Mario Cosplay Guide: Dress Like the Super Mario Bros Hero

Whether you’re heading to a gaming convention, a Halloween party, or planning a themed photoshoot, Mario is one of the most fun and instantly recognizable cosplay choices you can make. With his bright red cap, cheerful blue eyes, and endless energy, this Nintendo icon has been a fixture in pop culture for decades. Cosplaying Mario doesn’t just give you a nostalgic nod to childhood—it also taps into a character loved across generations.

One of the best things about dressing as Mario is how approachable the look can be. Whether you want to create an exact replica, add a fashionable twist, or even gender-bend the design into something more modern, Mario’s wardrobe and accessories give you plenty of room to play. This guide will walk you through everything from his clothing and iconic cap to EyeCandys colored contacts, semi-cured gel nails, and creative ways to bring the Mushroom Kingdom to life.

Mario’s Outfit: The Signature Red and Blue Combo

The foundation of Mario’s look is simple yet unmistakable: a red long-sleeved shirt paired with blue overalls. To capture the classic silhouette, choose a shirt that’s bright and fitted. Stretch cotton or a lightweight knit works especially well if you’ll be wearing it all day at a convention or outdoor event.

The overalls are just as essential, and there are plenty of options depending on your style. Classic denim has the right rugged texture, but cosplay versions made from lighter fabrics will feel more comfortable if you’re moving around a lot. Make sure your overalls have prominent straps and oversized yellow buttons—that little pop of color is part of Mario’s charm. If you want to modernize the look, you can even swap the overalls for a denim romper or fitted dungarees.

No Mario is complete without the iconic red cap. The structured “M” emblem hat is an accessory that instantly ties the entire outfit together. Many pre-made options are available online, but if you’re crafty, you can make your own by adding a felt “M” patch to a plain red cap. White gloves and sturdy brown boots finish the look, balancing Mario’s cartoon aesthetic with practical comfort for walking around an event.

Wig and Facial Hair: Making Mario Come Alive

Mario’s dark, short hair and signature mustache are just as recognizable as his outfit. If you don’t already match the look naturally, a wig is an easy solution. Opt for a black or deep brown wig with some texture and volume, styled to sit neatly under the cap. You can even tease it slightly at the crown to mimic Mario’s bouncy, animated look.

The mustache is another non-negotiable. A felt stick-on version is the fastest route, but if you prefer a softer, more natural appearance, theatrical makeup or even an eyebrow pencil can be used to draw one on. This technique is especially handy if you’re creating a “femme” Mario and want a more stylized spin. Adding side bangs, curls, or even soft waves to the wig can help customize the character to suit your own face shape and personality.

Mario’s Eye Color: Blue Contacts That Pop

One of Mario’s most striking features is his bold, bright blue eyes. EyeCandys colored contacts are the perfect way to nail this detail and make your cosplay feel more complete. Sapphire blue lenses bring a vivid and animated touch, perfect for photo shoots or cosplay contests where every detail counts. If you want something that feels extra true to Mario’s video game design, blue circle lenses slightly enlarge the iris to give you that exaggerated, cartoony look.

For a softer or playful twist, light blue lenses can give your Mario a more kawaii or dreamy style. And because EyeCandys lenses are available in both prescription and non-prescription, you don’t have to choose between cosplay accuracy and comfort.

Nintendo-Inspired Nails: A Small Detail With Big Impact

Even a plumber can have polished nails when it’s time to strike a pose. EyeCandys semi-cured gel nail stickers are a quick, easy, and mess-free way to add another layer of style to your cosplay. You can go bold with nails that match Mario’s primary color scheme by alternating shades of red, blue, and yellow. Or, lean into the theme by adding accent nails decorated with iconic designs like stars, mushrooms, or question blocks.

If you want practicality, short rounded nails are ideal since they won’t get in the way while holding props or moving through crowded spaces. For a bolder fashion-forward Mario, square-shaped nails with bright glossy finishes can turn the whole look into something runway-ready. Since the stickers cure in seconds under a UV lamp, they’re also a reliable option for long convention days when you don’t want to worry about chips or smudges.

Props and Accessories: Leveling Up Your Cosplay

Mario’s look is recognizable without props, but adding a few extras instantly makes your cosplay more dynamic. Foam gold coins or plush stars can be carried around to nod to the video game’s iconic collectibles. Plush mushrooms or fire flowers make excellent photo-ready props and are often lightweight enough to carry easily all day.

If you want to highlight Mario’s plumber roots, consider carrying a toy wrench, wearing a tool belt, or even creating a DIY cardboard question block that doubles as a storage box. For those who love over-the-top builds, constructing a wearable Mario Kart or a quirky Piranha Plant prop can transform your cosplay into a showstopper.

Group Cosplay: The Mushroom Kingdom Assembled

Mario is fun to cosplay solo, but he shines even more as part of a group. Friends can easily join in as Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad, Yoshi, Wario, or Waluigi. The colorful cast of the Mushroom Kingdom makes group cosplay dynamic, cheerful, and instantly recognizable. For families, characters like Yoshi or Toad are also perfect for kids, creating an ensemble that stands out at any convention or themed party.

Glasses-Wearers: Staying in Character Without Sacrificing Vision

If you normally wear glasses, you might worry about accuracy, since Mario is never seen with them. Clear prescription contacts from EyeCandys are the ideal solution, allowing you to ditch your glasses while keeping your look authentic. For those who enjoy adding a personal twist, styling Mario with fun glasses or shades can also be a playful nod to Mario Party or Mario Kart editions where characters often have accessory variations.

Posing, Power-Ups, and Sharing Your Look

Mario is defined by his energy and joy, so channeling his personality through your posing makes all the difference. Try crouching in a mid-jump position, throwing a fist in the air as if you’ve just hit a question block, or pretending to run mid-step as though you’re racing through Rainbow Road. Props like plush stars or foam coins add to the fun, but even without them, Mario’s iconic poses are easy to recreate.

For photos, brick-patterned backdrops, oversized green pipes, or mushroom-themed props can help create a DIY Mushroom Kingdom scene. When your look is complete, share your cosplay online and tag @eyecandys to connect with a community of fellow fans.

Bringing Mario to Life

Whether you’re stomping Goombas, racing through Rainbow Road, or simply channeling nostalgia at a convention, Mario cosplay is a joyful and timeless choice. The outfit is comfortable, approachable, and endlessly customizable, making it perfect for cosplayers of all levels. With the addition of EyeCandys colored contacts and gel nail stickers, you’ll capture Mario’s larger-than-life personality in a way that’s polished, photo-ready, and uniquely your own.

So grab your hat, slip into those overalls, and get ready to jump into the fun. After all, Mario himself would say it best: “Let’s-a go!”