Minions are one of the few costumes I can build for a whole family in an afternoon. The formula never changes: a yellow top, blue denim, round goggles, black gloves and dark shoes. Almost everything after that is a choice about hair, eyes and props. That makes it easy to adapt for a toddler, a teenager, a pregnant mom or an office, and most of it comes from the closet or a thrift rack. Below are thirty versions, from the three famous characters to tutus, raincoats and group setups, with notes on where the goggles and felt bits usually go wrong.
Making Goggles That Sit Straight All Night
The goggles are the one thing every version below shares, and they're where most homemade Minions go wrong. They slide forward, tip sideways or press on the forehead until someone takes them off. Here's how I make a pair that stays put.
- Cut the frames from craft foam about 3/16 inch thick or EVA foam. It's light, it bends round the head and it doesn't go soft in damp air the way cardboard does.
- Spray or brush on silver paint in two thin coats. One thick coat cracks when the foam flexes.
- Glue the paper eye to the back of the frame, not the front, so the frame edge hides the cut.
- Use elastic at least ¾ inch wide. Thin elastic rolls into a cord and digs in.
- Sew the elastic ends to the frames, or staple and cover the staples with tape. Hot glue alone lets go once it's cold.
- Mount the goggles on the hat, above the brow, and try them on with a mirror before the night.
For small children, I skip elastic altogether and stitch flat felt goggles straight to the hat. It looks just as convincing in photos and there's nothing to pull or snap.
1. Classic DIY Minion Costume
Start here if you've never made one. A bright yellow long-sleeve shirt goes under medium-wash denim overalls, and a yellow beanie makes your head read as part of the body. The goggles can be craft-foam rings, clean jar rings or painted cardboard, with a white cardstock eye glued behind and black elastic stapled at the sides. I'd test the weight before you glue: jar rings look the most convincing but pull the beanie forward unless the elastic is wide. Black knit gloves, black sneakers or boots and a black felt emblem pinned to the bib finish it. A foam banana is the only prop you need.
2. One-Eyed Stuart Minion Costume
Stuart needs just one goggle, which halves the craft time. Wear a fitted yellow tee or sweatshirt with classic blue denim overalls. Cut one large goggle from silver-painted cardboard and layer a white circle, brown iris and black pupil in the middle. Mount it on the beanie with wide black elastic, not over your own eyes, since a single big lens blocks a lot of view. For his neat parted hair, push a few black pipe cleaners through the knit at the center and bend them flat to each side. Black gloves, dark ankle boots and striped socks finish the outfit, and a cardboard ukulele is the giveaway prop.
3. Two-Eyed Bob Minion Costume
Bob is the small, sweet one, and the details that matter are his eyes and his bear. Start with a yellow hoodie or crewneck and short denim overalls, with yellow leggings or knee socks underneath to keep the color going. Make two silver foam goggles and give one a green iris and the other brown. A smooth yellow beanie suits him because he has almost no hair. I paint the irises on cardstock rather than drawing them in marker, because marker on cardstock streaks under a flash. Black gloves, lace-up sneakers and a small brown teddy bear finish him. No yellow face paint needed; pink blush is enough.
4. Tall Kevin Minion Costume
Kevin's height is easier to suggest than to build. A yellow mock-neck and full-length straight-leg overalls with a high bib give one long vertical line from chin to ankle. Two round foam goggles sit on a close-fitting yellow cap, and a few upright black pipe cleaners at the crown make his sprout of hair. Black fitted gloves and black high-tops keep the silhouette unbroken. Pipe cleaners bend over by the end of a night, so I twist two together for each strand. A clipboard with pretend "plans" suits his leader role. Give this one to the tallest person in your group.
5. Otto Minion Costume With Braces
Otto is round, so go roomy: a big yellow sweatshirt, loose overalls and a soft yellow beanie with a few short strands of black yarn on top. Make two silver goggles and keep them above your line of sight. His braces are the tricky part. Please don't put anything on real teeth. Draw gray lines across a smiling mouth on a handheld paper face, or dab a few silver cosmetic dots near the lips. Black gloves and comfortable black sneakers handle the walking. Paint a smooth craft-store stone in a few bright colors to stand in for his beloved rock, and you're done.
6. Dave Minion Costume With Center-Part Hair
The center part is what makes this Dave and not just a generic Minion. Layer a plain yellow shirt under fitted overalls with the cuffs rolled once. On the yellow beanie, stitch or glue black yarn along a clean center line so it falls evenly to each side. I always sew yarn hair rather than gluing it, because knit stretches when you pull the hat on and hot glue cracks off. Two light silver goggles with brown paper eyes sit on a broad black headband. Black gloves and rounded black shoes keep the palette. A foam wrench or a cardboard gadget with colored buttons makes a harmless prop, and yellow cream eyeshadow ties your face to the clothes.
7. Carl Minion Costume With Siren
Carl's siren is the fun bit, and it's easy if you keep it light. Start with a yellow sweatshirt, blue denim overalls, black gloves and supportive black sneakers. Fasten two silver goggles round a yellow knit cap, then glue a small plastic cup to the crown and wrap it in blue translucent paper. That's your siren. Skip real flashing lights at school or anywhere sensory-sensitive; a tiny battery light is fine only where it's welcome. Hot glue loosens on plastic once it's cold outside, so I add a strip of tape inside the cup too. A cardboard megaphone and lots of loud cheeks finish the character.
8. Mel Minion Costume With Side Hair
Mel's side-swept hair gives an otherwise standard Minion a different personality. Pair a mustard-yellow long-sleeve tee with slightly distressed overalls and black canvas sneakers. Cover your hair with a yellow swim cap or a close beanie, then attach a thick section of black faux fur or yarn diagonally across one side. A swim cap holds glue better than knit and gives a smoother head, but it gets warm, so it suits a short party. Two silver goggles with brown irises, black gloves and a felt emblem on the pocket finish it. A rolled poster-board protest sign with a friendly message suits his rebel streak.
9. Purple Evil Minion Costume
The purple Evil Minion is silly rather than scary, and it's a good contrast in a yellow group. Wear a purple hoodie and leggings with black overalls or a black sleeveless jumpsuit. The hair should be wild: tease a bright purple wig upward or stitch strips of purple faux fur to a fitted cap. Make one or two goggles with purple eyelids and big paper eyes. I'd keep lavender face makeup to the forehead and cheeks, since full coverage rubs onto a hood within an hour. Black gloves and chunky black sneakers ground all that color, and a purple plush banana is a nice joke against the yellow ones.
10. Minion Tutu Costume
A blue tutu turns the Minion into a party look. Start with a yellow fitted tee, long-sleeve bodysuit or any opaque yellow top. Layer a royal blue tulle skirt over black leggings or biker shorts. Blue suspenders link the skirt back to the overalls idea. Tulle snags on everything, so I'd buy a skirt with a soft lining layer or add one, which also stops it scratching bare legs. A yellow headband with short pipe-cleaner hair and foam goggles, black fingerless gloves and flat black shoes complete it. This one dances well and stays cool in a warm room.
11. Minion Denim Dress Costume
An overall dress gives you the whole lower half in one piece. Choose a blue overall dress or denim pinafore and wear it over a yellow turtleneck, with opaque yellow tights for an unbroken color. Black loafers, sneakers or ankle boots all suit it. Place two silver goggles on a yellow beret or beanie, check they don't slide into your eyeline, and add a few strands of black yarn for hair. A black felt emblem on the bib and black gloves finish it. Yellow tights vary wildly in shade, so hold them against the turtleneck before you buy. It's tidy enough for a classroom or office.
12. Minion Hoodie Costume
In cold weather, a pullover hoodie does the job of the beanie and a layer at once. Wear a bright yellow hoodie under relaxed overalls and keep the hood up for the round head. Put the yarn hair and foam goggles on a separate elastic band over the hood, so you aren't gluing anything to the sweatshirt. Black thermal gloves, yellow socks and insulated boots handle a long route, and a blue puffer vest under the straps adds warmth. Face paint rubs straight onto a hood lining, so I'd use yellow eyeshadow instead. Carry a foam banana or a brown plush and you're ready for a chilly night.
13. Minion Pajama Costume
Pajamas make the comfiest Minion for a sleepover party or a relaxed school day. Wear a matching yellow pajama set with loose short overalls over the top. No overalls? Pin two wide blue fabric straps to blue pajama pants. Fuzzy black slippers work indoors, cushioned sneakers outside. A yellow sleep cap with a few black yarn strands carries the foam goggles. I'd leave the gloves off if there are snacks involved, since knit gloves and popcorn don't mix. A small pillow covered in blue fabric with a black emblem is a fun prop for this one.
14. Minion Raincoat Costume
A yellow raincoat is the most practical Minion base there is. Wear it over denim overalls or blue waterproof pants so some blue shows below the hem. Pull the hood up and put a sturdy black elastic goggle band round it. For a wet night, cut the frames from foam rather than cardboard and laminate the paper eyes, since cardboard goes limp in rain and paper eyes bleed. Black rain gloves and rubber boots finish it, and a removable blue bib shape on the coat front helps if the overalls are hidden. A clear umbrella is a prop you'll actually use.
15. Minion Skirt And Suspenders Costume
You don't need overalls at all. A yellow crewneck sweater, an A-line blue skirt and sturdy blue suspenders give the same read, with black tights for warmth. A yellow beanie with short black yarn hair and two cardboard goggles on black elastic makes the head. Sew a small bib panel from leftover denim and pin it between the suspenders; I cut it with the fabric's straight grain running up and down so it doesn't sag or twist. Black gloves, flat black lace-ups and a yellow mini backpack finish it. It suits a teacher or an office crowd that wants less fuss.
16. Minion Shorts Costume
In a warm climate, short overalls over a breathable yellow cotton tee are the answer. Add yellow crew socks for extra color, black low-tops for dancing and fingerless black gloves so your hands don't overheat. Put a single foam goggle on a yellow baseball cap and push a few pipe cleaners up through the top for hair. If the shorts feel brief, wear black athletic shorts underneath. Sweat and heat soften heavy yellow face paint quickly, so for an outdoor event I'd skip it and use sunscreen plus a little waterproof makeup. An inflatable banana is light enough to carry all day.
17. Plus Size Minion Costume
For plus-size bodies, comfort starts with stretch and adjustable straps. A soft yellow tunic, sweatshirt or stretch-knit top pairs with relaxed overalls that have long strap adjusters, which matter more than the label size because bib length varies so much. If overalls are hard to find, blue jeans with removable blue suspenders work. A yellow beanie with foam goggles and short black yarn hair makes the head, with black gloves and cushioned boots or sneakers. Tying a denim shirt under the bib defines the waist, but only if you like that. Look for pockets; you'll want them.
18. Maternity Minion Costume
For a pregnancy Minion, every layer should stretch and nothing should press on the bump. A yellow maternity tee or soft long-sleeve top goes with blue maternity jeans and clip-on suspenders, which are kinder than structured overalls. A loose overall dress with side buttons also works. Place the felt emblem above the bump rather than across it, where it would pull. The headpiece should stay light: a yellow beanie, foam goggles and a few black yarn strands. Supportive slip-ons save you bending to tie laces. Carry a tiny plush banana or a small crossbody bag.
19. Kids Minion Costume
For kids, the costume has to survive hours of running and still be comfortable. A yellow cotton shirt and soft overalls with adjustable straps form the base. Sew the black yarn hair onto a yellow knit hat, since kids yank at anything glued, and set the foam goggles on the hat, never over their eyes. Black mittens and secure sneakers avoid tripping. A washable felt emblem and a small plush toy beat a hard prop. I add a strip of reflective tape on the back of the overalls for nighttime streets. Skip makeup for sensitive skin, and make sure a jacket fits over the top.
20. Toddler Minion Costume
Toddlers do best in something that feels like their everyday clothes. A soft yellow sweatshirt and pull-on blue pants with an elastic waist are the base. Sew or pin blue fabric straps to the waistband to suggest overalls, with no buckles to dig in. Choose a yellow fleece hat and stitch felt goggles flat above the forehead so nothing dangles near the eyes. Small black mittens and flexible sneakers or booties finish it. Avoid face paint and anything stiff. The test I use: can they crawl, sit in a stroller and get through a diaper or potty change without taking anything off?
21. Baby Minion Costume
For a baby, softness wins over detail. Use a yellow cotton bodysuit under blue footed pants or an overall romper. Sew flat felt goggles across the front of a soft yellow cap, well above the eyes, and stitch a few short yarn strands in place. Every piece needs to be stitched rather than glued, because babies pull and mouth anything loose. Soft socks or booties beat structured shoes. A removable felt pocket can decorate the romper. Keep the tiny plush banana for supervised photos only, and skip gloves, elastic face pieces and makeup completely.
22. Teen Minion Costume
Teens usually want a streetwear take on it. An oversized plain yellow sweatshirt goes with baggy overalls, one strap left undone as long as it stays secure. Black high-tops, striped socks and fingerless gloves keep it casual. The goggles sit on top of a yellow beanie, with some deliberately messy black yarn hair. A felt emblem on the bib and a blue mini backpack carry the rest. Yellow eyeliner or graphic blue shadow gives a modern face without covering it, and a foam banana keychain on the bag is the prop. It's an easy pick for a spirit day or a group of friends.
23. Work-Friendly Minion Costume
For work, the trick is suggesting the overalls without wearing them. A mustard button-down blouse or light sweater with dark blue tailored trousers does it, with blue suspenders kept straight and properly adjusted. Polished black loafers and thin black gloves you can slip off at your desk. Swap the beanie for a yellow headband with small foam goggles and a couple of short yarn strands. A small removable felt emblem near the waistband adds the logo. Mustard reads as a Minion yellow far better than pale lemon in office lighting, so I'd lean darker. A banana pencil case makes a quiet desk prop.
24. Teacher Minion Costume
Teachers spend the whole day standing, writing and bending, so this version is built for that. A yellow cardigan over a yellow tee pairs with a denim midi skirt or relaxed overalls, black tights and cushioned black shoes. Put light silver goggles on a yellow fabric headband with short black felt hair along the top. Fingerless gloves leave fingers free to write and type. A blue clipboard with a removable yellow pocket replaces a toy prop. Check that the headband doesn't press behind the ears; a tight one gives most people a headache by lunch. Everything comes off fast when the party's over.
25. Couple Minion Costume
For a couple, share the yellow-and-blue base and split the character details. Both wear a yellow shirt, denim overalls, black gloves and black sneakers. One takes a single big goggle with center-parted yarn hair; the other takes two goggles and short upright hair. Make the silver frames and felt emblems at the same time, from the same materials, so they look like a set. I'd also match the denim wash, since a dark pair next to a light pair looks like an accident. Different props help: a cardboard ukulele for one, a small brown teddy bear for the other.
26. Minion And Gru Couple Costume
Minion and Gru is a classic pairing because of the contrast. The Minion partner wears the usual yellow top, overalls, beanie, goggles, black gloves and dark shoes, plus short yarn hair and a foam banana. Gru wears slim black pants, a gray zip-up coat, black shoes and a wide gray-and-black striped scarf. A bald cap only works if it fits snugly; a loose one wrinkles at the forehead, so slicking the hair back is often the better call. Strong brows and a serious face sell Gru. A rolled blueprint is a safe prop for him.
27. Bob Kevin And Stuart Trio Costume
For a trio, the same clothes and three distinct heads make Bob, Kevin and Stuart. Everyone wears a yellow top, denim overalls, black gloves and black shoes. Bob gets mismatched irises, a smooth yellow beanie and a teddy bear. Kevin gets two goggles, upright pipe-cleaner hair, full-length overalls and a clipboard. Stuart gets one big goggle, center-parted yarn hair, cuffed overalls and a cardboard ukulele. Matching felt emblems tie them together. I'd make all the goggles in one sitting so the silver paint and frame size match; batches made separately never quite line up.
28. Group Minion Costume
With a larger group, keep the palette shared and let the heads vary. Ask everyone for a yellow shirt, blue jeans or overalls, black gloves and dark shoes, then hand out matching yellow beanies and homemade goggles, mixing one- and two-eyed designs. Each hat gets a different hairstyle: spikes, a center part, wispy strands, a side sweep. Props can include plush bananas, teddy bears, cardboard instruments and clipboards. One or two purple Minions in black overalls add contrast. If you're organizing, make the beanies and goggles yourself and let people bring the clothes; the headpieces are what keep the group looking like one.
29. Family Minion Costume
A family set works best when each person's version suits their age rather than being identical. Adults wear yellow sweaters with overalls, children yellow tees with soft blue pants, a toddler a sweatshirt with fabric straps and a baby a yellow bodysuit with a blue romper. Every hat gets flat silver goggles and age-appropriate yarn hair, stitched down for the little ones. Adults carry foam bananas, younger children plush toys. Keep makeup optional and nothing over children's eyes. Matching felt emblems are the thread that ties the whole family together, so cut them all from the same sheet of felt.
30. Minion And Banana Duo Costume
A Minion and a banana make an easy joke for two. The Minion wears the yellow shirt, overalls, beanie, goggles, black gloves and black sneakers. The banana wears yellow leggings and a long yellow tunic or sweatshirt, with two light yellow felt panels joined at the shoulders in a curved banana shape, arms and legs left free. I'd cut the panels from stiff felt or back soft felt with fusible interfacing, otherwise the curve flops flat. Brown felt patches at top and bottom make the stem and tip. Pose with the Minion reaching for the banana; it suits siblings, couples or a parent and child.
Why Five Yellow Shirts Rarely Match
When a group or family dresses together, the yellows almost never agree. One shirt is lemon, one is mustard, a hoodie leans orange. Up close it's fine, but in a group photo it looks like everyone dressed separately.
If you're organizing, decide the shade first and send a photo of it to everyone. A clear, warm yellow with no green in it is the closest to the films. Ask people to check their shirt under daylight, because indoor bulbs make most yellows look alike. If one piece is off, put it under the overalls where only the sleeves show, or give that person the purple Minion role. Denim matters less, but avoid mixing very dark and very pale washes in one line-up.
Getting the felt pieces through the wash
Pinned felt emblems and goggles should come off before anything goes in the washing machine. Craft felt pills and shrinks in warm water, and glued yarn hair loosens. I keep all the small pieces together in a zip bag with the beanie, so next year's costume is half made already.
One Yellow Shirt, Thirty Different Minions
Every Minion starts with the same few pieces: a yellow top, blue denim, goggles, black gloves and dark shoes. What makes yours distinct is the hair, the number of eyes and the prop. Build for the wearer: soft and stitched for babies and toddlers, stretchy for pregnancy, warm for a cold route and subtle for the office. For groups, make the headpieces together so they match. And whatever version you pick, keep the goggles off the eyes and the props light.
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