Paddington is one of the kindest characters to dress up as, because his whole identity sits in four things: a blue duffle coat, a red hat, a battered suitcase and a marmalade sandwich. Get those right and the bear reads from across a street, even if the rest of the outfit came out of your own wardrobe. I've grouped versions for adults, kids, babies, couples, families and pets below, and for each one I've noted the piece I'd build first and the spot where it tends to go wrong on the night. Some are thrifted, some are no-sew, and a few are built around warm or wet weather, since this is a costume people usually wear outside.
Turning Any Blue Coat Into a Duffle
The toggles are the detail that tells people this is a duffle coat and not just a blue jacket, so I make them before anything else. Real duffle toggles are short wooden or horn pegs held by rope loops, and you can copy that with cheap materials. Cut wooden dowel or thick craft sticks into pegs about the length of your thumb, sand the ends round, and stain or paint them a light wood colour.
- Cut a piece of cord or thin rope for each toggle and knot it around the middle of the peg.
- Sew the cord loop to the coat with a few strong stitches, or glue it to a strip of felt you can safety-pin inside the front.
- Make the opposite loop from the same cord, so the peg actually slips through and the coat closes.
- Space three or four toggles down the front; more than that starts to look like a military coat.
Hot glue alone won't hold cord to fabric for a whole evening, especially outdoors, because it goes brittle in the cold and peels off as the coat moves. Stitch it if you can. For the hat, a thrifted red felt or bucket hat is easier than making one; if the brim is floppy, run a line of thin craft wire around the inside edge and fold the fabric over it so the brim holds a shape.
1. Classic Paddington Costume With Blue Duffle Coat
This is the version I measure every other Paddington against. A royal blue duffle coat with wooden-look toggles does most of the work, so spend your effort there and keep everything under it plain: brown trousers or faux-fur leggings, brown gloves with a soft paw on the palm. The red hat needs a real brim, because a beanie turns him into a generic bear. For the face I use warm brown around the temples, a rounded black nose and only a few whisker dots; more than that starts to look like a cat. Carry an old suitcase with a luggage tag and a pretend marmalade sandwich, and you have the character people picture first.
2. DIY Paddington Costume From Closet Clothes
Most families already own this one without realising it. A blue rain jacket or cardigan over a brown sweater and straight brown trousers gives you the base, and any red bucket hat or floppy felt hat will stand in for his. If the jacket has no toggles, I make them from cardboard loops and wooden beads and stick them on with fashion tape, which comes off the fabric cleanly on 1 November. A shoe box wrapped in kraft paper with a cardboard handle becomes the suitcase. The marmalade sandwich is two squares of sponge with orange cellophane between them, and it weighs nothing in a coat pocket.
3. No-Sew Paddington Costume With Felt Details
No sewing at all here, which is why I suggest it to anyone short on time. A plain blue zip-up hoodie and matching sweatpants form the coat, and brown felt cut into toggle shapes goes down the front with fabric-safe tape. Felt letters and shapes peel off polyester fleece once it warms up against the body, so press each piece hard and give it a few minutes before you put the hoodie on. Tuck lightweight bear ears under a red felt hat, add brown knit gloves, and paint a round nose with tiny whisker dots. Yellow rain boots or cushioned brown sneakers both handle a long walk, and a small cardboard case with travel stickers holds the orange felt sandwich.
4. Last-Minute Paddington Costume With Rain Jacket
When an invitation lands the day before, a blue rain jacket is your fastest route to the bear. Wear it with whichever brown bottoms you own, jeans, leggings or sweatpants, plus any red hat that has a visible brim and either rain boots or brown lace-ups. Long hair goes into a low bun under the hat. Brown eyeshadow around the nose, black eyeliner dots for whiskers and a small black nose take about five minutes. No time to make a suitcase? An old messenger bag with a kraft-paper tag and a wrapped pretend sandwich inside tells the same story.
5. Women’s Paddington Costume With Blue Coat Dress
A blue coat dress with toggles turns the traditional coat into something you could wear to a grown-up party. Pick a knee-length style, or add removable toggles to a structured blue dress, and layer brown tights underneath. Glossy yellow rain boots keep the storybook feel; low brown ankle boots are the quieter choice. I'd let the hair show in soft waves under the red felt hat, since a dress already looks less literal and a little visible hair suits it. Warm brown shadow, rosy cheeks, a small nose and fine whiskers keep the face friendly, and a miniature suitcase handbag with a cellophane-wrapped sandwich keeps the travel theme in place.
6. Men’s Paddington Costume With Tailored Duffle Coat
For men I build this around a fitted navy or royal blue duffle coat, because a well-cut coat is what stops an adult Paddington looking like a mascot. Underneath goes a brown knit sweater and dark brown trousers. A broad red hat, leather-look gloves and sturdy brown boots handle a full evening on foot. Hair can stay a bit messy under the brim, or swap in a short brown wig if you want more texture around the ears. Keep the nose and whiskers light, then carry a compact vintage suitcase, a kraft tag, and a pretend marmalade jar made from a clean plastic tub, which survives being knocked off a table far better than glass.
7. Plus-Size Paddington Costume With Swing Coat
A roomy blue swing coat gives a plus-size Paddington the right shape without any squeezing. I look for an A-line cut with generous sleeves, since the arms are where a coat bought a size too snug pulls first once you layer under it. Wear it over a breathable brown T-shirt with soft brown leggings or wide-leg trousers, then add a red bucket hat, flexible bear ears and supportive yellow rain boots or cushioned sneakers. A real suitcase gets heavy by the second hour, so I'd swap it for a light cardboard one on a shoulder strap. Pin a felt marmalade sandwich to the bag and your hands stay free.
8. Maternity Paddington Costume With Blue Cape
A cape is the most comfortable coat shape for a maternity Paddington, because it moves with the bump and never pulls across it. Layer it over a stretchy brown maternity dress, or a brown top with soft leggings, and put the decorative toggles near the neckline only, where they read as a duffle coat without pressing on the belly. Choose a red wide-brimmed hat and flat boots with nonslip soles. Gentle makeup works: a soft brown nose, peach blush and a few whisker dots. A suitcase-shaped crossbody bag replaces a big prop, and a plush sandwich or orange felt jar finishes the storybook detail.
9. Kids’ Paddington Costume With Soft Bear Hood
Kids need to run, sit on the kerb and dig through a candy bag, so I start a child's Paddington with brown joggers and a soft blue jacket that has a bear hood or a removable ear headband. A lightweight red hat sits over the ears, and yellow rain boots carry the colour down to the feet. If it's going to school, keep hair tied simply so nothing comes loose at recess. Use hypoallergenic face paint for a small brown nose and two or three whisker dots per cheek, and patch-test it on the wrist the night before. An empty cereal box with a wide cardboard handle and a slot in the top makes a suitcase light enough to carry all evening and doubles as the candy bag.
10. Toddler Paddington Costume With Fleece Romper
Toddlers pull off anything itchy, so a brown fleece romper is my base here: warm, stretchy and one piece. A short blue toggle coat goes over it, and I check every toggle is stitched hard, because small detachable parts end up in mouths. A soft red bucket hat with fabric ears underneath is enough headwear. Only paint a tiny washable brown nose if the child is happy about it; many toddlers aren't, and the costume reads fine without one. Yellow rain boots or soft booties, a small backpack shaped like luggage, a fabric tag and a plush marmalade sandwich too big to swallow round it off.
11. Baby Paddington Costume With Knitted Bear Suit
Babies can't tell you a costume is uncomfortable, so I keep this one to soft knits: a brown knitted romper or footed onesie, a blue cardigan with fabric toggles and a flexible red bonnet shaped like the famous brim. A bonnet with rounded ears saves you a separate headband, which babies tend to pull straight off. Skip face paint completely on baby skin; the brown hood and ears say bear on their own. Matching brown booties or yellow sock shoes finish the feet. Keep the little suitcase and plush orange sandwich beside the baby for supervised photos only, and move them away once the camera is down.
12. Teen Paddington Costume With Denim And Sneakers
Teenagers usually want the joke without the full character suit, and this version gives them that. A blue toggle jacket, brown straight-leg jeans and clean yellow or white sneakers look like real clothes, and the red bucket hat is what makes it Paddington. Braids, loose curls or a low ponytail all sit easily under the hat. For makeup, warm brown shadow, a small nose, a few freckles and short whisker lines are plenty. A suitcase-style backpack or structured brown tote with removable travel stickers holds the phone, and an orange sandwich poking out of one pocket gets the laugh.
13. Warm-Weather Paddington Costume With Blue Vest
Where Halloween is still warm, the duffle coat becomes a sleeveless blue utility vest and the bear stays wearable. Put it over a light brown T-shirt with brown shorts or a breathable knee-length skirt, and swap insulated boots for yellow canvas sneakers. A red bucket hat with small ears keeps the outline. Cream makeup creases and slides on a warm night, so I set the nose and whisker dots with translucent powder and keep the brown shading minimal. A small cardboard suitcase on a crossbody strap and a felt sandwich clipped to the vest pocket mean nothing hot sits against the body.
14. Cold-Weather Paddington Costume With Winter Layers
In properly cold weather I layer this one like a winter walk: a blue wool duffle coat over a brown thermal top and fleece-lined trousers, with a scarf tucked inside the collar so it doesn't hide the toggles. Brown mittens with soft paw pads keep fingers warm, but they make gripping a suitcase handle awkward, so I give the case a shoulder strap. Waterproof yellow boots with thick socks finish the outfit. Cold, dry air makes face paint crack on the cheeks, so moisturise first and keep the nose and whiskers small. The case is a good hiding place for hand warmers and a snack.
15. Paddington Costume With Yellow Raincoat
A yellow raincoat flips the usual palette, and I like it for wet evenings because it's actually built for rain. To keep the bear readable, put blue somewhere big: a blue sweater under the coat, plus brown trousers, a red bucket hat over soft ears and blue or brown rain boots. Brown gloves help. Paint a small round nose, a few whisker dots and warm brown shadow on the cheeks. A brown suitcase with a dangling tag and a cellophane-wrapped sandwich keeps the travel story going, and in a group photo the yellow pops out from all the darker coats.
16. Paddington Pajama Costume With Slippers
For a movie night or an indoor party, brown fleece pyjamas are a ready-made bear base. Put a soft blue robe or cardigan over them with homemade felt toggles, then a flexible red sleep cap or bucket hat over a brown ear headband. Makeup can be just a small brown nose and a few whisker dots, since nobody wants to sleep in full face paint. Brown bear-paw slippers or nonslip yellow socks keep feet happy on hard floors. Swap the rigid case for a small suitcase-shaped cushion, and a plush marmalade sandwich that gets passed around for photos.
17. Paddington Costume With Furry Bear Suit
A brown faux-fur jumpsuit pushes the costume closer to the animal, with the blue duffle coat worn open so the fur shows down the front. Fur traps heat fast, and a crowded room gets hot within the first hour, so I always look for the thinnest, most breathable faux fur I can find, or buy a size up so air moves inside. Add a red wide-brimmed hat fitted around rounded ears and brown paw gloves with flexible fingers. The furry hood gives the texture, so a wig is optional. Shade brown around the temples and nose but keep the middle of the face bright, wear flat brown or yellow boots with grip, and carry a small suitcase and felt sandwich.
18. Glam Paddington Costume With Blue Velvet Coat
For a dressier party, a rich blue velvet coat with gold-toned toggles gives the bear a glamorous turn. Velvet shows every crease and crush mark, so I hang it in a steamy bathroom the evening before rather than pressing it with an iron. Wear it over a fitted brown jumpsuit, or a brown top and trousers, with a structured red hat, polished yellow ankle boots and brown gloves with a small paw detail. Smooth waves or a glossy chestnut wig suit it. Bronze shadow, defined lashes, a neat nose and fine whisker dots keep the face grown-up, and an orange jewelled brooch hints at marmalade without needing a sandwich prop.
19. Vintage Paddington Costume With Wool Coat
To get the older, picture-book feeling, I mute the colours slightly: a navy wool duffle coat, relaxed brown trousers and plain rubber boots. A softly shaped red felt hat looks more like the early drawings than a modern bucket hat. Brown leather-look gloves, a worn suitcase and paper travel labels make him look like he's come a long way. Keep the makeup matte with a soft round nose and tiny whisker marks. A fabric sandwich wrapped in plain paper and tied with string suits book-themed parties and library events, where people often know the original illustrations.
20. Movie-Inspired Paddington Costume With Red Hat
The film version is brighter and more tailored, so I aim for a fitted bright blue duffle coat, brown fur-textured trousers and glossy red rain boots. The red hat should have a softly curved brim and sit slightly forward over the ears, which is how the films angle it. Add brown gloves, a textured brown wig, a dark rounded nose, warm cheek shading and fine whiskers. Carry a compact antique-style suitcase covered in travel graphics, light enough for a whole evening. Hide a pretend marmalade sandwich under the hat brim, because that's where the bear keeps one for emergencies, and lifting the hat to show it is the best moment of the night.
21. Explorer Paddington Costume With Utility Belt
This explorer take imagines Paddington setting off again. A blue field jacket over brown cargo trousers and a tan knit shirt, with a red explorer-style hat over round ears and sturdy yellow hiking boots, keeps the colours right. A utility belt holds a compass prop, a folded map, a notebook and the orange sandwich; I keep every piece soft and light, since hard props swinging from a belt bruise legs over an evening. Tuck hair behind the ears or under a short brown wig, and add bronzed brown around the forehead, a round black nose, freckles and short whiskers. A small brown backpack with a luggage tag replaces the suitcase.
22. Paddington Marmalade Maker Costume With Apron
Here the costume leans on his favourite food. Put an orange gingham apron over a blue toggle coat and brown trousers, then add the red hat, a bear-ear headband, brown gloves and yellow rain boots. Hair goes into a low bun or under a brown wig. Orange-toned blush, a small nose and neat whisker dots tie the face to the marmalade theme. For props I use clean plastic jars stuffed with orange tissue paper, never glass or real food, and a foam spoon with a fabric sandwich in a small basket. Family events love this one because kids can hold the jars.
23. Traveling Paddington Costume With Backpack
A suitcase is awkward to carry for three hours, so this version swaps it for a vintage-style brown backpack. Wear a blue raincoat or duffle jacket over a brown sweater and tapered brown trousers, with a red bucket hat over small ears and supportive yellow lace-up boots. Paint a soft brown muzzle shape, a round nose and subtle whiskers without covering the whole face. Removable travel patches and a large kraft-paper tag on the backpack keep the travel story visible from behind. A plush marmalade sandwich in an outer pocket stays on show, and both hands are free for trick-or-treating or a busy festival.
24. Paddington Station Traveler Costume With Scarf
This is the bear as he first appears, waiting at the station with his label. A blue duffle coat, brown corduroy trousers and a cosy plaid scarf build the outfit, plus the red hat, round ears and brown or yellow boots. Carry a vintage suitcase and a rolled paper map. I always write "Please look after this bear. Thank you." on the big kraft tag, because that line is what fans spot first. Tie the tag to a coat toggle with string rather than pinning it, since small pins snag wool. Warm brown contouring, a dark oval nose and evenly spaced whisker dots finish a look that suits train-themed parties and outdoor photos on a bench.
25. Paddington Trick-Or-Treat Costume With Candy Suitcase
Here the suitcase is the candy bucket, which saves carrying two things. Dress in a blue hooded coat, brown joggers, a red brimmed hat over soft ears and comfortable yellow rain boots, with simple brown makeup for the nose and whisker dots. Tie hair back so it doesn't tangle in the hood. Build the case from a light cardboard box with a wide opening along the top, and reinforce the handle with tape, because a box handle full of candy tears at the corners first. A fabric shoulder strap takes the weight. Drawn travel labels and a felt marmalade sandwich on one corner finish the box.
26. Couple Paddington And Marmalade Costume
Paddington and his marmalade make an easy couple costume because the link is obvious. One person wears the blue duffle coat, brown trousers, red hat, bear ears, yellow boots and nose-and-whisker makeup, with a small suitcase and tag. The other goes all orange in a dress, jumpsuit or shirt and trousers, with a jar-shaped foam panel on the front and an orange cap for the lid. Foam panels catch on doorframes, so I keep the jar narrower than the shoulders. Lettering should be minimal. Hand the plush sandwich to the marmalade partner and the joke lands without explanation.
27. Couple Paddington And London Traveler Costume
Pairing Paddington with a London traveller lets the second person wear clothes they'll keep. The bear partner wears a blue toggle coat, brown trousers, the red hat, ears, yellow boots and soft whisker makeup, and carries a vintage suitcase. The traveller wears a beige trench over a red sweater and tailored navy trousers, plus a plaid scarf, a structured hat, brown walking shoes and a folded map. I give both people matching kraft luggage tags; that one repeated detail is what tells strangers the two of you belong together. The trench, scarf and trousers go straight back into the wardrobe afterward.
28. Parent And Child Matching Paddington Costume
Parent-and-child sets look best when they match in colour, not in cut. The adult can wear a long blue duffle coat, brown trousers, a red felt hat, light bear makeup and sturdy boots. The child is happier in a softer blue hoodie with felt toggles, brown joggers, a flexible red bucket hat and yellow rain boots. Give both of you round bear ears and matching luggage tags. The adult carries the light suitcase, and the child holds a plush sandwich or a small candy case. Use the same washable face paint on both noses so the pair reads as a set in photos.
29. Sibling Paddington Costume Duo
Siblings fight over props, so I give each child their own. Dress them as two travelling bears in slightly different shades: a royal blue coat with a red hat for one, a navy coat with a burgundy hat for the other, both over brown trousers with soft ears, washable nose-and-whisker makeup and yellow rain boots. Braid or tie long hair under the hats. One gets a light suitcase that opens for candy and the other a travel backpack with a plush sandwich. Matching luggage tags with each child's name on the back connect the pair and end the arguments over whose is whose.
30. Paddington And Brown Family Costume
A family can put one person in the middle as Paddington and dress everyone else as the Brown family who take him in. The bear gets the full blue coat, brown trousers, red hat, ears, yellow boots and gentle whisker makeup, plus the suitcase and the sandwich. Everyone else wears their own British-looking coats, cardigans, patterned skirts, trousers, scarves and walking shoes, and carries umbrellas, maps, notebooks or small bags. I'd repeat blue, red, mustard and brown across the group, because shared colour is what makes a mixed group look like one family. It scales from three people to ten.
31. Group Paddington Bear Costume
With a group of friends, I'd let everyone play their own version of the bear instead of forcing identical outfits. Blue coats in different shades and lengths go over brown jeans, skirts, leggings or jumpsuits, and everyone adds a red hat, round ears, friendly bear makeup and yellow, red or brown shoes. Split the props so one carries the suitcase, one the sandwich, one a travel backpack and one a folded map. Matching luggage tags pull it together. It suits friends on different budgets, since everybody shops their own wardrobe first.
32. Dog Paddington Costume With Blue Coat
A dog Paddington only works if the dog is relaxed in it, so comfort decides everything here. Use a soft blue dog coat or harness cover that leaves the shoulders free, with fabric toggles stitched on firmly and too large to swallow. A red hat should tie loosely under the chin, and only for a dog that already tolerates headwear; otherwise put fabric ears on the coat's hood instead. No makeup, ever. Yellow booties only suit dogs already used to them. A flat plush suitcase and soft sandwich on the harness are enough, and I take off any piece the moment the dog starts scratching at it.
33. Owner And Dog Paddington Costume
For an owner and dog, the owner carries most of the costume and the dog carries a hint. You wear the blue duffle coat, brown trousers, red hat, bear-ear headband, light whisker makeup and yellow boots, and hold the vintage suitcase. The dog wears a light blue harness cover with secure fabric toggles and a soft red hat or hood. No face paint and nothing dangling on the pet. A flat plush sandwich attached to the harness is the safe prop. Match your blue and red shades closely and the pair looks deliberate in photos, then keep the walk short so the dog stays happy.
34. Wheelchair-Adaptive Paddington Costume
An adaptive Paddington can make the wheelchair part of the travel story. Wear a front-opening blue jacket, which is far easier to get on seated, over a soft brown top and pull-on trousers, with a red hat, ears, comfortable shoes and simple nose-and-whisker makeup. Keep hair clear of the wheels. The chair's side panels can become a big suitcase made from light cardboard and brown paper, fixed with removable fasteners. Wheels, push rims, brakes, controls and any safety equipment must stay completely clear. Flat travel graphics, a soft luggage tag and a fabric sandwich add detail without bulk, and yellow wheel covers echo his boots if they fit safely.
35. Sensory-Friendly Paddington Costume
For a wearer who finds costumes overwhelming, I build Paddington from soft, tag-free pieces they already like. A blue cotton hoodie with flat felt toggles, brown sweatpants and familiar cushioned sneakers form the base. A loose red beanie replaces the brimmed hat, and fabric ears can sit right on the hood. Hair stays in their usual style. Skip makeup if it feels wrong, or use a small nose sticker that peels off in a second. A soft suitcase-shaped tote with padded handles holds a plush sandwich. I leave out noisy fasteners, flashing lights and scratchy faux fur.
Why Bear Ears and a Brimmed Hat Fight Each Other
Nearly every look above puts ears under a red hat, and it's the fiddliest part of the costume. A headband with ears plus a hat on top tends to push the hat up and back, until it sits on the crown like a pot lid. I fix this in one of two ways.
- Sew or glue small felt ears straight onto the hat, low on each side just above the brim, and leave out the headband entirely.
- Cut two slits in the hat crown and push the headband ears up through them, so the hat sits down on the head and the ears poke out.
A thin elastic under the chin or behind the head keeps a brimmed hat on in wind, and kids accept it better than a chin strap that buckles. Stuff the ears lightly with a bit of fibre fill so they keep their round shape after being squashed in a car.
Rain, Mud and a Cardboard Suitcase
Paddington is a rainy-day bear, and Halloween often obliges. Cardboard goes soft in wet weather, and a candy-filled box will tear at the handle first. Before the night, I brush a coat of clear acrylic varnish or wrap the box in clear packing tape, which makes it shrug off drizzle. Felt sandwiches stain in rain too, so keep spares in a pocket.
Rubber boots are honest rain gear but not great for long walks; add a cushioned insole and a thick sock, or wear sneakers and keep the yellow for the hat band or a scarf. A cheap clear umbrella keeps the coat colour visible in photos, where a black umbrella hides half the costume.
Pack the Suitcase, Then Go
Every Paddington here starts from the same small kit: a blue coat, a red hat, a brown base, boots you can walk in and something to carry. After that you can lean towards a handmade suitcase, softer bear details, a marmalade prop or a whole group of characters. Building from your own wardrobe keeps the cost down, and the coat, hat and bag can all be worn again after Halloween. Pick breathable layers, comfortable shoes, light props and makeup that suits the person wearing it, and the bear will be cheerful to wear for the whole evening.
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