The Tenth Doctor, portrayed by David Tennant, remains one of the most beloved incarnations of the iconic টাইম Lord. His energetic personality, coupled with a distinctive and stylish outfit, has made him a perennial favorite for cosplayers worldwide. If you’re looking to embody the fantastic Tenth Doctor for your next convention, event, or just for fun, this comprehensive guide will break down every element of his memorable look. Whether you’re aiming for screen-accurate perfection or a budget-friendly homage, we’ll explore all the essential pieces and optional extras to create your perfect Doctor Who Costume.
Decoding the Tenth Doctor Costume: Essential and Optional Pieces
Cosplaying as the Tenth Doctor offers a fantastic blend of recognizable style and room for personal interpretation. His costume, while seemingly simple, is built upon layers of carefully chosen garments and accessories. To truly capture the essence of this beloved Doctor Who incarnation, understanding the key components is crucial.
The Tenth Doctor’s look primarily revolves around two core suit variations, both sharing the same fundamental design but differing in color palettes. Beyond the suits, several other pieces contribute to his iconic silhouette. We’ll dissect both the essential items that form the foundation of the costume and the optional elements that can elevate your Doctor Who costume to the next level of authenticity.
The Essential Pieces of a Doctor Who Costume: Tenth Doctor Edition
To start your journey into becoming the Tenth Doctor, focusing on these five essential pieces will lay a solid foundation for a recognizable and impressive Doctor Who costume.
1. The Suit: The Heart of Your Doctor Who Costume
The suit is undeniably the most defining aspect of the Tenth Doctor’s attire. David Tennant sported two primary suit colors: a brown suit with electric blue pinstripes and a navy blue suit with subtle brown/rust pinstripes. Both suits share a distinctive 1930s-inspired design, crafted from lightweight cotton shirting material.
Close up shot of David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor wearing his brown pinstripe suit, showcasing the fabric texture and suit details.
Full body shot of David Tennant in the Tenth Doctor costume, highlighting the overall suit silhouette and pinstripe pattern.
David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor, side profile shot emphasizing the fit of the brown suit jacket and trousers.
Suit Jacket Details:
- Style: 1930s-inspired, four-button, single-breasted jacket.
- Lapel: Notch lapel, a classic and versatile style.
- Pockets: Pleated patch breast pocket with a curved flap, adding a unique detail. Hip pockets with flap/welt construction that cleverly open from the top for a streamlined look.
- Fit: Slim cut with front darts for shaping and a belt sewn into the back waist to accentuate the silhouette.
- Vent: Single back vent for ease of movement.
- Sleeves: Non-vented sleeves with three buttons on each cuff.
- Lining: Color-matched acetate twill lining for both brown and blue suits, ensuring a quality finish.
Suit Trousers Details:
- Style: Modern straight-leg trouser design.
- Closure: Two-clasp front flap closure with a zipper fly.
- Pockets: Slash pockets at the front and two double-welt pockets at the back, secured with a button-and-tab closure.
- Hem: Blind hem at the leg opening for a clean, cuffless finish.
- Waistband: Features five belt loops.
Illustrated card detailing the essential components of the Tenth Doctor’s costume including suit, shirt, tie, shoes, and hair.
To accurately replicate the suit, paying attention to these details is key. The pinstripes, the four-button jacket, and the overall slim fit are crucial elements that define the Tenth Doctor’s silhouette and distinguish his Doctor Who costume.
2. The Button-Up Shirt: Casual Dress Shirt Style
Complementing the suit is a button-up dress shirt, chosen for its casual yet stylish appeal. The Tenth Doctor favored shirts from high-street retailers like UniQlo, Reiss, and River Island, opting for soft cotton or linen fabrics in solid colors. These were never stiff, formal business shirts, but rather more relaxed dress shirts, contributing to the Doctor’s approachable and energetic persona.
Close up of David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor wearing a light blue button-up shirt, highlighting the fabric texture and collar.
David Tennant in a medium blue button-up shirt with the brown suit, showing a common shirt color choice for the Tenth Doctor.
Shirt Style Guide:
- Colors for Brown Suit: Light blue, dark blue, beige, heathered gray, and olive.
- Colors for Blue Suit: Light blue, maroon, and dark purple.
- Fabric: Soft cotton or linen. Some linen options may have a heathered appearance.
- Details: Primarily solid colors with no patterns or prints. Occasional subtle details like contrast stitching or heathered textures. One instance of a striped shirt, but generally avoided.
- Style: Casual dress shirts, not stiff business shirts.
The selection of shirts emphasizes comfort and a slightly less formal aesthetic, which aligns perfectly with the Tenth Doctor’s dynamic and adventurous nature. When choosing a shirt for your Doctor Who costume, prioritize soft fabrics and solid colors within the specified palettes to capture the authentic feel.
3. The Tie: A Pop of Pattern and Personality
While not consistently worn, the tie is a significant element of the Tenth Doctor’s style, so much so that it has garnered a dedicated following among cosplayers. These ties are more than just accessories; they are statements of the Doctor’s quirky and individualistic personality.
Close up of a brown tie with blue geometric patterns worn with the Tenth Doctor’s brown suit.
Another example of a brown tie with blue floral patterns, demonstrating the variety within the Tenth Doctor’s tie collection.
Tie Selection Guidelines:
- Brown Suit Ties: Brown base color with blue geometric, floral, or striped designs.
- Blue Suit Ties: Maroon base color with navy details or navy base with maroon details.
- Patterns: Geometric, floral, and striped patterns are all accurate choices, adding visual interest to the costume.
The ties provide an opportunity to inject personality into your Doctor Who costume. Replicas of the original ties are highly sought after, but finding ties within the color palettes and pattern styles described will effectively capture the essence of the Tenth Doctor’s tie choices.
4. The Shoes: Converse All-Stars for a Time Lord
David Tennant’s insistence on wearing Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Hi-Tops is a legendary part of his Doctor Who tenure. These iconic sneakers inject a dose of youthful energy and unconventionality into the otherwise classic suit ensemble. Tennant famously fought for the Converse, believing they were the “right thing to do” for the character.
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Close up of the Tenth Doctor’s cream Converse All-Star Hi-Tops, showing the lacing and whited-out logo.
Full shot of David Tennant wearing cream Converse with the brown suit, illustrating the complete shoe choice.
Converse Color Coordination:
- Brown Suit: Cream or Natural Ivory Converse. Occasionally black Converse were also worn in Series 2.
- Blue Suit: Maroon Converse.
Key Shoe Details:
- Style: Chuck Taylor All-Star Hi-Tops.
- Lacing: Consistently laced in a specific pattern (refer to reference images for lacing guide).
- Logo: Converse logos were whited out for legal reasons on screen.
The Converse are not just footwear; they are a statement piece that embodies the Tenth Doctor’s quirky charm and rebellious spirit. Choosing the correct colors and hi-top style is crucial for a recognizable Doctor Who costume.
5. The Hair: Spiky and Iconic Time Lord Hair
David Tennant’s hair is as much a part of the Tenth Doctor’s identity as his suit or sonic screwdriver. The distinctive style, while evolving slightly throughout his time on the show, maintained a consistent silhouette that is instantly recognizable.
Close up of David Tennant’s hairstyle as the Tenth Doctor, showcasing the scissor cut sides and spiky top.
Profile shot of David Tennant’s hairstyle, highlighting the sideburns and the overall shape of the cut.
Hair Style Breakdown:
- Cut: Scissor cut on the sides and back, longer on top and in the front to create a fringe.
- Styling: Messy, spiky style. Sometimes styled down, often lifted, and occasionally heavily spiked using hair products.
- Sideburns: Sideburns extending down to the earlobes, varying in width but often flared wider at the bottom.
Achieving the Tenth Doctor’s hair is about capturing the overall shape and messy-yet-styled texture. While wigs and fake sideburns are options, many cosplayers successfully style their own hair to emulate this iconic look, making it a key element of a convincing Doctor Who costume.
Optional Pieces for Enhanced Authenticity
Once you have the essential elements of your Doctor Who costume in place, adding these optional pieces will significantly boost the authenticity and visual impact of your Tenth Doctor cosplay.
6. The Coat: The Tenth Doctor’s Signature Overcoat
The long brown overcoat is an instantly recognizable accessory associated with the Tenth Doctor. This coat, crafted from Alcantara microfiber, adds a layer of sophistication and drama to the costume. While not worn in every episode, it is a popular and impactful addition for cosplayers.
David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor wearing the long brown overcoat, showcasing its length and silhouette.
Detailed view of the Tenth Doctor’s brown overcoat, highlighting the fabric and button details.
Coat Design Details:
- Material: Alcantara microfiber (upholstery-grade).
- Style: Double-breasted, long overcoat.
- Lapel: Notch lapel.
- Pockets: Flap-covered hip pockets.
- Back: Back darts and a gusset for shape and movement.
- Sleeves: Long, loose fit with no vent or cuff buttons.
- Buttons: Eight faux horn buttons on the front and four on the back vent. Designed to be closable, though Tennant never wore it buttoned.
- Lining: Navy acetate self-stripe lining. Inside pocket welts made from rust-colored silk dupioni.
The overcoat elevates the Doctor Who costume from a simple outfit to a truly iconic representation. Its distinctive design and flowing silhouette are instantly recognizable and add a layer of gravitas to your cosplay.
7. The Undershirt: Layering for Depth
For looks where the Tenth Doctor wasn’t wearing a tie, he often layered a colored t-shirt or Henley shirt underneath his button-up. This subtle layering adds depth and visual interest to the costume, offering variations within his core style.
Close up of the Tenth Doctor wearing a dark Henley shirt underneath his button-up, showing a subtle layering detail.
David Tennant in a grey t-shirt under his button-up, another example of undershirt layering.
Undershirt Style Notes:
- Types: Colored t-shirts or Henley shirts.
- Colors: Colors vary widely, and specific IDs are mostly unknown.
- Notable Example: In Fear Her, Tennant wears a Henley without a dress shirt. In Journey’s End, the Metacrisis Doctor wears a t-shirt without a dress shirt.
While undershirt colors and styles are not strictly defined, incorporating a simple t-shirt or Henley in a complementary color under your button-up can add a touch of authenticity and visual nuance to your Doctor Who costume.
8. The Glasses: Geek Chic Accessory
The Alain Mikli glasses, in a dark tortoise shell acetate, are another accessory that contributes to the Tenth Doctor’s “geek chic” aesthetic. These glasses, while not always present, are a recognizable detail for dedicated fans and add an intellectual and stylish touch to the Doctor Who costume.
David Tennant wearing the Alain Mikli glasses, demonstrating the “geek chic” element of the costume.
Close up of the Alain Mikli glasses, highlighting the tortoise shell frame.
Glasses Details:
- Brand: Alain Mikli (custom frames).
- Material: Dark tortoise shell acetate.
- Style: Rectangular, slim frames.
- Note: A second similar pair of Alain Mikli frames was acquired by production as a backup. This second pair made a single onscreen appearance as sonic screwdriver-created sunglasses in Planet of the Dead.
Adding these glasses to your Doctor Who costume is a subtle yet effective way to enhance the character’s intellectual and fashionable persona. Replicas are available, making this an accessible accessory for dedicated cosplayers.
9. The Socks: Color-Coordinated Hosiery
Even the socks were considered in the Tenth Doctor’s meticulous costume design. Ribbed socks, color-coordinated with the suit, are a small detail that contributes to the overall polished look.
[Close up of the Tenth Doctor’s dark brown ribbed socks paired with cream Converse.
Another example of maroon ribbed socks with maroon Converse, showing sock color coordination.
Sock Color Guide:
- Brown Suit: Dark brown ribbed socks.
- Blue Suit: Maroon ribbed socks.
While a minor detail, color-coordinated ribbed socks complete the cohesive visual narrative of the Tenth Doctor’s costume, demonstrating attention to detail that true fans will appreciate.
10. The Sonic Screwdriver: The Doctor’s Indispensable Tool
No Doctor Who costume is complete without the Doctor’s signature sonic screwdriver. This gadget, a versatile tool for the Doctor, is an essential prop for any Doctor Who cosplay, instantly identifying the character.
Close up of the Tenth Doctor’s sonic screwdriver, highlighting the aluminum body, crackle glaze grip, and blue light.
Diagram showing the different parts of the Tenth Doctor’s sonic screwdriver.
David Tennant holding the Tenth Doctor’s sonic screwdriver, showcasing its size and proportions.
Sonic Screwdriver Design Elements:
- Material: Machined aluminum body.
- Grip: Crackle glaze finish.
- End Cap: Black cap on the back end.
- Emitter: Blue light at the tip.
- Extending Tip: Crackle-painted slider to extend the tip, revealing a clear tube with a central spiral of exposed wires. Connected to the emitter head by a static ball joint.
- Variations: Several iterations with minor differences appeared onscreen, mainly in slider details and crackle paint color. For the 50th Anniversary special, replicas with gold-colored crackle glaze were used.
Carrying a sonic screwdriver is a must for any Doctor Who costume. Numerous toy and replica versions are available, catering to different budgets and levels of accuracy.
Bonus Accessories: Adding Extra Whovian Flair
Beyond the core costume pieces and the sonic screwdriver, a range of other accessories can further enhance your Tenth Doctor Doctor Who costume and demonstrate your deep dive into the character.
David Tennant holding psychic paper, a recognizable accessory from Doctor Who.
The Tenth Doctor using 3D glasses, another quirky accessory.
The Tenth Doctor holding a silver fob watch, a more subtle but recognizable prop.
Notable Accessories:
- Psychic Paper: A blank piece of paper that appears to show different things to different people.
- Squirt Gun: Briefly used as a humorous prop.
- 3-D Glasses: Worn in Army of Ghosts and Doomsday.
- Silver Fob Watch: Used in Human Nature and The Family of Blood.
- Homemade Gadgets: Various quirky, homemade gadgets fitting the Doctor’s inventive nature.
These bonus accessories, while not essential, add personality and can be conversation starters with fellow Doctor Who fans, demonstrating your dedication to capturing the nuances of the Tenth Doctor’s character.
Finding Screen-Accurate Doctor Who Costume Pieces
For cosplayers seeking the highest level of screen accuracy, sourcing the right components can be a dedicated endeavor. Here’s a breakdown of where to find screen-accurate or near-screen-accurate items for your Tenth Doctor Doctor Who costume.
1. The Suit: The Quest for Accuracy
Close up of GAP trousers fabric tag, highlighting the original source for the Tenth Doctor’s brown suit trousers.
The original brown suit trousers were famously off-the-rack GAP trousers. Locating vintage GAP trousers from that era is considered a “Holy Grail” find for screen-accurate cosplayers. However, these are extremely rare and can be very expensive.
Fabric swatches of Magnoli Clothiers’ replica suit fabric next to an original swatch, showing the accuracy of the reproduction.
Replica Suit Fabric and Tailoring:
- Magnoli Clothiers: Renowned for their high-quality replicas, Magnoli Clothiers offers both fabric by the yard and finished suits in updated, screen-accurate fabrics rewoven from original swatches. Their “Time Suit” is a highly regarded option.
- Baron Boutique: Another reputable source offering excellent suits, Baron Boutique can create suits using Magnoli fabric and is open to pattern customizations for enhanced accuracy.
- Bad Wolf Costumes: Provides a sewing pattern for DIY cosplayers who want to create their own screen-accurate suit. They also offer a step-by-step sewing tutorial for guidance.
A screen-accurate or near-screen-accurate suit will typically range from $500 to $800 or more, reflecting the quality of materials and tailoring involved.
2. The Button-Up Shirt: Vintage Hunts and Retail Finds
Some of the original shirts worn by David Tennant are still available from their original retailers, although often with minor variations. Vintage versions of ID’d shirts occasionally surface on reseller platforms.
Sourcing Options:
- eBay, Vinted, Poshmark: These platforms are your best bet for finding vintage shirts, including ID’d options like the UniQlo linen shirts or Reiss shirts. Be prepared for bidding wars and potentially higher prices for sought-after items.
- Retailers: Check UniQlo, Reiss, River Island, and FCUK for modern shirts that are similar in style and color to the originals.
- Un-ID’d Shirts: Some shirts, like the pinspotted dark purple shirt or the medium blue shirt, remain un-ID’d, making vintage hunting more challenging.
Finding screen-accurate shirts can be challenging and require patience, but dedicated searching on reseller sites can yield results.
3. The Tie: Vintage or Replica Precision
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Close up of fabric swatches for the Tenth Doctor’s coat, shirt, and tie, showcasing color and texture.
Owning a vintage Tenth Doctor tie is a coveted prize for serious cosplayers, but these are increasingly rare and expensive. Fortunately, excellent replicas are readily available.
Tie Sources:
- Time and Space Replicas (Etsy): Offers flawless replicas of nearly every Tenth Doctor tie.
- Magnoli Clothiers: Also provides high-quality tie replicas.
- eBay, Vinted, Poshmark: For those seeking vintage ties, these platforms are the hunting grounds, but be prepared for competition and potentially high prices.
Replicas offer a more accessible and reliable way to achieve screen-accurate ties for your Doctor Who costume.
4. The Shoes: Readily Available Converse
The good news for shoe accuracy is that both the cream (Natural Ivory) and maroon Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars are still in production and widely available.
Converse Purchase Locations:
- Converse Retail Stores and Website: Purchase directly from Converse.
- Baggins Shoes: Specifically mentioned for carrying the Maroon Chuck Taylor All Stars in the correct color code.
- General Shoe Retailers: Most shoe retailers carrying Converse will stock these classic colors.
Brand new Converse are relatively affordable, typically costing around $65-$75 per pair, making this one of the easier screen-accurate elements to acquire.
5. The Hair: Styling and Product Accuracy
Achieving screen-accurate hair relies on both the haircut and styling products.
Hair Styling Products:
- Bed Head Hard To Get: A discontinued but still findable texturizing paste used by production for Tennant’s hair. Search eBay and other online marketplaces.
- Bed Head Stick: A styling wax stick, still commercially available, also used for the Tenth Doctor’s hair.
Many cosplayers experiment with haircuts and styling techniques to achieve the Tenth Doctor’s look using their own hair, while wigs and fake sideburns offer alternative options.
6. The Coat: Fabric and Tailoring Challenges
The Tenth Doctor’s overcoat fabric, Alcantara in “Roan 11,” is long discontinued, making screen-accurate fabric sourcing extremely difficult. The original fabric was even rumored to be cut from a sofa!
Coat Replica Sources:
- Steve Ricks (tennantcoat.com): Considered the “king” of Tenth Doctor coats. Steve Ricks makes custom coats and also sells replica lining fabric by the meter.
- Magnoli Clothiers: Offers coat replicas, although fabric choices may vary. Check current fabric options with Magnoli directly.
Replica coats from reputable makers can range from $700 to $1200, reflecting the tailoring and material quality.
7. The Undershirt: Unidentified and Auctioned Pieces
The only ID’d undershirt is a River Island Henley worn in Tooth and Claw, which was auctioned in 2006. Vintage versions are unlikely to surface.
Sourcing Recommendation:
- Department Stores: Find a Henley or t-shirt in a similar style and color from your local department store. Screen accuracy for this piece is less critical.
8. The Glasses: Replica Frames
While the original Alain Mikli frames are rare, excellent replicas are available.
Glasses Source:
- Magnoli Clothiers: Offers “Geek Chic Glasses,” a practically flawless replica of the Tenth Doctor’s Alain Mikli frames, for a reasonable price.
9. The Socks: Generic Ribbed Socks
Screen-accurate socks have not been specifically ID’d.
Sourcing Recommendation:
- Google Search: Search for “ribbed socks” in dark brown or maroon to find readily available options in the correct colors.
10. The Sonic Screwdriver: Prop Maker Replicas
For the most screen-accurate sonic screwdriver, look to prop makers who worked on Doctor Who.
Sonic Screwdriver Sources:
- Rubbertoe Replicas (Nick Robatto): Nick Robatto, who made sonic screwdrivers for Doctor Who, sells high-end replicas online. Series 4 Tenth Doctor sonic currently out of stock but pre-orders available for cream and wide slider versions.
- Little Shop Props: Works with Nick Robatto and offers “Aztec” version sonic replicas (Series 1-2) in gray.
These prop maker replicas are the most expensive option, costing several hundred pounds, but offer the highest level of screen accuracy for serious collectors and cosplayers. Toy versions and replicas from The Wand Company (discontinued but findable on eBay) offer more budget-friendly alternatives.
Budget-Friendly Doctor Who Costume Options
Creating a fantastic Tenth Doctor Doctor Who costume doesn’t require breaking the bank. Many cosplayers achieve impressive results on a budget by focusing on capturing the overall essence of the look rather than screen-accurate details.
Example of a budget-friendly Tenth Doctor cosplay, demonstrating that a recognizable look can be achieved affordably.
Here’s a guide to creating a budget-conscious Doctor Who costume that still captures the unmistakable Tenth Doctor vibe.
1. The Suit: Pinstripes are Key, Not Perfect Accuracy
David Tennant in a brown pinstripe suit, highlighting the visual impact of the pinstripes even in standard definition.
The pinstripe is the most important element of the suit for a budget Doctor Who costume. The exact color of the pinstripe and suit fabric is less critical.
Budget Suit Strategies:
- Thrift Stores: Look for pinstripe suits in brown or blue at thrift stores. Don’t worry about four buttons; three-button suits are acceptable. Focus on a thinner fabric (wool or polyester blend) rather than cotton for thrift store finds. A slim fit is ideal, but a coat can help improve the silhouette of a less-than-perfect fit.
- Pinstripe Focus: Prioritize a strong pinstripe pattern. The color can range from gray to blue on a brown suit. For a blue suit, a subtle neutral stripe or even solid blue is acceptable.
- Online Cosplay Retailers: Cheap cosplay houses online offer affordable versions of the Tenth Doctor suit for under $100. These can be a good starting point for a budget costume.
- Baron Boutique (Screen Printed Fabric): Baron Boutique offers a less expensive suit option using screen-printed fabric, a step up in quality from basic cosplay suits.
2. The Button-Up Shirt: Thrift Store and Department Store Finds
David Tennant wearing a light blue button-up shirt, a versatile and classic shirt choice for a budget costume.
Thrift stores and department stores are excellent resources for budget-friendly button-up shirts.
Budget Shirt Tips:
- Thrift Stores: Thrift stores likely have soft cotton or linen shirts in solid colors. Look for light blue, which is the most classic and versatile choice.
- Department Stores: Inexpensive linen shirts are readily available new from department stores.
- Fabric and Style: Prioritize soft cotton or linen fabrics and avoid stiff, formal business shirts. Stay away from stripes, prints, or complex weaves.
3. The Tie: Thrift Store Tie Selection
Thrift stores and department stores offer affordable tie options to complement your budget Doctor Who costume.
Budget Tie Tips:
- Thrift Stores and Department Stores: Find functional ties in thrift stores or inexpensive department store sections.
- Color Palettes: For the brown suit, look for brown-based ties with blue details. For the blue suit, seek maroon ties with blue details.
- Patterns: Geometric or floral patterns are ideal for authenticity, but stripes are also acceptable.
4. The Shoes: Converse in the Right Colors
Hi-Top Converse, while not the cheapest shoes, are a worthwhile investment for a budget Doctor Who costume as they significantly enhance the recognizability.
Budget Shoe Strategies:
- Converse Retailers: Purchase “Natural Ivory” Converse for the brown suit and maroon Converse for the blue suit. These are still relatively affordable new.
- eBay (Used Converse): Check eBay for used Converse to save money.
- Color Importance: Prioritize the correct Converse colors (Natural Ivory/Cream and Maroon) for your suit. While black and white Converse are technically accurate in some instances, colored Converse significantly improve the overall look.
- Avoid Bright Red: Standard bright red Converse detract from authenticity for the blue suit. Maroon is a more accurate and aesthetically pleasing choice.
5. The Hair: Adapt Your Own Hair or Use a Budget Wig
Hair is a less critical element for a budget Doctor Who costume.
Budget Hair Options:
- Style Your Own Hair: Experiment with styling your own hair to mimic the Tenth Doctor’s spiky look. Hair gel or wax can help.
- Budget Wigs: Affordable costume wigs can be used, but focus on the overall outfit accuracy if budget is limited.
6. The Coat: Budget Overcoat as a Secret Weapon
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Example of a budget coat effectively enhancing a Tenth Doctor cosplay, demonstrating its visual impact.
The coat is a “secret weapon” for budget cosplayers. A good coat can cover and elevate a less-than-perfect suit, improving the overall Doctor Who costume impression.
Budget Coat Strategies:
- Thrift Stores: Search thrift stores for long brown overcoats. Faux suede or microfiber is ideal, but color is more important than fabric.
- Color Focus: Prioritize a neutral, olive-y medium brown color or a light brown/dark beige. Saturated nutty browns can also work.
- Avoid Trench Coat Styles: Avoid light beige canvas trench coats with shoulder straps and buckles (these resemble Castiel from Supernatural).
- Lapel Importance: Ensure the coat has a proper lapel, not a standing collar (to avoid a Rip Hunter look).
- Online Cosplay Retailers: Affordable cosplay shops offer reasonable coat options in faux suede or wool-like fabrics. Look for ankle-length, medium brown coats with lapels.
7. The Undershirt: Use What You Have
For a budget costume, the undershirt is not a priority piece.
Budget Undershirt Tip:
- Use Existing Clothes: Use a plain t-shirt or Henley shirt you already own in a complementary color.
8. The Glasses: Affordable Tortoise Shell Frames
[Example of tortoise shell glasses adding to a budget Tenth Doctor cosplay.
Affordable tortoise shell glasses can be found easily.
Budget Glasses Tips:
- Eyewear Retailers: Look for slim, rectangular tortoise shell frames at budget eyewear retailers or online.
- Frame Style: Avoid frames that are too thick or the wrong shape.
9. The Socks: Inexpensive Ribbed Socks
[Fabric swatches including sock color examples for the Tenth Doctor costume.
Ribbed socks are very inexpensive.
Budget Sock Tip:
- Department Stores/Clothing Retailers: Purchase inexpensive ribbed socks in dark brown or maroon from department stores or clothing retailers like Old Navy.
10. The Sonic Screwdriver: Toy Versions
Toy versions of the Tenth Doctor’s sonic screwdriver are widely available and budget-friendly.
Budget Sonic Screwdriver Options:
- Toy Stores/Online Retailers: Purchase toy sonic screwdrivers from toy stores or online retailers like eBay or Amazon. Character Options versions are popular and affordable.
- The Wand Company (eBay): Discontinued Wand Company replicas are higher quality than toys but may be found on eBay for less than prop maker replicas.
Happy Cosplaying! Allons-y!
Whether you aim for screen-accurate perfection or a charming budget-friendly version, cosplaying the Tenth Doctor is a rewarding experience for any Doctor Who fan. By focusing on the key elements – the pinstripe suit, Converse, and spiky hair – and adding optional pieces as your budget allows, you can create a fantastic Doctor Who costume that will be recognized and appreciated by Whovians everywhere. So, grab your sonic screwdriver, practice your best “Allons-y!”, and get ready to step into the shoes of the Tenth Doctor!
