Doctor Who cosplay guide: 5 top tips for first-timers

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There’s a rich variety of Doctor Who costumes for fans to choose from, ranging from Tom Baker’s scarf to Matt Smith’s fez, and extending to David Tennant’s striped suit, as well as Ncuti Gatwa’s vibrant wardrobe – plenty of options for cosplay!

As a dedicated movie enthusiast who’s attended numerous conventions across the globe, let me tell you: You’re bound to run into a throng of passionate Doctor Who followers, each dressed as their beloved Doctor, companion, adversary, or creature from this iconic series.

However, embarking on the cosplay realm could seem overwhelming, especially when choosing a starting point, balancing the cost of an authentic prop against your budget, or striving to make your cosplay unique and eye-catching.

1. Don’t break the bank – and keep it simple at first

Costuming for cosplay can become pricey, however, as Martin points out, it’s possible to create an impressive cosplay on a budget.

He notes that finding items has become much more convenient than before, thanks to platforms such as Vinted. You can discover great deals on items, whether they are the originals or similar ones, depending on your preference.

When first embarking on this pastime, remember to keep your spending in check as it has the potential to become quite pricey. In these economically challenging times, be cautious and vigilant. To stretch your budget, consider hunting for deals on platforms such as Vinted or eBay.

Plus, you can always start simple, with costumes that require very generic pieces.

Generally speaking, Martin notes that many individuals often prefer to begin with Doctor Number Eleven, he says, because his attire is quite straightforward.

He notes: “You could also consider the Tenth, Ninth, or Twelfth Doctors for dressing up, as their outfits are quite straightforward. The Tenth Doctor essentially wears a suit and sneakers, while the Twelfth Doctor just needs an overcoat and a white button-up shirt to complete his look.

As you begin to delve into specifics, that’s when the situation becomes a tad intricate. However, it’s often beneficial to initiate with only the fundamentals.

Russell T Davies, the showrunner of Doctor Who, has expressed his desire to make the show’s cosplay as inclusive as possible. He explained this to Polygon by saying: “I enjoy making it easier for cosplayers. In one episode from the first season, the Doctor stepped out of the TARDIS wearing jeans and a duffle coat. And at the finale, he was in Levis and a black leather jacket. This way, almost anyone can participate in cosplay.

He commented: “If it’s something you enjoy, consider it a wise investment. However, there will be those who simply love cosplaying, perhaps a child dreaming to be Doctor Who today. This way, they can quickly don a pair of jeans and a trench coat, dash out the door even in the rain, and proudly declare, ‘I am the Doctor.’ And I find that delightful.

This makes it accessible to everyone; no one owns it. Essentially, anyone can wear any role they choose, as if declaring, ‘Today I am the Doctor,’ reflecting his approach.

2. Find your community

When you’re trying to track down a specific jumper like Ruby Sunday’s, or the ideal pair of shoes reminiscent of the Eleventh Doctor, it can be challenging to determine where to search. Fortunately, there are groups of individuals who have honed an exceptional skill in identifying items on screen and knowing where to buy them.

Martin describes his community as one that frequently shares links among themselves. For instance, if a fresh poster or trailer is released, many members might exclaim something like, “Wow, we need to locate it!

They manage to spot things quite swiftly, just as I recall it wasn’t too long ago for the previous series that Ncuti’s shoes, outfit, and other details were identified. It requires a keen eye and meticulous browsing to uncover all the details.

Having a community can also help with the confidence side of cosplaying.

“It can take time [to build up that confidence], but it helps with friends,” Martin explains.

Friendships are valuable due to their ability to aid and support one another. Over time, they may become less challenging to maintain as comfortability grows. Currently, I might be a tad bold about my choices in attire, wearing whatever feels right without much concern.

3. Don’t be afraid to take artistic licence

Instead of sticking within conventional boundaries, why not explore unique and unconventional approaches to your cosplay? While many enthusiasts faithfully recreate characters like the Doctors and companions, others often add creative twists to their costumes.

Martin recalls: “I have seen some wonderful artistic licence – it shows so much creativity.

At Gallifrey One, the largest Doctor Who convention globally, stationed in Los Angeles, one can witness a myriad of unique, outlandish ideas that I wouldn’t have imagined – and the Gallifrey Cabaret takes creativity to another level too!

It’s striking how creative fans can be! I recall they dressed up as characters like Ursula, portrayed as a paving stone from the Love & Monsters episode, and it was truly extraordinary – nothing quite like it.

As a fan, I tend to favor more authentic costumes, but every now and then, my creativity takes an unexpected turn. Back in the day, I even combined a Spider-Man suit with the Eleventh Doctor’s attire, creating a peculiar Spider-Doctor blend for no other reason than a bit of fun and mischief.

Yesterday, on TikTok, I came across an incredibly inventive video featuring a user who had transformed their wheelchair into a K-9 replica. It left me absolutely amazed.

4. Pick your convention wisely

Among numerous options, each convention offers a unique atmosphere and cultural experience. Sometimes, your location determines the choice, but if global choices are at your disposal, certain ones truly shine.

Martin asserts that for Doctor Who, undeniably, Gallifrey One stands out as the top choice. It’s a clear-cut decision for him.

This gathering is simply extraordinary, boasting a fantastic array of wonderful individuals. I attended it once, and I must say, it ranks among the finest conventions I’ve ever experienced throughout my lifetime. Rest assured, I don’t use such praise casually.

In my opinion, for a first-timer, either MCM London or MCM Birmingham could be an ideal choice.

At MCM London, you’ll encounter the United Kingdom’s largest gathering for cosplay and Comic Con events. This means you’ll see a myriad of cosplayers engaged in various activities. However, what sets this event apart is the presence of characters from lesser-known anime series or other uncommon themes that might not be widely recognized.

Alternatively, you might encounter skilled cosplayers who create their own items to embody the newest Marvel characters and more. It’s quite remarkable and draws a diverse range of talents.

5. Make sure you’re having fun!

It sounds obvious but the whole point of cosplay is to have fun and make friends.

As a fellow enthusiast, I implore you: Engage in this activity for pure enjoyment and as a means of escape! Embrace the joy it brings, dive deep into it, and let the fun guide you. Most importantly, foster friendships along the way, making this hobby even more rewarding.

As a movie enthusiast, one of the most rewarding aspects of this pastime has been making lifelong friends along the way. Over the years, I’ve forged connections that have stood the test of time, and I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything else. This journey could very well be yours too. However, keep in mind that it might become an all-consuming passion!

Doctor Who is available on BBC iPlayer and on Disney+ outside of the UK.

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2025-05-20 21:34