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

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There are plenty of Doctor Who costumes to choose from, ranging from Tom Baker’s scarf to Matt Smith’s fez, and from David Tennant’s striped suit to Ncuti Gatwa’s vibrant wardrobe – making it an exciting choice for anyone interested in cosplay.

At just about any convention worldwide, you’re bound to encounter Doctor Who enthusiasts dressed up as their preferred Doctor, character sidekick, nemesis, or creature from the show.

However, navigating the realm of cosplay may feel overwhelming, be it when choosing a starting point, balancing budget constraints while seeking quality costume components, or striving to make your cosplay unique and eye-catching.

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

It’s not always cheap to engage in cosplay, however, Martin points out that it’s possible to create an impressive cosplay without breaking the bank.

He notes that acquiring items has become much more accessible compared to before, thanks to platforms such as Vinted. This means you can easily score great deals on both authentic and similar-looking pieces, depending on your preference.

To avoid financial strain, particularly when first beginning, be mindful that this pastime might become costly. Given the current economic challenges, it’s crucial to exercise caution. Therefore, always seek out deals or discounts, such as those found on platforms like Vinted and eBay.

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

Martin often finds that many individuals prefer starting with the Eleventh Doctor, he notes, because his attire is quite straightforward.

He notes: “Alternatively, consider the Tenth, Ninth, or Twelfth Doctor – as their outfits are quite straightforward. The Tenth Doctor essentially wears a suit and sneakers. For the Twelfth Doctor, an overcoat and a buttoned-up white shirt will do the trick.

As you delve into the specifics, the situation becomes somewhat intricate. However, it’s beneficial to kick things off with only the basic elements first.

Showrunner Russell T Davies has expressed his desire to make Doctor Who costume play (cosplay) as inclusive as possible, saying to Polygon: “I enjoy welcoming cosplayers through the door. In one episode from the first season, he stepped out of the TARDIS wearing jeans and a duffle coat. And at the finale, he was in Levi’s and a black leather jacket. This means that nearly anyone can participate in cosplay.

He commented: “If it’s something you enjoy, then it’s worth every penny spent. However, there are those casual cosplayers, kids who dream of being Doctor Who. That way, they can quickly slip on 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 appreciate that.

This makes it accessible for everyone, meaning there’s no exclusive ownership. It’s like being able to wear any superhero suit and claim, ‘Today I am the Doctor,’ since he was all about sharing roles and responsibilities.

2. Find your community

Finding the exact jumper like Ruby Sunday wore, or the ideal shoes reminiscent of the Eleventh Doctor, can be quite challenging since it’s hard to pinpoint where to search. Fortunately, there are groups of individuals who have honed an expertise in identifying items on screen and knowing where to purchase them.

Martin mentions about his group: “We frequently share links with one another… For instance, whenever a fresh poster or trailer appears, many individuals will exclaim, ‘Wow, let’s track it down!’

In my latest review, I must say that the creators have an uncanny knack for spotlighting even the smallest details – such as the swift discovery of Ncuti’s belongings in this new series. It seems almost too quick compared to the previous season, but then again, it did take a keen eye and meticulous scrolling to identify his shoes and clothing last time around. This attention to detail is truly commendable!

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.

They do require some time to build, but as they grow, they become less challenging. Currently, I find myself not being too shy about my wardrobe choices; I wear whatever I please!

3. Don’t be afraid to take artistic licence

Instead of sticking within traditional boundaries, why not explore creative alternatives for your cosplay? While many enthusiasts enjoy portraying The Doctors and companions, others tend to use more artistic freedom in their representations.

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

At Gallifrey One in sunny Los Angeles, the largest Doctor Who gathering worldwide, you’ll find unique, out-of-the-box ideas that you wouldn’t expect – it’s a place where creativity knows no bounds! Not only that, but the Gallifrey Cabaret performances are a testament to human ingenuity and imagination.

What I recall is that during that time, people dressed up as Ursula from ‘Love & Monsters’, but in an unusual way – they cosplayed her as a paving stone! It was truly amazing to see.

He mentions: “Typically, I favor more precise styles, yet there have been instances where I might stray from the intended design. For example, years ago, I combined a Spider-Man costume with the Eleventh Doctor’s outfit, creating a sort of Spider-Doctor hybrid, purely for fun and without any particular reason.

Yesterday, I came across an incredibly inventive video on TikTok. It featured a person using a wheelchair, who had creatively transformed both their wheelchair and themselves to resemble a K-9 unit. I found this absolutely amazing.

4. Pick your convention wisely

You’ll find an abundance of conventions to select, each with its unique atmosphere and cultural background. Sometimes, the one closest to your location might be the best fit, but if you’re fortunate enough to pick from worldwide conventions, there are a few that truly shine.

In simpler terms, Martin asserts that, when it comes to Doctor Who, Gallifrey One stands out as the top choice without a doubt. He strongly believes this is the best event associated with the show.

This gathering is truly extraordinary, packed with wonderful individuals. I attended once, and without a doubt, it ranks among the top conventions I’ve ever experienced in my lifetime. I don’t use such praise casually.

From a fellow movie enthusiast, I’d recommend checking out either MCM London or MCM Birmingham if you’re planning to attend your first comic-con event. These conventions are great for newcomers, offering an engaging and welcoming atmosphere with a fantastic blend of pop culture, movies, and comics!

At MCM London, you’ll find the largest gathering in the UK for cosplay and comic conventions. This event attracts a diverse range of cosplayers who engage in numerous activities. What makes it exceptional is that, alongside well-known characters from popular anime and comics, you’ll encounter less mainstream characters or those not widely recognized.

Of course, you might encounter skilled cosplayers creating their own outfits to embody the newest Marvel characters and more. It’s astonishing, drawing together 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.

Martin emphasizes, “There’s no need for any other motives here.” He suggests this activity is meant to be enjoyable, a form of relaxation. He encourages throwing yourself into it wholeheartedly and having a blast while at it, making new friends along the way.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this pastime is making long-lasting friends through it over the years, which I wouldn’t trade for anything else, and it could offer a similar experience for you too. Just keep in mind that it might become all-consuming!

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

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2025-05-23 18:34