3D Skin Layers

Render the player skin layer in 3d!

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Replaces the normally flat second layer of player skins with a fully 3D-modeled version.
The mod automatically switches back to vanilla-style 2D rendering when players are more than 12 blocks away, helping maintain high framerates. It also supports transparent elements - perfect for glasses, visors, or other cosmetic details!

Since this mod is purely visual and entirely client-side, it doesn't need to be installed on servers and works seamlessly in any environment.

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Features

Give your player skin the depth it deserves—with style and performance in mind.

3D Extruded Skin Layer

Replaces the flat second skin layer with a full 3D model
Adds visual depth to cosmetic details like jackets, sleeves, or hats
Fully supports transparency for glasses, visors, etc.
Also applies to player head items

Performance-Aware Rendering

Automatically switches to vanilla 2D rendering beyond 12 blocks
Maintains FPS even in multiplayer or crowded areas
Fully client-side and requires no server installation

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Compatibility & Dependancys

Minecraft	Loader	Status	Version	Note
1.16.5+	Fabric/Forge*/NeoForge	✅ Supported	Latest
*1.16.5	Forge	⚠️ Unsupported	Outdated	Unsupported, until it gets support for JarInJar mods
1.12.2/1.8.9	Forge	❌ Not supported	Outdated	Might get new updates at some point

Mod	Status	Note
Essential	✅ Supported
Shoulder Surfing Reloaded	✅ Supported
Player Animator	✅ Supported	This means mods that use it like Better Combat and Emotecraft
CustomSkinLoader	⚠️ Partial support	Requires this helper mod
Lunar Client	❌ Not supported	Will never get support!

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Screenshots / Media

Stage View

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Known Issues

Because the outer layer is slightly larger than the player model, some skins may not align perfectly in 3D.
ZigZag patterns around corners will join up. This down to the math of making it 3d, but it can be somewhat prevented by placing slightly transparent pixels into the holes.
With shaders, some body part layer sides have weird shadows. I am trying to get this resolved.

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FAQ

Does this need to be installed on the server?

No. This is a fully client-side mod and does not need to be installed on the server.

Does this work with HD Skins?

No. Since the pixels wouldn't have the correct shape, this is not possible.

The layers stick through the modded armor

Some modded armor is closer to the body than vanilla. Turn down the 3d size in the mod settings till it fits.

The layers are flying offset to the body

You are probably using a ETF/EMF resourcepack. Make sure you update it, fitting to the Minecraft version.

Help the layers are gone! / The mod doesn't work!

A few things to check before asking for help:

Check under Options > Skin Customization that you didn't accidentally disable your skin layers.
Check in the mod settings, that the features are turned on.
Does the mod show up in the modlist at all?
The skin should be loaded via Mojang, other skin loaders might not be supported.
Make sure your skin actually has things on the second layer. The mod can't magically invent layers.

I'm having issues with my cracked version of Minecraft

Please buy the game, illegal copies of the game are not supported.

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Credits & license

👤 Thanks to the awesome translators and contributors on Github!

📄 License: tr7zw Protective License
Feel free to use this mod in your Modrinth/Curseforge hosted modpacks without asking for permission. Do not redistribute the jar files anywhere else!

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