How to Make a Super Mario Costume (Easy DIY Costumes)

Level up your Halloween this year with a classic DIY Mario costume!

Everyone’s favorite mustached plumber from the Super Mario universe is instantly recognizable, and the best part is—you don’t need fancy supplies to pull it off. 

With just a few thrifted pieces, some clever crafting, and maybe a hat heat press, you can create an affordable and fun Mario look that’s perfect for parties, trick-or-treating, cosplay or themed events. 

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to put together your own Mario Brothers costume step by step so you can jump into the holiday in true Nintendo style.

Let'ssss a Go!

A Mario costume is fun, easy, and perfect for thrifting or DIY. 

Here are 5 easy tips:

Overalls – Thrift a pair of blue denim overalls (or blue jeans with suspenders if you can’t find overalls). Look for a medium to bright wash to match Mario’s classic look.

Red Shirt – Grab a plain red T-shirt or sweatshirt to wear under the overalls. Simple, solid color works best.

Hat – Buy a blank red baseball cap at the craft store and a varsity letter embroidered in red. Use the HTVRONT hat heat press to make them the perfect set.

Accessories – White gloves (a pair of white gloves from the thrift store work great) and brown boots or shoes complete the look.

Mustache – Draw a mustache on with eyeliner or make a DIY felt mustache on an elastic string for the perfect Mario touch...or bypass the mustache completely--people will still get it.

Supplies for Mario's Hat with the HTVRONT Hat Heat Press:

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• HTVRONT Manual Hat Heat Press
• Red Varsity Letter Patch
• Red Hat

No Mario costume is complete without the iconic red hat, and it’s the perfect finishing touch to bring the whole look together. 

Whether you thrifted a simple baseball cap or made one from scratch with a little fabric and craft magic, adding that bold “M” instantly transforms your outfit into everyone’s favorite plumber. 

With the hat in place, your DIY Mario costume is ready for any adventure—whether you’re racing through Mario Kart, exploring the Mushroom Kingdom, or just collecting candy on Halloween night. 

Simple, recognizable, and full of charm, this last detail ensures your costume will be a big hit.

Step 1: Peel and Stick Patch

Place the hat on the HTVRONT Manual Hat Heat Press and peel the backing off the varsity letter M.

These patches are made to adhere just fine with a household iron, but the hat press is awesome at keeping the temperature steady and applying it professionally.

Place the M on the hat, front and center.

If you want to go a little more authentic Mario, cut out a piece of felt in the shape of a circle and adhere that to the hat before adding the M patch.

Step 2: Heat Press the Patch

Now cover the patch and hat with a teflon sheet, piece of parchment paper or butcher paper.

Then clamp down the heat press for the allotted time.

I am doing 300*F for just 30 seconds.

Then lift off the heat press platen and let the hat cool down completely.

Then check to make sure all the edges of the patch are secured.

I like how this hat isn't an exact replica of Mario, but it's like Disney-bounding...you don't need to dress exactly like a character to be absolutely recognizable and iconic!

MARIO BROTHERS THEMED GROUP COSTUMES:

Dressing up as the Super Mario Brothers crew makes for the easiest and most exciting DIY themed costumes—perfect for the entire family or group costumes at the office. 

From a flowing pink dress for Princess Peach, to a simple Toad costume made with white pants and a vest, these fun costumes capture the magic of the Mushroom Kingdom, dress as your favorite character. 

Add baseball hats for Mario and Luigi, a blue shell iron-on tote bag for extra flair, and even a nod to Mario Kart for game-inspired details. 

Whether you love video games or just want a group costume that’s sure to be a big hit, these outfits are a true labor of love that bring a lot of fun to any party. 

Get ready to shout “Happy Halloween!” in style with a DIY that’s as memorable as it is playful.

That's it!

Thrifting and DIY'ing a Mario costume is so much better than just buying a cheap, flimsy bagged costume from the store.

Plus, you can use elements of the costume for other costumes or real daily clothing pieces, looking at you red shirt and overalls.

This fun and creative Mario brother costume idea is perfect for a subtle costume when you don't want to go "all out", but still dress up and be recognizable!

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Here's more Mario Brothers Costume ideas:

Here’s how to thrift or DIY a Luigi costume to pair with Mario:

• Overalls – Same as Mario, thrift blue denim overalls (or jeans + suspenders). Keeping the denim similar helps them look like a duo.
• Green Shirt – Swap Mario’s red for a plain green long-sleeve shirt or sweatshirt.
• Green Hat – Thrift a green baseball cap and DIY the “L” emblem. Cut a white felt circle and add a green “L” with fabric paint, marker, or iron-on vinyl.
• Accessories – White gloves (matching Mario’s), plus brown or black shoes/boots.
• Mustache & Props – Same DIY mustache idea, or grab a toy wrench or plunger for a fun Luigi prop.

Here’s a Princess Peach thrifting guide in 5 easy points:

• Dress – Look for a pink formal dress, bridesmaid gown, or even a prom dress at thrift shops. Long and poofy is ideal, but any pink dress can be altered or accessorized.
• Accessories – Add a darker pink sash or fabric around the waist if the dress is plain. You can also thrift a pink scarf to layer for extra dimension.
• Gloves – Grab long white gloves (often found in costume bins or vintage sections).
• Crown – DIY a crown with gold cardstock, craft foam, or even a thrifted tiara spray-painted gold. Add faux gems in blue and red for Peach’s signature look.
• Shoes & Jewelry – Pink or white heels/flats and oversized faux jewel earrings or clip-ons (look in thrift jewelry bags).

Here’s a Bowser thrifting + DIY guide in 5 simple points:

• Base Outfit – Start with thrifted yellow or tan clothing (sweats, hoodie, or even pajama pants) for Bowser’s body. Add a green hoodie or vest for the shell base.
• Shell – DIY with a large green backpack or thrifted round cushion. Cover in green fabric, then glue white/yellow paper cones or foam spikes around it. Straps make it wearable.
• Spikes & Accessories – Use craft foam, cardboard, or thrifted dog collars/belts to make spiked wristbands and a neck band. Paint silver or use cone studs if you find them.
• Head/Hair – A yellow hat/hood with glued-on orange yarn “hair” works. Add horns with white foam or rolled cardstock, attached to a headband or the hood.
• Tail & Details – Sew or glue a simple yellow fabric tail, stuff it lightly, and pin it on. Black thrift belts can mimic his tough spiked look.

Here’s a Yoshi thrifting + DIY guide in 5 easy points:

• Base Outfit – Thrift a pair of green pants/leggings and a green hoodie or t-shirt. White felt/fabric can be added as a belly patch on the shirt.
• Head/Face – Use a green beanie or cap and glue big white/black felt eyes on top. For a bigger Yoshi look, you can attach foam or felt “eye stalks” with pipe cleaners or wire.
• Shell/Backpack – A small red backpack or round pillow works great as Yoshi’s shell. Cover with red fabric, then add a white border circle with felt.
• Shoes – Thrift or paint a pair of orange/brown shoes or boots to mimic Yoshi’s signature footwear.
• Tail & Details – Add a small stuffed green tail pinned to the back. Optional: glue red felt “spines” down the back of the hoodie to match Yoshi’s look.

Here’s a Toad thrifting + DIY guide in 5 simple points:

• Base Outfit – Thrift a pair of white pants (yoga pants or sweatpants) and a plain white tank top or t-shirt. This makes Toad’s simple base.
• Vest – Find or thrift a blue vest (or a blue shirt you can cut into a vest shape). Add gold/yellow ribbon trim around the edges with hot glue or fabric glue.
• Hat/Cap – Use a large white beanie, mushroom-shaped pillow, or even a round lampshade covered in white fabric. Add big red felt circles for Toad’s signature spots. (You can also make a stuffed fabric “mushroom cap” with cotton filling.)
• Shoes – Brown shoes, sandals, or loafers will complete Toad’s simple footwear.
• Accessories – Carry a small drawstring pouch or prop mushroom to sell the Mushroom Kingdom vibe.