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Boys’ Fancy Dress

Good boys’ fancy dress needs to survive running, climbing and at least one sword fight. This collection covers the costumes boys ask for again and again: superheroes, knights, dinosaurs, pirates, police officers and glow-in-the-dark skeletons, with prices from around £9.

Got a Marvel fan? Head straight to our Spider-Man costumes. For everything else, check the size guide first, as kids’ costumes vary a lot from one brand to the next and many run small.

Buying guide ↓ Kids’ Fancy Dress Girls’ Fancy Dress Superhero Costumes Pirate Costumes World Book Day Costumes
Young boy smiling in a pirate costume
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Buying guide

Choosing boys’ fancy dress that actually gets worn

The best boys’ costumes are the ones they can move in. A stiff outfit that itches will be off within ten minutes, so comfort matters as much as looks. It’s also worth asking where it’s going: a school dress-up day, a birthday party or trick-or-treating all call for slightly different things.

Costume typeBest forGood to know
Superhero jumpsuitParties and everyday playLicensed Marvel and DC costumes cost more; padded muscle versions run warm
Knight or soldierSchool events and book daysPlastic armour pieces can snap, so treat them as a bonus
DinosaurYounger boys and toddlersTails get trodden on; hoods may block side vision
PirateThemed parties and group costumesKits are cheap and flexible; add your own stripy top
SkeletonHalloween and bonfire nightGlow prints need a bit of light first to charge up

Superheroes

Superheroes top the list for most boys. Our superhero costumes range is packed with Marvel and DC favourites, including a big choice of Batman costumes from brands like Rubies. Officially licensed outfits look the part, but expect thinner fabric than the price suggests.

Pirates, knights and dinosaurs

Not every lad wants a cape. Our pirate costumes are easy wins for parties, and knights and dinosaurs are brilliant for World Book Day costumes too, as they tie in with loads of picture books. For something sillier, inflatable costumes always get a laugh.

Sizing and comfort tips for boys dressing up

Kids’ costume sizes are often based on age, but height is a far better guide. Plenty of listings run small, and one-piece jumpsuits are the worst for it, so size up if your boy is tall for his age or between sizes.

  • Leave room for a T-shirt or thermal layer underneath for autumn and winter events.
  • Masks can be hot and hard to see through, so a bit of face paint is a handy backup.
  • Velcro fastenings are easier than zips for quick toilet trips.
  • Check the trouser length so he isn’t tripping on the stairs.

Finishing the look

A few extras turn a costume into a full character. Swords, shields, hats and capes from our fancy dress accessories range are cheap to add. Sorting outfits for a sister too? Our girls’ fancy dress section has matching ideas, and spooky options live in kids’ Halloween costumes.

In this guide

  1. Choosing boys’ fancy dress that actually gets worn
  2. Popular boys’ costumes right now
  3. Sizing and comfort tips for boys dressing up
  4. Finishing the look
  5. Questions people ask

Shop related

Not sure on size?

Costumes often run small. Check our guide before you order.

Size guide →

Questions people ask

Quick answers about boys’ fancy dress: sizing, quality and what to buy. Still unsure? Our size guide and theme pages have more help.

Browse all themes →
What are the most popular boys’ costumes?

Superheroes like Spider-Man and Batman are the clear favourites, followed by dinosaurs, knights, pirates and police officers. Around October, skeletons and other spooky looks shoot up the list.

Do boys’ fancy dress costumes come up small?

Many do, especially all-in-one jumpsuits and padded superhero suits. Go by height rather than age, and size up if he’s between sizes or wants a layer underneath. Our size guide shows how to measure.

What can a boy dress up as for World Book Day?

Easy ideas include a knight, a pirate, a dinosaur, an astronaut or a police officer, as they all link to well-known children’s books. Superheroes work too if the school allows comic characters. Take a look at our World Book Day costumes for more.

Are licensed superhero costumes worth the extra money?

If your child cares about the exact suit from the film, yes. Licensed costumes from brands like Rubies have accurate prints, but the fabric is often fairly thin, so they’re best for parties rather than daily rough play.

How do I wash a kids’ costume?

Most can be hand washed or washed on a cool, gentle cycle inside a pillowcase. Remove any foam or plastic parts first and dry flat, as tumble dryers can crack prints and shrink padding.

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