Lakitu Costume
Float into your next party as Mario's favorite cloud-riding referee.
Lakitu is the cloud-riding Koopa from the Super Mario franchise, famous for starting races in Mario Kart and filming the action in Super Mario 64. This costume is a hit for Nintendo fans who want a unique, recognizable look that stands out in a crowd. The outfit features a yellow base, a green turtle shell, thick goggles, and a DIY smiling cloud worn around the waist.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~120 min
- Budget
- $30–80
Try it on
See yourself as Lakitu
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 Lakitu costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Lakitu costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Yellow long-sleeve shirt
A solid, bright yellow crewneck sweatshirt or long-sleeve t-shirt to represent Lakitu's skin.
DIY: Use a plain yellow t-shirt or hoodie you already own.
Green turtle shell
A plush or plastic green Koopa-style turtle shell worn on the back with shoulder straps.
DIY: Cut a shell shape out of cardboard, paint it green with a white border, and attach elastic straps.
Black goggles
Thick, black-rimmed aviator goggles or round glasses worn over the eyes.
DIY: Paint the rims of cheap plastic sunglasses black and pop out the lenses.
DIY smiling cloud
A white inflatable inner tube or cardboard ring wrapped in fluffy white polyester batting, featuring a simple black felt smiling face.
DIY: Wrap a pool float in white cotton batting or pillow stuffing and glue on black felt eyes and a mouth.
Traffic light fishing pole
A toy fishing rod with a lightweight hanging prop featuring red, yellow, and green lights to mimic the Mario Kart start signal.
DIY: Attach a small cardboard box painted like a traffic light to the end of a wooden dowel using string.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Lakitu costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the yellow long-sleeve shirt as your base layer.
- 2
Strap the green turtle shell backpack over your shoulders so it sits comfortably on your back.
- 3
Construct the cloud by wrapping white polyester batting around a swim ring or cardboard frame, securing it with spray adhesive or tape.
- 4
Cut out two black oval eyes and a curved smile from black felt, then glue them to the front of the cloud.
- 5
Attach suspenders or a hidden belt to the cloud structure so you can wear it hands-free around your waist.
- 6
Put on the thick black-rimmed goggles.
- 7
Carry the fishing pole with the hanging traffic light prop to complete the Mario Kart referee look.
Makeup & hair
Keep your hair hidden under a bald cap or slicked back, as Lakitu has a smooth, bald head. Yellow face paint can be used on your face and neck to match the shirt.
Lakitu for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with a friend dressed as a Mario Kart racer holding a steering wheel.
- group
- Join a group of Mario Kart racers as the official referee holding the start light.
- kids
- Use a lightweight, pre-made plush cloud pillow with straps for an easier kid-friendly version.
- Plus size
- Use an oversized yellow fleece sweatshirt for a comfortable, warm base layer.
- pet
- Dress a small pet in a yellow shirt with a tiny plush cloud secured around their midsection.
Tips
- Keep the cloud prop lightweight so you can walk, sit, and navigate doorways easily during a party.
- If you are using a real fishing rod, remove any metal hooks or sharp parts for safety.
- Wear comfortable yellow or neutral pants under the cloud structure to keep the focus on the prop.
Lakitu costume FAQ
- How do I wear the cloud around my waist?
- The easiest way is to attach two white suspenders or straps to the inner ring of your DIY cloud so it hangs comfortably from your shoulders.
- What does Lakitu hold in his hand?
- In Mario Kart, he holds a fishing pole with a hanging three-light traffic signal. In other Mario games, he sometimes holds a spiked red Spiny shell.
- Is Lakitu a Koopa?
- Yes, Lakitu is a species of Koopa, which is why he wears a green turtle shell on his back.
Did you know? Lakitu first appeared in Super Mario Bros. in 1985 as an enemy before taking on friendlier roles like the camera operator in Super Mario 64 and the race referee in Mario Kart.