11 Comic Con Costume Ideas

You've snagged tickets to your very first Comic-Con, and now comes the fun-but-challenging part: figuring out your costume. While everyday clothes are perfectly fine, Comic-Con is your chance to channel your inner superhero, villain, or favourite fictional character through cosplay (a portmanteau of "costume" and "play").

If the idea of cosplaying makes you giddy, fantastic! Below are Comic-Con costume ideas to get you started. And if it seems a bit intimidating, no problem! Many other ways exist to show off your geeky side without going full costume. But first, here’s a quick dos and don’ts reminder.

Comic Con costumes do’s and don’ts

Do plan ahead

Don't wait until the last minute to scramble for a costume. Start early, browse costume ideas online, and choose a character or theme that resonates with you. It’s the key to nailing your look and avoiding last-minute stress.

Do prioritise comfort

You'll be on your feet a lot during Comic-Cons, so make sure your costume is comfortable. Choose breathable fabrics and footwear that won't leave you with blisters. If you're taking public transport in your costume, ensure you can sit, stand, and move comfortably without damaging your outfit or obstructing others.

Do get creative and embrace your fandom

Feel free to put your own spin on a classic costume (ideas below) or come up with something completely original! DIY options and customisation can make your comic con cosplay unique and memorable. Pinterest and cosplay blogs are great places to find inspiration.

If attending with friends, coordinate with them for a group costume or make new friends by striking up conversations with fellow fans.

Do get ready to feel like a celebrity

Having an epic costume at a pop culture convention is a bit like being a celebrity. People may want their photo taken with you if your costume stands out, so start practicing your celebrity poses!

Don't be offensive

Avoid costumes that are culturally insensitive or inappropriate. Stereotypes and harmful representations have no place at Comic-Con. 

Don't break the rules

Before you go, familiarise yourself with Comic-Con's costume guidelines. There may be restrictions on props, weapons, and nudity. 

Don't stress too much

Above all, remember to relax and have fun! Comic-Con is an exciting celebration of all things geeky. Take breaks, stay hydrated, and make memories with fellow fans.

Comic Con Costume Ideas

Common themes

To get your creative juices flowing, here are some popular themes that are always a hit:

Superheroes

You can't go wrong with a classic! Whether you're Team Marvel or Team DC (or maybe even a fan of indie comics), there's a superhero for every taste.

Manga and anime characters

Popular characters like Ash Ketchum, Naruto, Sailor Moon, Luffy from One Piece, and the Survey Corps from Attack on Titan are a favourite.

Video games

Whether you're into classic franchises like The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, and Mario or newer hits like Overwatch, Genshin Impact, and Elden Ring, the possibilities are as endless as the virtual worlds they come from. 

Perhaps you're a fan of Fortnite, Sonic, or Five Nights at Freddy's, we have the perfect gaming costume to bring your favourite characters to life. Imagine strutting around as your go-to Fortnite skin, racing through the con as Sonic the Hedgehog, or spooking the crowds as a character from Five Nights at Freddy's.

You can even go for a group costume with your friends and recreate your favourite gaming squad.

Movies and TV

From blockbuster movies like Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter to hit TV shows like Stranger Things, The Mandalorian, and Wednesday, the world of movies and TV brings endless costume inspiration.

Disney Princess

Who says Comic Con is just for superheroes and gamers? With our Disney Princess collection, you can channel your favourite fairytale royalty. Disney princess costumes let you dress up, look fabulous, and add a touch of magic and glamour to your Comic Con adventure.

Creative comic con costumes

If you want to take your cosplay to the next level, here are some more imaginative and unique costume concepts:

Classic with a twist

Reimagine iconic heroes with a unique spin. One idea is Steampunk Batman. Combine Victorian aesthetics with Bruce Wayne's gizmos.

Another is post-apocalyptic Jedi. Imagine a Jedi Knight after the fall of the Republic: worn robes, a makeshift lightsaber, and a weary expression.

Pop culture mashups

You can also create entirely new characters from famous characters—for example, Doctor Whooves. Merge the worlds of Doctor Who and My Little Pony. All you need are a sonic screwdriver made of candy, a TARDIS shaped like a cupcake, and a mane of colourful hair. 

If you’d like to brew up some laughs, try Deadpool as a Barista. Picture the Merc with a Mouth in his signature mask, but instead of his red and black suit, he's rocking a coffee-stained apron with the phrase "Your chimichanga is ready... and so am I."

Group costumes

Why go it alone when you can assemble a team? Gather your friends and transform into the Avengers as Cats, each member a personification of their favourite hero in feline form. 

You can also reimagine the iconic Breakfast Club with costumes representing different breakfast foods or add a few decades to the Scooby Gang for a geriatric mystery-solving team.

Original characters

Step away from the familiar and breed a character all your own. Become a Time-Travelling Librarian with a magnifying glass as your weapon and a book as your shield. 

Or channel your inner rogue as an Intergalactic Smuggler, a charming scoundrel blending Han Solo's swagger with Star Trek's futuristic flair.

Simple cosplay ideas

Not every cosplay has to be a major production. If you prefer a more low-key approach, below are some simple costume ideas that are easy to put together.

Iconic characters with simple outfits

Think Waldo from "Where's Waldo?" (just a red and white striped shirt and hat), Harley Quinn (a red and black oversized T-shirt paired with ripped denim shorts), or Super Mario Brothers (overalls and a colourful cap) don’t require hours of crafting.

Punny Costumes

Play on words for a humourous and memorable outfit. "Cereal Killer" (a t-shirt with cereal boxes stained with fake blood), "Smarties Pants" (a pair of pants covered in Smarties candies), or "Bread Winner" (wearing a medal and carrying a loaf of bread) are all unforgettable costume ideas.

Accessories make the outfit

Sometimes, a few key accessories can transform a simple outfit into a recognisable cosplay: a red bowtie and suspenders for an 11th Doctor, a pair of cat ears and a tail for a Catwoman, or a straw hat and a pair of goggles for a steampunk enthusiast. Disney characters such as Minnie Mouse are easy to recreate with a polka dot dress or skirt, a pair of mouse ears, and some white gloves.

The best Comic-Con costume idea

Remember, the best cosplay is all about having fun and expressing your fandom. You don't need an elaborate costume to have a great time at Comic-Con. 

Let your imagination guide you, and don't be afraid to experiment. You might be surprised how a few simple items can create a memorable costume.