’s wrong. They added a bunch of stuff, including the Surreal Tie-Dye shirts and some really specific sporty gear that wasn't there before. But here is the thing: the game doesn't make it easy to look good. If you want the high-end stuff, you’re going to be grinding Festival Plaza for hours, and let's be real, nobody actually likes Festival Plaza.
The shops are scattered. You’ve got the Hau'oli City Mall for the basic trendy stuff, but then you have to trek all the way to Konikoni City or Malie City to find the pieces that actually have some personality. Malie City is the MVP here. It has that Johto-inspired vibe, offering items like the Geometric Tee or the various Kimono-style tops that actually make your trainer look like they belong in a high-stakes Pokemon battle rather than just a trip to the grocery store.
The Version Exclusive Headache
One of the most annoying parts about hunting for the perfect fit is the version exclusivity. It’s a classic Pokemon move. Ultra Sun players get access to warm colors—think reds, oranges, yellows, and pinks. If you’re playing Ultra Moon, you’re stuck with the cool tones like blues, purples, and greens.
Want a navy blue shirt in Ultra Sun? Good luck. You literally cannot buy it in a shop. You have to use the Dye Houses in Festival Plaza, which requires a specific amount of Festival Coins and a friend who actually has the shop you need. It’s a convoluted mess. But, if you’re dedicated, you can eventually get a "Team Skull" look or a clean, monochromatic white outfit that makes the Z-Move animations look significantly cooler.
🔗 Read more: Straight Sword Elden Ring Meta: Why Simple Is Often Better
Where the Rare Gear Hides
If you're just checking the boutiques, you're missing the best part of Pokemon Ultra Sun outfits. Some of the most iconic pieces are rewards for actually doing things in the game.
- The Karate Gi: You can’t just buy this. You have to earn it at the Battle Tree. It’s one of the few outfits that actually changes the "vibe" of your character from a tourist to a martial arts master.
- The Pikachu Gown: This is pure fanservice, but it’s hilarious. You get this from the Pikachu Valley, and wearing it during serious cutscenes—like when Necrozma is literally tearing the sky apart—is the peak of unintentional comedy.
- The Litten/Rowlet/Popplio Backpacks: These are cute, sure, but they’re also a status symbol for people who bothered to explore the nooks and crannies of the islands.
Then there is the Kommo-o outfit. This is the big one. To get it, you have to defeat the Alola Dex. It’s a full-body suit that makes you look like a pseudo-legendary Pokemon. Is it stylish? Debatable. Is it a massive flex? Absolutely. Most players never even see it because the grind to finish the Dex is real.
Dyeing for a New Color
The Dye Houses are where the "expert" fashionistas live. You can take a plain white item—which you can buy for relatively cheap—and turn it into something unique. The "Team Navy" or "Team Dark" dyes are particularly popular because they give off a more mature, edgy look compared to the bright neon colors the game pushes on you at the start.
Honestly, the color saturation in this game is wild. Everything is so bright. Sometimes you just want a dark grey hoodie to match the moody atmosphere of the Ultra Deep Sea. To get those darker shades, you usually need to level up your Festival Plaza to at least rank 30 or 50, which is where most casual players just give up and stick to the default striped shirt.
The Gender Gap in Fashion
We have to talk about it: the female trainer has way better options. It’s not even close. If you play as the male character, you get shorts, slightly different shorts, cargo shorts, and maybe some pants if you're lucky. The shirts are mostly tees or tanks.
💡 You might also like: Steal a Brainrot: How to Get the Secret Brainrot and Why You Keep Missing It
Female characters get dresses, rompers, different styles of tops, and a much wider variety of hats and hair accessories. If you’re playing for the "fashion frame" meta, the female protagonist is the objective choice. The "Casual Tiered Outfit" combined with the right hairstyle can make your character look like a genuine NPC from a different, more fashionable game.
Style vs. Pokedollars
Everything in Alola is expensive. Why does a shirt cost 10,000 Pokedollars? That’s like $100 for a t-shirt. If you want the "Designer" items in the Hau’oli Mall, you’re looking at prices upwards of 100,000 or even 400,000 for a single bag.
You need a money-making strategy.
- Pyukumuku Chucking: Go to Hano Beach. Chuck the sea cucumbers. It’s easy money every single day.
- The Amulet Coin: Never take it off your lead Pokemon.
- Roto Prize Money: If you use the Roto Loto and get the prize money boost, go rebattle the Elite Four. You’ll be swimming in cash for those expensive suede shoes in no time.
Why Customization Matters for the Endgame
By the time you reach the Ultra Ruin or the Battle Tree, your character has been through a lot. You've fought literal aliens. Standing there in the same clothes you wore when you left your mom’s house in Route 1 feels wrong.
The community has always treated Pokemon Ultra Sun outfits as a way to roleplay. Some people dress like a Trial Captain. Others try to mimic the look of older protagonists like Red or Blue (who actually show up in the game, looking much older and making you feel your own mortality).
📖 Related: S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Unhealthy Competition: Why the Zone's Biggest Threat Isn't a Mutant
There’s a specific psychological shift that happens when you change your outfit before the final showdown with the Professor or the Title Defense battles. It marks your transition from a "challenger" to the actual "Champion of Alola."
Actionable Steps for the Ultimate Look
If you want to actually master the look in Ultra Sun, stop buying every random shirt you see. It's a waste of money. Instead, focus on a specific color palette and hunt the version exclusives through the GTS or Festival Plaza interactions.
First, hit the Malie City boutique for the "Special" items that rotate based on the day of the week. Second, make sure you're actually spending your Festival Coins on the Dye Houses rather than just bouncy houses or food stalls. Dark green and dark red are some of the hardest colors to get but look the best in the late-game lighting. Finally, don't sleep on the hair salon. The "Modern Quiff" or the "Braided Cornrows" can completely change how an outfit sits on your character's model.
Fashion in Alola isn't just about looking good; it's about not looking like a tourist while you're catching literal gods in tiny metal balls. Get out there, find the hidden shops, and stop wearing that default hat immediately.