David Tennant’s portrayal of the Tenth Doctor in Doctor Who is iconic, and his style is instantly recognizable. If you’re looking to embody the energetic and beloved Time Lord for your next cosplay event, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide breaks down every element of the Dr Who 10th Doctor Costume, ensuring you can assemble a look that’s not only accurate but also captures the spirit of the Tenth Doctor, whether you’re aiming for screen-perfect precision or a budget-friendly interpretation.
David Tennant as the Tenth Doctor, showcasing the key elements of his memorable costume.
Countless fans have meticulously studied every detail of the Tenth Doctor’s wardrobe, and this guide builds upon their incredible work. We won’t rehash every minute detail already expertly documented by the cosplay community, but instead, focus on providing a practical roadmap for creating your own Dr Who 10th Doctor costume. For deep dives into the costume’s history and variations, resources like Will Brooks’ “Pinstripes and Plimsolls,” Alex Beard’s tailor-focused analysis, and Steve Ricks’ and Daniel Pawlik’s blogs offer invaluable insights.
This article is designed for cosplayers of all levels, regardless of budget or experience. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to confidently assemble a Dr Who 10th Doctor costume that feels authentic and allows you to truly embody the “molto bene” energy of the Tenth Doctor at any convention or event.
Let’s delve into the essential components of the Tenth Doctor’s unforgettable style.
Decoding the Tenth Doctor’s Outfit: Essential Costume Pieces
The Tenth Doctor’s look is built upon two primary suit variations, each sharing core components with subtle yet distinct differences. To create a convincing Dr Who 10th Doctor costume, focus on these essential elements and consider optional additions for enhanced authenticity.
A full view of the Tenth Doctor in his brown suit, highlighting the suit, shirt, tie, and Converse shoes.
Close-up shot of the Tenth Doctor’s blue suit, showcasing the subtle pinstripes and maroon tie.
David Tennant in the Tenth Doctor’s iconic brown coat, an optional but highly recognizable accessory.
1. The Iconic Suit: Foundation of the 10th Doctor Costume
The suit is undeniably the centerpiece of any Dr Who 10th Doctor costume. David Tennant primarily sported two suit variations: a brown suit with electric blue pinstripes and a navy blue suit with subtle brown/rust pinstripes. Both suits, crafted from lightweight cotton shirting, evoke a vintage 1930s style.
A visual guide summarizing the essential and optional elements of the Tenth Doctor’s costume.
Key features of the Tenth Doctor’s suit jacket include a 4-button front, notch lapels, a pleated patch breast pocket with a curved flap, and uniquely constructed hip pockets that appear as flap/welt but open from the top. The jacket is slim-fitting with front darts, a back waist belt, and a single back vent. Sleeves feature three decorative buttons.
The trousers are modern straight-leg fit with a two-clasp front flap closure and zipper, slash front pockets, and double welt back pockets with button-tab closures. Details include a blind hem and five belt loops on the waistband. Both suit jackets are lined with color-matched acetate twill.
Close-up of the GAP trousers fabric used for the original brown suit, highly sought after by dedicated cosplayers.
Fabric swatch illustrating the distinctive blue pinstripe pattern on the brown suit.
A clear view of the suit’s tailored fit and the placement of the belt at the back waistline.
Diagram showing the color-matched acetate twill lining used in the suit jackets.
Detail of the four-button closure and notch lapel, classic features of the Tenth Doctor’s suit jacket.
Close-up on the unique hip pocket construction, a subtle detail that adds to the costume’s accuracy.
Image showcasing the straight-leg fit of the trousers, a modern touch to the vintage-inspired suit.
Another view of the trousers, highlighting the clean lines and simple design.
The Tenth Doctor in action, the suit’s movement and fit are key to capturing his dynamic persona.
Detail of the single back vent and lining of the brown suit jacket.
The blue suit in a darker setting, showing how the pinstripes subtly catch the light.
A side profile view, emphasizing the slim cut and tailored silhouette of the suit.
Back view of the suit, highlighting the belt detail and single vent.
2. The Button-Up Shirt: Casual Yet Stylish
Underneath the suit jacket, the Tenth Doctor favored button-up dress shirts, often sourced from high-street retailers such as UniQlo, Reiss, River Island, and FCUK. These shirts were always soft cotton or linen in solid colors, avoiding patterns or prints. Linen options sometimes featured heathered textures, and some shirts had subtle embellishments like contrast stitching. While one striped shirt appeared, plain, solid colors were the norm. Crucially, costume designer Louise Page opted for more relaxed, casual dress shirts rather than stiff business shirts, contributing to the Doctor’s approachable demeanor.
Shirt colors varied depending on the suit: brown suits were paired with light and dark blues, beige, heathered gray, and olive shirts. Blue suits were complemented by light blue, maroon, and dark purple shirts.
A light blue linen shirt, a common choice for the Tenth Doctor’s brown suit ensemble.
Another example of a light blue shirt, showcasing its soft texture and casual style.
A darker blue shirt option, providing contrast with the brown suit.
Medium blue shirt paired with the blue suit, illustrating the subtle color combinations.
Olive green shirt, a less common but still authentic color choice for the brown suit.
Beige shirt, offering a neutral and versatile option for the brown suit.
Heathered gray UniQlo shirt from “School Reunion,” showcasing a textured fabric choice.
Dark purple shirt paired with the blue suit, a bolder color option.
Maroon shirt with the blue suit, creating a sophisticated and contrasting look.
Another example of a dark purple shirt, highlighting its subtle sheen and texture.
3. The Tie: A Pop of Pattern and Color
The Tenth Doctor’s ties are so distinctive they’ve developed a dedicated following. While not always present in every look, ties are a popular and recognizable feature of the Dr Who 10th Doctor costume. For an in-depth exploration, refer to dedicated resources like “The Tennant Ties Full Index.”
Brown suits were typically paired with brown ties featuring blue geometric, floral, or striped patterns. Blue suits called for maroon ties with navy details, although the most famous blue suit tie is primarily navy blue with maroon accents.
Brown tie with blue geometric pattern, a classic choice for the brown suit.
Another example of a brown tie, showcasing a different geometric design in blue.
Brown tie with a more intricate floral pattern in blue, adding a touch of detail.
Brown tie with a striped pattern, offering a different visual texture.
Close-up of a floral tie, highlighting the detailed and often vintage-inspired patterns.
Navy blue tie with maroon details, the signature tie for the blue suit.
Maroon tie with navy accents, showing the reverse color scheme for the blue suit.
Another example of a maroon tie, illustrating the variety of patterns within the color scheme.
Close-up of a geometric tie, showcasing the intricate details often found in the Doctor’s tie collection.
A striped tie option, offering a more linear and structured pattern.
4. The Shoes: Converse All Stars – A Doctor’s Choice
David Tennant famously wore Chuck Taylor All-Star Hi-Tops as the Tenth Doctor, a detail he personally championed. He recounted fighting for the Converse, preferring “crappy old trainers” over “beautiful boots” to ground the Doctor’s look.
Cream Converse were paired with the brown suit, and maroon Converse with the blue suit. The shoes were consistently laced in a specific style, and for legal reasons, the Converse logos were whited out on screen. Notably, black Converse were occasionally worn with the brown suit, particularly in Series 2.
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Maroon Converse with the blue suit, showing the color coordination and distinct lacing.
Cream Converse with the brown suit, the classic footwear pairing for this costume.
A lacing guide illustrating the specific style used for the Tenth Doctor’s Converse.
Close-up on the cream Converse, highlighting the whited-out logo detail for screen accuracy.
Full shot showcasing the Converse with the suit, demonstrating the casual yet stylish footwear choice.
Another view of the maroon Converse, emphasizing the consistent lacing and color.
5. The Hair: Iconic and Spiky
David Tennant’s hair is an integral part of the Tenth Doctor’s image. While hairstyles varied slightly throughout his tenure, the core silhouette remained consistent: scissor-cut sides and back with longer, messy, and spiky fringe styled upwards and forwards, often with hair products like Bed Head. Tennant also sported prominent sideburns, extending to his earlobes and often flaring wider at the bottom.
Side view showcasing the scissor-cut sides and the length of the sideburns.
Front view highlighting the spiky fringe and overall messy yet styled appearance.
Close-up of the spiky hairstyle, demonstrating the texture and lift achieved with styling products.
Another hairstyle variation, showing a slightly more relaxed and less spiked style.
Profile view emphasizing the sideburns and the textured, layered haircut.
Full face view highlighting the hairstyle in relation to the overall costume.
Another example of the spiky fringe and sideburns, showcasing consistency across different episodes.
Close-up on the hairstyle and sideburns in a brightly lit scene.
A more styled and deliberately spiked version of the hairstyle, showing its versatility.
With these five key elements, you’ll have a recognizable Dr Who 10th Doctor costume. However, adding a few optional pieces can significantly enhance the authenticity and detail of your cosplay.
Elevating Your 10th Doctor Cosplay: Optional Pieces for Authenticity
To truly nail the Dr Who 10th Doctor costume, consider incorporating these optional accessories that add layers of detail and recognition.
6. The Coat: A Dramatic Outer Layer
The Tenth Doctor occasionally sported a long brown overcoat, crafted from Alcantara microfiber. This double-breasted coat featured notch lapels, flap-covered hip pockets, back darts, and a gusset. Sleeves were long and loose without cuff vents or buttons. It had eight faux horn buttons at the front and four at the back vent, designed to be closed, though Tennant always wore it open. The coat was lined with a navy acetate self-stripe lining, and inside pocket welts were made from rust-colored silk dupioni.
Alcantara fabric swatch, showing the microfiber material used for the original coat.
Navy acetate self-stripe lining swatch, used for the coat’s interior.
Rust-colored silk dupioni swatch, used for the inside pocket welts, a subtle detail.
Close-up of the coat fabric, showcasing its texture and color.
Full-length view of the Tenth Doctor in his brown coat, demonstrating its dramatic silhouette.
Another full-length shot, highlighting the coat’s length and flow.
Side view of the coat, showcasing the back darts and gusset detail.
Close-up on the coat’s lapel and buttons, emphasizing its double-breasted design.
7. The Undershirt: Layering for Casual Looks
When foregoing a tie, the Tenth Doctor layered his look with a colored t-shirt or Henley underneath his button-up shirt. Colors and collar styles varied, with few being definitively identified. Notably, in “Fear Her,” Tennant wears a Henley without a dress shirt, and in “Journey’s End,” the Metacrisis Doctor wears a t-shirt sans dress shirt, showcasing the versatility of these casual layers.
Dark Henley shirt worn under a button-up, adding a layer of casual style.
Another Henley shirt example, showcasing the collar detail.
Henley shirt with contrast stitching, a subtle design detail.
Light blue Henley, providing a softer color option for layering.
T-shirt worn without a dress shirt by the Metacrisis Doctor, showcasing a very casual look.
Another example of layering with a Henley shirt, adding depth to the costume.
8. The Glasses: Geek Chic Accessory
For a touch of “geek chic,” the Tenth Doctor sometimes wore custom Alain Mikli glasses in a dark tortoise shell acetate. Production had only one pair and later acquired similar Alain Mikli frames as backups. The replacement pair made a single on-screen appearance as sonic screwdriver-generated sunglasses in “Planet of the Dead.”
The Tenth Doctor wearing his signature tortoise shell glasses, adding intellectual flair.
Another view of the glasses, showing their frame shape and style.
Close-up of the glasses, highlighting the tortoise shell acetate material.
The glasses used as sonic sunglasses, a unique on-screen variation.
Profile view of the glasses, showcasing their slim and rectangular frame shape.
9. The Socks: Coordinated Color Details
Tennant wore ribbed socks with his Converse, coordinating colors with his suits: dark brown socks for the brown suit and maroon socks for the blue suit. This subtle detail adds another layer of accuracy to a dedicated Dr Who 10th Doctor costume.
[Maroon socks with maroon Converse, showing the color-coordinated footwear.
Dark brown ribbed socks, the correct choice for the brown suit ensemble.
10. The Sonic Screwdriver: A Doctor’s Essential Tool
No Doctor Who cosplay is complete without their sonic screwdriver. While technically a prop, it’s an iconic part of every Doctor’s appearance since the Second Doctor and a must-have for any Dr Who 10th Doctor costume.
Designed by Dan Walker and initially made by Aztec Modelmakers, the Tenth Doctor’s sonic screwdriver features a machined aluminum body with a crackle glaze grip, a black end cap, and a blue light at the tip. The tip extends via a crackle-painted slider, revealing a clear tube with a central spiral of wires connected to the emitter head by a static ball joint. Several versions appeared with minor variations, particularly in slider details and crackle paint color. For the 50th Anniversary special, replicas were used with a gold-colored crackle glaze to preserve David Tennant’s personal sonic. Brian Terranova’s detailed history of the Russel T. Davies era sonic screwdriver is a valuable resource for sonic enthusiasts.
The Tenth Doctor’s sonic screwdriver, a vital prop for any authentic costume.
Diagram illustrating the different parts and construction of the sonic screwdriver.
The gold-crackle sonic screwdriver used in the 50th Anniversary special.
Close-up of the sonic screwdriver’s details, including the crackle glaze and blue emitter.
The sonic screwdriver in action, highlighting its role as a versatile tool for the Doctor.
Bonus: Other Notable Accessories
Beyond the sonic screwdriver, numerous other props can enhance your Dr Who 10th Doctor costume. These include psychic paper, a squirt gun, 3-D glasses, a silver fob watch, and various homemade gadgets, all adding personality and recognizability.
Psychic paper, a frequently used gadget by the Doctor.
Squirt gun, a humorous and unexpected prop.
3D glasses, a quirky accessory used in specific episodes.
Silver fob watch, a significant item in the Doctor’s storyline.
Homemade gadgets, reflecting the Doctor’s inventive nature.
Another example of homemade gadgets, emphasizing the Doctor’s resourcefulness.
Finding Screen-Accurate Components for Your 10th Doctor Costume
For those aiming for ultimate accuracy in their Dr Who 10th Doctor costume, here’s a guide to sourcing screen-accurate or near-screen-accurate pieces.
1. The Suit: The Quest for Perfection
The original brown suit trousers were famously off-the-rack GAP trousers. Finding vintage GAP trousers is a holy grail for dedicated cosplayers, but they are extremely rare and expensive. Fabric replication efforts have been led by Magnoli Clothiers, offering fabric by the yard and finished suits in updated, rewoven fabrics. Baron Boutique also offers excellent suits using Magnoli fabric. Bad Wolf Costumes provides sewing patterns for DIY enthusiasts, and a step-by-step tutorial is available at Doctor Who Costume Guide. Expect to invest $500-$800 for a high-quality, screen-accurate suit.
GAP trousers, the legendary source for the original brown suit trousers.
Magnoli Clothiers fabric swatch, renowned for its accuracy in replicating the original suit fabric.
2. The Button-Up Shirt: Vintage Hunts and Rare Finds
Some original Tenth Doctor dress shirts from retailers like UniQlo and Reiss are still occasionally available, albeit with minor variations. Ebay searches might yield rare finds like the H&M maroon/striped shirt or the Reiss dark purple two-button collar shirt, but these can command high prices. Unidentified shirts, such as the pinspotted dark purple shirt or the medium blue shirt, add to the challenge. Vintage Reiss and UniQlo shirts sometimes surface on reseller platforms. Highly sought-after shirts, like the FCUK shirt and the Hackett shirt, are exceptionally rare.
3. The Tie: Replicas and Vintage Treasures
Vintage Tenth Doctor ties are highly coveted and increasingly scarce and expensive. Excellent replicas are available from Time and Space Replicas and Magnoli Clothiers. For vintage ties, eBay, Vinted, and Poshmark are hunting grounds, but be prepared for intense competition.
4. The Shoes: Readily Available Converse
Both cream and maroon Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars, the Tenth Doctor’s signature shoes, are still in production without significant changes. “Natural Ivory” Converse (color code M9162) for the brown suit and “Maroon” Converse (color code M9613) for the blue suit are generally available for around $65-$75 per pair.
5. The Hair: Styling Products and Dedicated Cosplayers
While wigs and fake sideburns are options, many Tenth Doctor cosplayers style their own hair to achieve accuracy. Bed Head Hard To Get and Bed Head Stick, the original production styling products, are still commercially available. Hard To Get is discontinued but can be found online.
6. The Coat: Fabric Challenges and Expert Replicas
The Tenth Doctor’s overcoat fabric, Alcantara in “Roan 11,” is discontinued. Substitutes like faux suede and microfiber are used, but often get discontinued. The original lining was BBC stock; Steve Ricks offers a rewoven lining replica. Excellent coat replicas are available from Steve Ricks and Magnoli Clothiers, costing between $700 and $1200.
Fabric swatches representing the challenges in replicating the original coat materials.
Steve Ricks coat replica, known for its high accuracy and craftsmanship.
7. The Undershirt: Generic Substitutes
The only identified undershirt is a River Island Henley, auctioned in 2006. Vintage versions are unlikely to surface. Finding a close substitute from department stores is the most practical approach.
8. The Glasses: Replica Frames Available
Original Alain Mikli frames are rare, but a near-flawless replica is available from Magnoli Clothiers for $75.
9. The Socks: Easy to Find Ribbed Socks
Never identified, ribbed socks in dark brown and maroon are easily found through online searches.
10. The Sonic Screwdriver: Prop Maker Replicas
Nick Robatto’s Rubbertoe Replicas and Little Shop Props offer high-quality sonic screwdriver replicas. Rubbertoe Replicas offers various versions, costing around £650. Little Shop Props offers “Aztec” versions for £450.
Rubbertoe Replicas sonic screwdriver, a highly accurate and sought-after replica.
Bonus: Other Notable Accessories
Little Shop Props offers Psychic Paper replicas. Other accessories, like the squirt gun, are found items, while some, like the fob watch, lack readily available replicas.
Budget-Friendly 10th Doctor Cosplay: Achieving the Look for Less
Creating a fantastic Dr Who 10th Doctor costume doesn’t require breaking the bank. Excellent cosplays are achievable at various budget levels. Even a thrifted or budget-sourced outfit can effectively capture the Tenth Doctor’s essence.
A budget-friendly Tenth Doctor cosplay example, demonstrating great results without high costs.
To avoid being mistaken for other characters like Castiel or Rip Hunter, focus on key recognizable elements even in a budget Dr Who 10th Doctor costume.
1. The Suit: Pinstripes and Color Focus
While the blue pinstripe is iconic, the pinstripe itself is the crucial element for a budget brown suit. The stripe color can vary, but a strong pinstripe is key. For blue suits, a solid blue or a subtle neutral stripe works well due to the original suit’s low-contrast stripe. Three-button suits are acceptable substitutes for the less common four-button style. Thrift stores are unlikely to have cotton suits; wool or polyester blends are fine. A slimmer fit is preferable, but the overcoat can help disguise less-than-perfect fits. Budget-conscious replicas are available from Baron Boutique with screen-printed fabric and from Chinese cosplay houses for under $100.
Even without a clearly visible blue pinstripe, the brown suit silhouette remains recognizable.
A blue suit with a subtle stripe or even solid blue can still effectively represent the Tenth Doctor.
2. The Button-Up Shirt: Thrift Store Finds
Department and thrift stores are ideal for budget-friendly shirts. Look for soft cotton or linen shirts, avoiding stiff or formal styles. Linen shirts are inexpensive new, and thrift stores offer numerous affordable options. Light blue is a classic and versatile color for both suits.
3. The Tie: Thrifted Patterns and Colors
Thrift or department stores offer functional tie options. For brown suits, seek brown-based ties with blue details; for blue suits, maroon ties with blue details. Geometric or floral patterns are ideal, but stripes are also acceptable.
4. The Shoes: Converse – Color is Key
Hi-Top Converse are essential for distinguishing the Dr Who 10th Doctor costume from similar cosplays. “Natural Ivory” Converse for brown suits significantly enhance authenticity, even for budget outfits. Used pairs can be found on eBay. Standard maroon Converse are suitable for blue suits. While black-and-white Converse are technically accurate in some instances, colored Converse greatly improve the overall look.
5. The Hair: Adaptable Style
While wigs and fake sideburns enhance accuracy, they are not essential for budget cosplays. Even without perfect hair, a recognizable outfit will convey the Tenth Doctor.
6. The Coat: Budget “Secret Weapon”
The coat is a budget cosplayer’s secret weapon. A good coat can cover less accurate suit details. Focus on coat style over fabric accuracy. Prioritize color: a neutral, olive-y medium brown wool-like coat is better than a chocolate brown microsuede. Avoid 1930s detective-style canvas trench coats (Castiel’s style) with buckles and straps. Choose a coat with a proper lapel, avoiding large collars without lapels (Rip Hunter’s style). Affordable cosplay shop coats are available; look for faux suede or wool-like, ankle-length, medium brown, sleek coats with lapels. If investing in one piece, prioritize the coat.
A budget-friendly coat example, demonstrating how silhouette and color are key.
7. The Undershirt: Use Existing Wardrobe
No need to spend extra on undershirts; use existing wardrobe pieces.
8. The Glasses: Tortoise Shell Frames
Focus on tortoise shell frames, avoiding overly thick or wrongly shaped styles. Slim, rectangular tortoise shell frames suffice.
9. The Socks: Affordable Ribbed Socks
Ribbed socks in the correct colors are easily and affordably found at stores like Old Navy.
10. The Sonic Screwdriver: Toy Versions
Toy versions of the Tenth Doctor’s sonic screwdriver, like the Character Options version, are widely available and affordable. While oversized and plastic, they are recognizable. The Wand Company replica, a higher-quality option, can be found on eBay.
Happy Cosplaying! Allons-y!
Remember, while this guide focuses on the iconic pinstriped suit Dr Who 10th Doctor costume, the Tenth Doctor wore other memorable outfits like the tuxedo and orange spacesuit. However, the pinstriped suit is the most widely recognized and adaptable for cosplay at any budget.
A final image celebrating the joy of Tenth Doctor cosplay and encouraging readers to embrace the “allons-y” spirit.
