Joker Costume
Unleash your inner agent of chaos in style.
The Joker is DC Comics' most infamous supervillain and the arch-nemesis of Batman. People choose this costume to showcase a bold, theatrical personality and to play one of the most charismatic characters in pop culture. The classic look consists of a tailored purple suit, a vibrant green vest, slicked-back green hair, and a chaotic clown smile.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $50–150
Try it on
See yourself as Joker
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What you need for a Joker costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Joker costume — one box instead of 8 pieces.
Purple Suit Jacket
A vibrant purple blazer or tailcoat, ideally with wide lapels and a structured fit.
DIY: Find a white or light-colored blazer at a thrift store and dye it purple using fabric dye.
Purple Dress Pants
Matching purple trousers that fit comfortably and complement the suit jacket.
DIY: Dye a pair of white or light gray trousers purple to match your jacket.
Green Vest
A bright lime green or teal vest to wear buttoned up over the shirt.
DIY: Cut the sleeves off an old green button-down shirt.
Orange Dress Shirt
A bright orange or yellow long-sleeved button-down dress shirt.
DIY: Use any bright yellow or orange collared shirt.
Green Hair Color
Temporary green hair spray, hair wax, or a slicked-back green wig.
DIY: Slick your hair back with gel and dust it with green eyeshadow or chalk.
White Face Paint
High-quality white cream makeup or water-activated face paint for a pale base.
DIY: Mix cornstarch, cold cream, and a drop of water with white food coloring.
Red and Black Face Paint
Red face paint for the exaggerated smile and black or dark purple for the eyes.
DIY: Use red lipstick for the smile and dark eyeshadow for the eyes.
Purple Gloves
Lightweight purple fabric or leather gloves to complete the classic comic book look.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Joker costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Apply a smooth, even layer of white face paint across your entire face, neck, and ears, leaving the eye area slightly bare.
- 2
Use black or dark purple makeup around your eyes, blending it outward to create a sunken, dramatic look.
- 3
Paint an exaggerated, wide red smile extending from the corners of your mouth onto your cheeks using red face paint or lipstick.
- 4
Slick your hair back using gel or pomade, then apply temporary green hair spray or put on a green wig.
- 5
Put on the orange dress shirt, button it up, and layer the green vest over it, buttoning the vest completely.
- 6
Put on the purple dress pants and the matching purple suit jacket.
- 7
Slip on your purple gloves, lace up some dark dress shoes, and practice your most maniacal laugh.
Makeup & hair
Apply a full face of white makeup with dark, smudged eyes and a wide, messy red smile. Slick your hair straight back and color it bright green using temporary spray or wax.
Joker for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Partner with Harley Quinn in her classic red-and-black jester outfit or modern blue-and-pink look.
- group
- Assemble a rogue's gallery with friends dressed as Batman, Harley Quinn, Riddler, and Catwoman.
- kids
- A fun, slightly less scary version with a purple suit and a pre-painted plastic mask.
- Plus size
- Look for stretch-fabric purple suits or separates to ensure a comfortable, tailored fit that allows for easy movement.
- pet
- A pet-sized purple cape and a green ruffled collar for a dapper, villainous companion.
More ways people search for this costume
The most-searched variations of “Joker costume”, and how this look adapts to each.
Youth joker costume
- A fun, slightly less scary version with a purple suit and a pre-painted plastic mask.
Tips
- Set your white face paint with a translucent setting powder to prevent it from smudging or running during the night.
- If using temporary green hair spray, apply it outdoors or in a well-ventilated room to avoid staining your bathroom walls.
- Carry a small pocket mirror and some red lipstick for quick touch-ups to your signature smile throughout the event.
- Wear comfortable black dress shoes, as you'll likely be pacing and theatricalizing your performance.
Joker costume FAQ
- Which Joker version is this guide for?
- This guide focuses on the classic comic book and animated series look, featuring the vibrant purple suit, green vest, and orange shirt. However, the makeup steps can easily be adapted for the Heath Ledger or Joaquin Phoenix versions.
- How do I get the makeup off at the end of the night?
- Use an oil-based makeup remover or cold cream to break down the face paint, then wash your face with warm water and a gentle cleanser.
- What if I don't want to dye my hair?
- A short, slicked-back green cosplay wig is an excellent alternative that saves you from using temporary sprays and washes out instantly.
Did you know? The Joker was originally intended to be killed off in his very first appearance in Batman #1 in 1940, but an editor saw the character's potential and spared him.