Supergirl has been redesigned more times than most heroes since she first appeared in 1959, which is good news if you're making her costume. The red, blue and gold palette and the shield on the chest stay constant, and nearly everything else is up for grabs. Below are thirty versions for women, from the classic red skirt to pantsuits, vintage looks, modest and cold-weather builds, plus size and maternity options, each with the base garments, hair, makeup, accessories and shoes I'd pair with it. Some need a sewing machine, many need nothing more than your closet and some felt. As someone who sews these, I'll say up front that the cape and the emblem decide how finished the whole thing looks, so I've covered both in detail.
Sewing a Cape That Hangs Straight and Never Pulls at Your Throat
Every look on this list has a red cape, and it's the piece most homemade versions get wrong. A cape tied at the neck rides back as you move, presses on your throat and lifts the front of your top. The fix is simple and works for any length.
- Cut a rectangle for a short cape or a half circle for a full one. A half circle hangs in soft folds; a rectangle looks flatter but is easier for a first cape.
- Pleat or gather the top edge to about the width of your shoulders, then bind it with a strip of matching fabric or wide ribbon.
- Sew two or three heavy snaps along that bound edge, and the matching halves along the shoulder seams of your top. The weight now sits on your shoulders, not your neck.
- Hem the bottom with a narrow double fold, or leave it raw if you used fleece or felt, which don't fray.
Fabric matters as much as cut. Cheap shiny satin clings to tights and twists in wind. A matte poly-cotton or a light gabardine hangs with more weight, and a lined cape hangs better still. For crowded events, keep the cape above the back of the knee so nobody steps on it.
1. Classic Supergirl Costume With Red Skirt
The classic look is a fitted royal-blue long-sleeve top with a bright red skater skirt, a red and yellow shield on the chest, a slim gold belt, tights and a knee-length red cape. Red knee boots finish it, though flat boot covers over sneakers are kinder for a long night. On a stretch top, fashion tape only holds the emblem until you raise your arms; I'd stitch it on with a zigzag, or use fabric glue on a cotton-rich top. Loose blonde waves or a shoulder-length golden wig, rosy cheeks, defined lashes and a red lip keep the face classic. Add gold wrist cuffs, and practice the hands-on-hips pose.
2. TV Supergirl Costume With Blue Tights
The TV-inspired version uses deeper colors: a textured navy top, a structured red pleated skirt and opaque navy tights, which read more grown-up than bright primaries. I'd add a fitted gold belt and a long burgundy-red cape, and here's a sewist's trick worth stealing: a narrow weighted hem, even just a strip of twill tape folded in, makes a cape hang straight instead of flipping up. Tall red boots with a low block heel or a cushioned flat sole, smooth side-parted curls and natural makeup with soft pink lips keep it camera-friendly. The detailed red and gold emblem is what tells people which Supergirl you are, so spend time on it.
3. Modern Supergirl Pants Costume
Would you rather skip the skirt? The pants version is the easiest to move in. Start with a fitted blue jumpsuit, or a long-sleeve athletic top with high-waisted blue leggings, and add red side panels in stretch fabric or fabric paint. If you paint, use a flexible fabric paint and stretch the garment slightly over cardboard while it dries, or the paint cracks the first time the leggings stretch. A large red and gold shield, a narrow gold belt, a full red cape and flat red knee boots finish the suit. Blonde waves are traditional, but a sleek ponytail suits the athletic shape. Luminous skin, subtle gold shadow and berry-red lips work well, with red cuffs and a small metallic buckle.
4. Silver Age Supergirl Costume With Blue Skirt
Her earliest comic look sets itself apart with an all-blue base: a long-sleeve blue top and a matching knee-length blue skirt. Add the red and yellow emblem, a simple yellow belt, a red cape ending near the knees and flat red mid-calf boots. Getting the two blues to match is the hard part. Buy both pieces at the same time and check them side by side in daylight, since store lighting hides a lot. A blonde wig set in soft side-parted curls, winged liner, pink blush and satin red lips give the retro finish. Yellow cuffs are optional, but they balance the belt nicely.
5. Rebirth Supergirl Costume With Pleated Skirt
The Rebirth look is clean and current: a fitted blue mock-neck top with a large red and gold shield, a structured red pleated skirt at mid-thigh or knee, and fitted blue shorts underneath. Add a slim gold belt, nude tights and red knee boots with gold piping. The cape should fall smoothly from the shoulders, which means attaching it at the shoulder seams rather than gathering it all into the neckline. If you're pleating the skirt yourself, press the pleats with a damp cloth and edge-stitch the inside folds so they stay sharp all night. Wind-swept blonde waves, peach blush, a little gold highlight and rose-red lips finish her.
6. Woman Of Tomorrow Supergirl Costume
This space-traveler version wants a worn, practical feel. A structured blue tunic over fitted blue pants and a dramatic red cape is the base, and I'd choose matte jersey, stretch twill or textured athletic fabric over anything shiny. A slightly heavier cape fabric helps too; it hangs with more weight and looks like something you've travelled in. Add a bold emblem, a practical gold belt and flat red knee boots. Tousled waves or a loose low ponytail, bronzed cheeks, defined brows and a muted berry lip keep it natural. A rolled star map or a silver canteen is a safe prop, and fingerless red gloves add texture without fuss.
7. Movie Supergirl Costume With Red Pants
The movie-inspired look is built around a fitted blue bodysuit and bold red pants, ideally in stretch fabrics with visible seaming or a subtle geometric texture. A raised red and gold shield on the chest, a wide gold belt, a long crimson cape and structured red boots tie the halves together. For a raised emblem, I cut it from thin craft foam, cover it in stretch fabric and stitch it down only at the edges, so the bodysuit can still stretch underneath. This version swaps the blonde for a short textured brunette bob, a nice change from the usual. Matte skin, soft contour, strong brows and neutral lips suit it, with silver ear cuffs for an otherworldly touch.
8. Animated Supergirl Costume With White Crop Top
The animated design is simple to sew and fun to wear: a fitted white cropped tee, a blue A-line skirt and a bright red cape, with a small red and yellow emblem in the center of the top. For more coverage, layer the tee over a blue bodysuit or high-waisted shorts. Red combat or lace-up ankle boots give it energy. A chin-length blonde bob curled under, or a short wig with a black headband, captures the cartoon shape. Defined lashes, pink cheeks and glossy rose lips keep the makeup friendly. Blue wristbands and a comic-style city map finish it. It's a light outfit, so it suits warm indoor parties better than a cold walk.
9. Y2K Supergirl Costume With Blue Miniskirt
The Y2K version leans into early-2000s fashion: a fitted blue baby tee with the shield, a high-waisted blue pleated miniskirt, a wide red belt, a cropped red cape and opaque blue tights. Chunky red platform sneakers or lace-up boots fit the era and are far easier to walk in than narrow heels. Straight blonde hair with flipped ends, two small front braids or red clips sells the decade. Frosted silver shadow, glossy pink lips and a few face gems at the outer corners add sparkle. A short cape on a baby tee can drag the neckline back, so I'd sew small snaps to the shoulder seams instead of pinning at the collar.
10. 1970s Supergirl Costume With Red Shorts
Her 1970s era is pure fun: a loose blue blouse with slightly flared sleeves and a modest V-neck, a small shield on the chest, high-waisted red shorts over opaque blue tights and a decorative gold belt with circular details. A short red cape at the collar keeps the comic outline. Flat red ankle boots or red slippers with nonslip soles work underneath. Feathered blonde hair with curtain bangs captures the decade without an elaborate wig. Peach blush, light blue shadow and glossy coral lips are period-right. A flowing blouse needs to be tucked firmly, or it balloons over the shorts and hides the belt, so I'd sew elastic into the hem.
11. Retro Supergirl Costume With Cape Collar
This retro build gets its shape from a wide collar with the cape hanging beneath it. A royal-blue blouse with a high neck, slightly puffed sleeves and a small red shield goes with tailored red shorts and opaque blue tights. Make the collar from gold craft foam or stiff felt, then attach a short red cape underneath. Craft foam collars crease along the neck when you turn your head, so I back mine with a layer of fusible interfacing, which lets it flex without folding. A detailed gold belt and flat red knee boots pull the pieces together. Soft curls with volume at the crown, blue liner, rosy blush and cherry lips suit the era, with gold cuffs and a small red clutch.
12. Black Supergirl Costume With Red Cape
For a moodier version that's still family-friendly, I'd build on a fitted black long-sleeve jumpsuit with a dark red and silver emblem, a narrow silver belt and a rich crimson cape. Black knee boots with red trim and black or charcoal gloves keep it uniform and add warmth outside. Straight blonde hair with a precise center part, or a platinum wig, gives sharp contrast against the black. Smoky gray shadow, defined liner, cool highlight and deep rose lips keep it dramatic without anything scary. One sewing note: black stretch fabric shows every pull and pucker under flash, so press the emblem edges well before stitching it down.
13. Red Supergirl Costume With Blue Cape
Reversing her colors makes a version people notice. Start with a fitted red jumpsuit or a red long-sleeve top with matching leggings, then add a blue and gold emblem, a metallic gold belt and a flowing royal-blue cape. Blue knee boots carry the inverted palette all the way down. A high ponytail with a curled end and a blue ribbon at the base, gold shadow, winged liner, peach blush and a soft red lip finish it. A small blue eye mask is optional. Because the colors are swapped, the emblem has to be exact in shape. That shield outline is what tells people it's Supergirl and not some other red-and-blue hero.
14. Pink Supergirl Costume With Gold Boots
Swapping royal blue for pink gives the classic a cheerful update. A fitted pink top with the red and gold shield goes with a structured red skater skirt, a metallic gold belt, a gold-trimmed cape and opaque pink tights. Gold knee boots or flat boot covers add glamour without heels. Bouncy curls with a slim gold headband, rosy shadow and glossy berry lips keep it sweet. Gold star earrings and cuffs add sparkle. Red and pink can fight if both are the same strength, so I'd pick either a pale pink with a true red, or a hot pink with a deeper, cooler red. It's a good one for birthday parties and playful Halloween nights.
15. Gold Supergirl Costume With Red Cape
Gold fabric turns her uniform into something for a celebration. A fitted gold long-sleeve bodysuit or top with high-waisted gold leggings is the base, with a red and blue shield placed prominently so she's still recognizable. A wide red belt, a deep red cape and red knee boots with gold trim finish the suit. A lined cape hangs far more smoothly than a single layer of light satin, which tends to cling and twist; a lining of polyester or poly-cotton is enough. Sleek waves or a low ponytail, gold shadow, warm blush and a classic red lip suit the shine. The fabric already makes an impact, so skip extra glitter.
16. Metallic Supergirl Costume With Silver Details
The metallic version is more futuristic. I'd use a cobalt stretch jumpsuit with a gentle sheen rather than loose glitter, which sheds everywhere. A raised silver and red shield, a silver utility-style belt, a structured crimson cape and red knee boots with silver piping, or red sneakers under boot covers, build the suit. A smooth shoulder-length platinum cut with a deep side part, silver liner, cool pink blush and berry lips keep the face modern. Slim silver wrist guards and a translucent blue wrist device made from safe craft plastic add story. Metallic stretch fabrics can show needle holes, so use a fresh stretch needle and pin only inside the seam allowance.
17. Vintage Pinup Supergirl Costume
For a vintage pinup approach, pair a fitted blue blouse with a high-waisted, knee-length red circle skirt, a modest red and gold emblem and a wide yellow belt. A cropped cape keeps the full skirt from swallowing everything. Nude tights and red low-heeled pumps or strapped Mary Janes suit the era. Victory rolls, polished curls or a rolled faux bang, winged liner, red lips and softly powdered skin create the 1940s finish. Let a circle skirt hang for a day before hemming it, because the bias sections drop and the hem goes uneven otherwise. It's covered, comfortable and easy to adjust to different shapes.
18. Preppy Supergirl Costume With Plaid Skirt
The preppy version needs no bodysuit at all. Layer a fitted blue sweater over a white collared shirt, with the collar showing above a red and gold emblem, then add a red and blue plaid pleated skirt, opaque navy tights and red loafers or flat ankle boots. A short red cape is what turns these school pieces into Supergirl. A smooth ponytail with a red ribbon, tinted moisturizer, pink blush and sheer red lips keep it fresh. Gold studs, a slim yellow belt and a blue satchel finish it. On a knit sweater, sew the emblem by hand with small stitches so the knit doesn't pucker. It suits school events and office parties.
19. Cheerleader Supergirl Costume With Sneakers
The cheer version is a blue and red cheer dress with a gold shield across the front, ideally an A-line or pleated design with built-in shorts. Add a cropped red cape that stays clear of the arms, white athletic socks with red stripes and supportive red and white sneakers. A high ponytail with a red and gold bow, subtle gold shimmer and cherry gloss keep it upbeat. Lightweight red and blue pom-poms are the obvious props. For any cape you'll be waving your arms in, sew it to the shoulder seams with snaps rather than tying it at the throat; a tied cape pulls at your neck every time you lift your arms.
20. Athletic Supergirl Costume With Leggings
If comfort comes first, coordinated activewear works well. A royal-blue long-sleeve performance top with matching high-waisted leggings, a flexible red and gold emblem, red running shoes, a light red cape and a slim gold running belt for your phone and keys make the base. Red compression sleeves or wristbands add color. Wear a high braided ponytail or keep your natural hair off your face. Waterproof mascara, tinted sunscreen, cream blush and tinted lip balm hold up to activity. For the emblem on performance fabric, use a heat-transfer vinyl at the temperature the fabric allows, since many technical fabrics melt under a full-heat iron. I'd wear this one for a charity walk or a warm day.
21. Casual Supergirl Costume With Hoodie
A blue hoodie with a homemade red and yellow shield is the easiest base of all. Wear it with a red skater skirt over opaque blue leggings, or red joggers for warmth. Pin a short red cape inside the garment beneath the hood so the pins don't show, and add red high-tops. Loose waves, a ponytail or a simple golden wig under the hood all work. Minimal makeup, pink cream blush and a red-tinted balm keep it relaxed, with a yellow belt bag and red wristbands. Felt emblems on fleece hoodies lift at the edges with wear, so a quick blanket stitch around the outside keeps it flat through a whole day.
22. Denim Supergirl Costume With Red Boots
Denim makes a closet-friendly version with a casual feel. A blue denim jacket goes over a fitted royal-blue tee with the red and gold shield, then a red A-line skirt, opaque navy tights and flat red knee boots. Drape the cape under the jacket collar so it seems to come from the shoulders; two small safety pins through the collar band inside hold it in place. A slim yellow belt marks the waist. Textured waves or a messy high ponytail, brown liner and a comfortable red lip suit the casual tone, with gold hoops and a small blue crossbody. The jacket adds warmth and pockets, which you'll appreciate at an outdoor gathering.
23. Office Supergirl Costume With Pencil Skirt
Office basics turn into a polished version easily: a fitted blue blouse, a knee-length red pencil skirt, a removable red and gold emblem, a narrow yellow belt, nude tights and red block-heel pumps or loafers. A structured red cape falling to the back of the knees gives the drama without looking messy. For a removable emblem, I sew it onto a felt backing with a couple of small safety pins or snaps on the back, so the blouse goes back to work unmarked. Smooth waves, a low bun or a professional ponytail with neutral makeup and a classic red lip suit an office party where a bodysuit wouldn't.
24. Winter Supergirl Costume With Blue Coat
Cold weather doesn't have to hide your costume. A fitted blue sweater with the red and gold shield, insulated blue leggings under a red pleated skirt and a tailored royal-blue coat make a warm base, with the cape arranged over the coat's shoulders so it stays visible. Fleece-lined red boots with flat nonslip soles, gold gloves and a matching belt finish it. A blonde wig in waves under a blue knit headband works, or a temporary golden hair color on visible sections. Moisturizing foundation, waterproof mascara and a berry balm suit cold air. Sew a cape over a coat with two snaps at the coat shoulders; tying it on top of a coat collar chokes.
25. Modest Supergirl Costume With Midi Skirt
For a modest version, start with a blue high-neck blouse and a red pleated midi skirt that falls below the knees. A large red and gold shield, a wide gold belt, opaque navy tights and flat red ankle boots give full coverage and easy walking. I'd make the cape end at about the same point as the skirt so the outline looks balanced. A loose braid, a low ponytail or soft waves, defined brows, pink blush and a muted red lip keep it simple. Gold cuffs over the sleeves and a small blue handbag finish it. Midi pleats need a lining or a slip in cold weather, since tights cling to the skirt and drag it.
26. Plus Size Supergirl Costume With Wrap Skirt
A wrap skirt makes the fit easy to adjust. Begin with a supportive royal-blue bodysuit or a tucked stretch top with the red and gold emblem, add a red wrap skirt that fastens securely at the waist at your preferred length, and wear fitted shorts or opaque tights underneath. A wide gold stretch belt, a long red cape and flat red knee boots create a long vertical line. For a wrap that stays closed all evening, I add a hidden snap or a button at the inner corner as well as the tie, because ties alone loosen as you walk. Voluminous waves or a light lace-front wig, luminous skin and a rich red lip finish it.
27. Supergirl Costume With Wide Leg Pants
Wide-leg pants are a graceful alternative to leggings. Flowing royal-blue trousers pair with a fitted blue mock-neck top and the red and gold emblem, a structured gold belt and a long red cape that moves with the pants. Red platform sneakers, boots or block heels should show below the hem, so hem the trousers with your shoes on. A sleek high ponytail balances the volume of the lower half, with gold liner, peach blush and satin red lips. Add narrow gold cuffs and a small red clutch. Pick a drapey fabric like crepe for the trousers; stiff cotton wide legs just look like pajamas next to a flowing cape.
28. Maternity Supergirl Costume With Red Cape
A maternity Supergirl should be soft and easy to adjust. A stretchy blue empire-waist dress, or a long blue tunic over supportive maternity leggings, makes the base. Place a flexible red and gold shield high on the chest where it lies flat, and attach the cape at the shoulders rather than tying it at the neck. A soft gold sash can sit above the bump without pressure. Flat red ankle boots or supportive sneakers keep you steady. A comfortable ponytail or loose waves, tinted moisturizer, cream blush and red balm keep the makeup light. Skip any stiff foam on the emblem, since it shifts and rubs once the dress stretches over the bump.
29. Last Minute Supergirl Costume With Closet Basics
Need a costume quickly? A plain blue tee with a red skirt or red pants already in your closet will do. Print or draw a red and yellow shield, mount it on felt and attach it with removable tape. A rectangle of red fabric becomes a cape fastened safely beneath the shirt collar; a fleece throw works well because fleece doesn't fray, so you don't need to hem it. Add a yellow belt, red sneakers and blue or nude tights. Loose waves or a temporary golden spray on a few strands, mascara, pink blush and red lipstick finish it. Gold cardboard cuffs round it out with very little cost or sewing.
30. No Sew Supergirl Costume With Tulle Skirt
The no-sew version is built with elastic, felt and fabric glue. Make the red tulle skirt by knotting strips of tulle around a wide elastic waistband, keeping the knots close together so the elastic doesn't show. Pair it with a fitted blue long-sleeve shirt and a layered red and yellow felt shield glued to the chest. Give fabric glue a full day to cure before wearing it, or the emblem slides when you move. The cape is a red fabric panel attached with hook-and-loop dots under the collar. A gold ribbon belt, opaque blue tights, flat red boots or sneakers, bouncy waves with a gold headband and gold felt cuffs finish it.
Red Boots, Boot Covers and How Far You'll Walk
Red knee boots appear in most of these looks, and they're also the piece that most often gets swapped out by ten o'clock. Real red boots are lovely, but few people own a pair and a costume pair is often stiff, narrow and slippery. I'd decide based on how much walking and standing you'll do.
Boot covers over shoes you already trust
Covers slip over sneakers or flats and give the look of a knee boot. Make them from red stretch vinyl or a heavy red knit, cut as a tube shaped to your calf with a sole flap under the shoe. Sew a wide elastic strap under the arch so the cover doesn't creep up, and leave the actual sole of the shoe exposed so you keep its grip. Vinyl is shinier but tears if you stitch it too tightly; set a longer stitch and use clips instead of pins, since pin holes in vinyl are permanent.
When real boots are worth it
For photos and short indoor parties, a real boot with a low block heel looks crisper and won't wrinkle at the ankle. Break them in at home for a few evenings, add a cushioned insole, and carry a pair of folding flats in a bag. On a trick-or-treat route or a long convention day, I'd pick the covers every time.
Which Supergirl Will You Sew First?
Supergirl works as a costume because the essentials are so few: blue, red, gold, a cape and that shield. Make her in a red skirt and blue top, a practical pantsuit, a vintage comic look or something pulled from everyday clothes, and those essentials carry it. Put your effort into a cape that's fastened securely, shoes you can walk in, breathable layers and the coverage you're comfortable with. A crisp emblem and tidy hair do more for a simple homemade version than any extra accessory. Then adjust the fit to your own body and taste. Any of these can be made recognizable in an afternoon.
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