CDA Agent Costume
We have a 23-19! Suit up in bright yellow safety gear.
The Child Detection Agency (CDA) agents are the elite, biohazard-suited force dedicated to keeping Monstropolis safe from human contamination in Disney Pixar's Monsters, Inc. This costume is a massive hit for group themes alongside Mike, Sulley, or Boo, offering a highly recognizable and humorous look. The outfit centers around a bright yellow hazmat suit complete with safety gear, a visor, and decontamination tools.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $30–80
Try it on
See yourself as CDA Agent
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.
Your photo is sent to Google's Gemini API to make the render and isn't used for training. Renders are AI-generated and labelled.
Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a CDA Agent costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete CDA Agent costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Yellow Hazmat Suit or Coveralls
A bright mustard yellow hooded disposable protective suit or zippered coveralls.
DIY: Use a bright yellow hooded sweatshirt and matching yellow sweatpants.
CDA Logo and ID Number
The letters 'CDA' and a bold identification number like '012' printed on the chest.
DIY: Draw the letters 'CDA' and a three-digit number directly onto the chest with a thick black permanent marker.
Gas Mask or Respirator
A black half-face respirator mask with dual side filters to cover the nose and mouth.
DIY: Paint a standard dust mask black and attach two black plastic bottle caps to the sides.
Clear Safety Goggles
Large, clear plastic safety goggles with a black strap worn over the eyes.
Blue Nitrile Gloves
Bright blue disposable nitrile or latex gloves to keep your hands fully covered.
DIY: Any bright blue dishwashing or cleaning gloves.
Decontamination Wand
A long, thin rod or stick used to scan for human socks and contamination.
DIY: Wrap a cardboard wrapping paper tube in silver duct tape and add a red plastic cup to the end.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made CDA Agent costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on a lightweight base layer of clothing, as the yellow coveralls can trap heat.
- 2
Step into the yellow hazmat suit, pull it up over your shoulders, and zip it up to the chest.
- 3
Apply the 'CDA' lettering and a bold number (like 012 or 2319) to the left chest area using fabric transfers or a permanent marker.
- 4
Put on the clear safety goggles and secure the strap around the back of your head.
- 5
Position the black respirator mask over your nose and mouth, adjusting the straps for a secure fit.
- 6
Pull the hood of the yellow suit up and over your head, ensuring it frames the goggles and mask closely.
- 7
Put on the blue nitrile gloves and carry your decontamination wand to complete the look.
Makeup & hair
Since your head is fully covered by the hood, goggles, and respirator mask, no hair styling or makeup is required, making this an excellent low-maintenance option.
CDA Agent for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with another CDA agent carrying a white sock on a pair of tongs, or partner with someone dressed as Boo in her monster costume.
- group
- Gather a squad of CDA agents to march in formation, or join friends dressed as Mike Wazowski, Sulley, and Celia Mae.
- kids
- Use a yellow hooded rain jacket and yellow rain pants, adding blue gloves and a toy flashlight.
- Plus size
- Choose loose-fitting, oversized yellow painter's coveralls to ensure a comfortable fit with room to move.
- pet
- Dress your dog in a simple yellow pet raincoat with a small 'CDA' patch stuck to the side.
Tips
- Hazmat suits made of Tyvek or plastic can get very warm; wear breathable cotton t-shirts and shorts underneath.
- If wearing the respirator mask makes it hard to talk or breathe at a party, rest it around your neck and pull it up just for photos.
- Carry a white tube sock pinched in a pair of metal kitchen tongs as a hilarious, instantly recognizable prop.
- Make sure your footwear is simple; plain black boots or sneakers work best to keep the focus on the yellow suit.
CDA Agent costume FAQ
- What does CDA stand for in Monsters, Inc.?
- CDA stands for the Child Detection Agency, the hazardous materials security force that sanitizes Monstropolis from human objects.
- How do I make a cheap DIY CDA wand?
- You can wrap a wooden dowel or a cardboard tube in silver duct tape, then attach a small plastic cup or a yellow sponge to the tip to look like a scanner.
- Is a real hazmat suit safe to wear for Halloween?
- Yes, disposable painter's suits or light industrial coveralls are completely safe, lightweight, and very inexpensive to buy online.
Did you know? The code '23-19' used by the CDA agents in the movie corresponds to the letters 'W' and 'S' (the 23rd and 19th letters of the alphabet), standing for 'White Sock'.