This DIY Captain Underpants costume just might be the easiest book character your kiddo could dress up as. Just a few clothing items to buy (read: no sewing!) and you're set!
Even Principal Krupp and Professor Poopypants will be tra-la-laaaing!
We made this costume when my oldest son, Rowan, was in the first grade and would be taking part in his school's Book Character Dress-Up Day.
We have all the books and have seen the movie as well as every TV episode and special, so this was pretty much a natural choice.
And considering the character's signature look is just underwear and a cape, this may be one of the rare times a child's questionable fashion choices actually make your job as a parent easier.
We knew it would be a unique idea and one that was sure to bring lots of smiles (and a hefty heaping of giggles, too).
Book Character Dress-Up Day
Each year, my Rowan's school celebrates Red Ribbon Week during the last week of October.
Every day during this week has a different theme, such as:
- Pajama Day
- Follow your DREAMS and stay away from drugs!
- Crazy Hair/Hat & Sock Day: Rowan rocked this taco hat and mismatched some of these knee-high monster socks
- I'm drug-free from my HEAD to my TOES!
- Superhero Shirt Day
- Real HEROES don't do drugs!
- Sports Team Shirt/Jersey Day
- TEAM UP against drugs!
Since Halloween always falls during this week, they ask the kiddos to wear a costume of their favorite book character because they "have better things to do than drugs, like READ!"
Last year, Rowan went dressed as Pete the Cat with his four groovy buttons, and this year he decided to go with another fave: Captain Underpants!
DIY Captain Underpants Costume at a Glance
- Difficulty: Unbelievably Easy (no real DIYing...more like just getting dressed)
- Time: Five minutes (you'll spend more time buying the items than putting them on)
- Sewing Required: None!
- Ideal for: Book Character Dress-Up Day, Storybook Characters, Halloween
- Cost: Around $30
- Durability: Survived two boys wearing it for their school Book Character Parades, four years apart!
What You'll Need to Make a Captain Underpants Costume
Here's all it takes to create a DIY Captain Underpants costume:
- Bodysuit
- NOTE: If your kiddo doesn't want to wear something so tight and clingy, there are also one-piece sweatsuits that would work great too
- Red cape
- White underwear briefs
That's seriously it. Could NOT be easier.
The Beginnings of our Captain Underpants Costume
When Rowan and I were first talking about this idea, I was a little concerned about how he would feel about wearing the bodysuit, especially at school (I mean he's a super outgoing and confident kid, but still, it's a bodysuit).
I was also a little worried about the logistics of it, i.e. using the restroom.
However, once all of the costume components arrived and we had Rowan try them on, my concerns were squelched and we all thought he looked AWESOME.
Just like a real-life mini Captain Underpants. With hair. And no spare tire.
And he felt awesome too, or in his words, "like a ninja."
How to Make a DIY Captain Underpants Costume
So here's all the specifics about putting your DIY Captain Underpants costume together:
- Put on a pair of underwear like normal, as well as an undershirt if you'd like.
- Slip on the bodysuit (zipper in the back, or in the front if you prefer for an easier time using the restroom).
- Pull on a pair of white underwear briefs overtop the bodysuit.
- Fasten the red cape around your neck using the velcro grip.
- Wear normal socks and shoes.
The Finished DIY Captain Underpants Costume!
And here's how Rowan looked in his Captain Underpants costume!
Pretty darn cool, huh?
Rowan not only looked absolutely amazing while walking through the halls during his parade at school, but he also had such confidence too.
I could see on his face that he knew he had a killer costume and he felt so proud to rock it.
And I can't even tell you how many other parents made comments about his costume while we were at school. He was a hit!
He was also a lucky kiddo because he got to wear TWO costumes that day: Captain Underpants at school and a SWAT officer for Trick-or-Treating that night!
He looked so cute with his little bro who decided to be a fuzzy yellow chicken.
They were partners. Brayden was undercover.
Four Years Later: Captain Underpants Returns!
Just like our DIY scarecrow costume, this Captain Underpants costume got its own encore!
Four years later, we pulled it out of storage so Rowan’s younger brother could wear it for his first-grade Book Character Dress-Up Parade.
Captain Underpants was officially back in action!
Brayden chose to wear the bodysuit with the zipper in the front instead of the back, just to make restroom breaks easier.
Since we were still in the thick of COVID-19 safety protocols when it was Brayden’s turn to shine, parents weren’t able to attend his school’s Book Character Parade.
Thankfully, his sweet teacher took plenty of photos so we could still get a peek at all the fun!
Here’s Brayden proudly presenting his book character to his classmates. Captain Underpants reporting for duty once again!
And here's a little collage of Brayden recreating his older bro's photoshoot as Captain Underpants. They both nailed it!
So if you're wondering whether this homemade Captain Underpants costume can survive a day of elementary-school superhero duties, ours survived two kids, two Book Character Dress-Up Days, and four years in storage. Tra-la-laaaaa! :)
More Easy DIY Costume Ideas
DIY Pete the Cat Costume
Easy DIY Scarecrow Costume
Vocabulary Parade Costume Idea: Feeling Ambivalent
Idiom Parade Costume Idea: Raining Cats & Dogs!
This costume is wonderful. When I first looked at it, I thought he was naked! It certainly did a fabulous job on me. Thanks for the bodysuit link. Will suggest this to my grand kids mother for next year.
LOL, thanks so much for the kind words, Debra! My dad also thought Rowan was actually naked when he first saw a picture of him. That means the costume is doing its job! :) I hope your grandkids enjoy this if they decide to dress up as Captain Underpants one day!