Kuzco Costume
Bring the ultimate royal attitude with Kuzco's signature gold and red look.
Emperor Kuzco from Disney's 'The Emperor's New Groove' is a fan-favorite costume choice thanks to his hilarious personality and vibrant, regal style. This look is instantly recognizable by its bright red tunic, massive gold collar, and distinctive crown. Whether you are going solo or pairing up with Pacha or Yzma, this guide will help you nail his royal look.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $30–80
Try it on
See yourself as Kuzco
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What you need for a Kuzco costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Kuzco costume — one box instead of 7 pieces.
Red tunic or dress
A bright red, short-sleeved tunic or oversized t-shirt that falls mid-thigh.
DIY: Use an oversized red crewneck t-shirt and hem it to mid-thigh length.
Gold collar
A wide, circular gold collar that sits flat over the shoulders.
DIY: Cut a wide circle out of yellow craft foam or cardboard, paint it metallic gold, and cut a slit in the back to slip it on.
Gold crown
A tall, stylized gold crown with two large semicircular peaks on the sides.
DIY: Cut the distinct shape from thick yellow craft foam, paint it gold, and secure it to a plain headband.
Yellow sash
A bright yellow fabric sash worn tied around the waist.
DIY: Cut a strip of yellow jersey fabric or a cheap yellow bedsheet.
Blue disc earrings
Large, round, turquoise-blue clip-on disc earrings.
DIY: Paint two large plastic bottle caps turquoise and attach them to clip-on earring backings.
Gold wrist cuffs
Matching metallic gold cuffs worn on both wrists.
DIY: Wrap gold metallic tape or metallic craft foam around your wrists and secure with velcro.
Black sandals
Simple black strappy sandals or gladiators.
DIY: Wear plain black flip-flops or slide sandals.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Kuzco costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the red tunic or oversized red t-shirt, ensuring it fits loosely and ends just above the knees.
- 2
Tie the bright yellow sash snugly around your waist, letting the excess fabric hang down the side.
- 3
Place the wide gold collar over your neck so it rests flat against your shoulders and upper chest.
- 4
Secure the gold wrist cuffs onto both wrists.
- 5
Clip on the large turquoise-blue disc earrings.
- 6
Carefully place the tall gold crown headband on your head, centering the peaks.
- 7
Finish the look by putting on the black strappy sandals.
Makeup & hair
Keep hair sleek, straight, and black, parted down the middle, or use a short black wig. Keep makeup minimal, but feel free to add dramatic, expressive eyebrows to match Kuzco's sassy facial expressions.
Kuzco for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with Pacha in his green poncho and brown hat, or Yzma in her purple dress and feathered headpiece.
- group
- Form a group with Kuzco, Kronk, Yzma, and Pacha for the ultimate Disney ensemble.
- kids
- Use a red toddler t-shirt and soft felt for the gold crown and collar to keep it comfortable.
- Plus size
- An oversized red knit dress provides a comfortable, breathable base with plenty of stretch.
- pet
- Dress your dog in a llama costume as a hilarious nod to Kuzco's animal transformation.
Tips
- Use lightweight materials like craft foam for the crown and collar so they stay comfortable to wear all night.
- Practice your best 'No touchy!' pose and sassy facial expressions for photos.
- If wearing this in cold weather, layer skin-tone leggings or a long-sleeve red undershirt beneath the tunic.
Kuzco costume FAQ
- How do you make Kuzco's crown?
- You can easily make it by cutting the signature curved shape out of yellow craft foam, painting it with metallic gold acrylic paint, and hot-gluing it to a standard plastic headband.
- What shoes does Kuzco wear?
- Kuzco wears simple black strappy sandals. Any basic black sandals or gladiator-style flats will work perfectly.
- Is a Kuzco costume easy to DIY?
- Yes! The base is just a red tunic and a yellow sash. The crown and collar can be easily crafted from cardboard or foam in under an hour.
Did you know? The Emperor's New Groove was originally planned as a dramatic, epic musical titled 'Kingdom of the Sun' before being retooled into the fast-paced comedy we know today.