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June 2025
You might have often witnessed your kiddo’s eyes widening when they spot their favourite superhero toys or costumes in the store window. Well, in this blog, we’re about to explore the wonderfully wacky world of character clothing shopping.
One minute, they’re your sleepy little school-goer, and the next, they’re zooming through the house as Spider-Man, twirling like Elsa at a royal ball, or stomping around like the mighty Hulk. Character clothing isn’t just about looking cute, though they absolutely nail that part too. These are an incredible way for the little ones to express themselves, dive deep into imaginative play, and experience their wildest dreams firsthand.
For children, dressing up is about identity, creativity, storytelling, and, of course, fashion. Whether they’re donning a cape, slipping on sparkly shoes, or strapping on a backpack that screams adventure, these clothes give kids a chance to explore the world through the eyes of their heroes. And there’s something heartwarming about watching your little one strut confidently in a costume that makes them feel invincible, magical, or just downright cool.
Known for the unbeatable combination of style, comfort, and affordability, Matalan has become a go-to destination for parents looking to bring their kids’ favourite characters to life. From Disney princesses and Marvel superheroes to gaming icons and intergalactic legends, we have a huge collection to add playfulness to your wardrobe that kids and their imaginations can grow into.
We’ve put together this ultimate checklist to help you choose the right character for your child, complete with tips, favourite picks, and everything you need to know before hitting ‘Add to Cart’. So, let’s get going to the infinity and beyond of the character clothing world!
First things first, before you even think about fabric blends or seam durability, you need to figure out who your child really wants to be. This isn’t about your favourite childhood hero; this is about their current obsession, their secret clubhouse leader, their imaginary best friend.
Choosing the right character is about tapping into their current interests, fuelling their imaginative play, and giving them a costume that truly resonates. Imagine the sheer delight of a child who adores Buzz Lightyear suddenly finding themselves in a full Buzz Lightyear costume! Pure, unadulterated joy.
Sit down and chat with your child. Are they into magical castles or monster trucks? Is Buzz Lightyear their hero, or does Hulk make them go green with joy? Character clothing only works when it aligns with your child’s current passion. By the way, please emphasise current — today it’s Elsa; tomorrow it might be Pikachu.
Here’s a peek at the hottest, most giggle-worthy character gear at Matalan:
Disney characters are timeless, beloved, and guaranteed to bring smiles. From classic princesses who’ve been stealing hearts for generations to modern Pixar heroes who have redefined what it means to be brave, Disney’s got something for every dreamer.
For the Ones Who Deserve Princess Treatment: Is your little one dreaming of icicles and magic? Do they want to be a snow queen? If yes, the Kid’s Disney Frozen Elsa Costume might be the perfect choice. And if your little princess is someone who whistles while they work or just likes twirling, go for a Kid’s Disney Snow White Costume for those classic fairytale vibes.
To Infinity and Beyond: For the space cadets and adventurous souls, the Kid’s Disney Buzz Lightyear Fancy Dress Costume is a no-brainer. They’ll be ready for epic missions in no time.
Vroom Vroom: Does your tiny speed demon live for the racetrack? A Cars Boy Lightning McQueen Long Sleeve Top will have them revving their engines.
Aloha, Sweet Dreams: And for those who prefer cuddles and quirky charm, the Stitch Pyjama Set is simply adorable.
If your little one’s world revolves around saving the day, Marvel is your go-to. The Avengers, Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Hulk — these are the titans of bravery and justice.
Made of Iron to Protect the World: The Kid’s Marvel Iron Man Fancy Dress Costume is perfect for aspiring inventors and protectors of the universe. Warning: may induce flying dreams.
Cosy Neighbourhood Vibes: For the web-slinging enthusiasts, a Spider-Man Boys Snuggle Hoodie offers comfort and heroism in one cosy package. Let the tiny tots fight the crimes comfortably.
Smash the Bedtime Fears: Got a little one who loves to make a big impact? The Kid’s Marvel Hulk Fancy Dress Costume will have them feeling strong and green!
Sentinel of Liberty: And for those who stand for truth and justice, the Captain America Kids Costume is just the ticket. The costume comes with a realistic shield and a complementary mask so that they can totally indulge in the character.
The superhero universe is vast and wonderful! DC Comics brings us some of the most iconic superheroes ever created, and kids absolutely eat it up.
The Caped Crusader of Comfort: For the night-loving crime fighters, the DC Comics Kids Batman Tops & Bottoms Pyjama Set is a dream come true. Let your young ones be Gotham-ready.
Faster Than a Speeding Bullet: The Marvel Kids Superman Costume is perfect for the tiny human who believes they can fly. Cape included. Super Speed? To be decided!
The Way to Cosy Dreams: And for the Star Wars aficionados, the Star Wars Kids Grogu Pyjama Set means they can snuggle up with their favourite little alien.
Today, gaming characters are just as iconic as their cartoon counterparts. If your kid is glued to the console, then these characters are prime candidates.
Gotta Go Fast! The Sonic Boys Long Sleeve Top is perfect for the speedsters and adventure-seekers. This is the ideal choice for vroom-ready mornings.
Gotta Catch Those Zzzzs! And for the Pokémon masters in training, the Pokémon Boys Pyjama Set will make bedtime legendary.
Pro-Tip: Sneakily observe their play, their favourite TV shows, and the toys they gravitate towards. Are they constantly humming a certain theme song? Do they mimic particular character phrases? These are all golden clues if you are planning to surprise them with their favourite character costume.
Blue for boys and pink for girls – it’s all in the past. Now, it’s all about what makes your child’s heart sing — be it dragons, Disney or dancing Pikachu. Kids are magnificent, individual little beings with their own unique tastes, and that’s what their character clothing should be about.
For the Action Lovers: Does your tiny one have Hulk-smashing energy and love to race, just like Lightning McQueen? Not just boys, but girls too, can absolutely crush it in the superhero swag!
For the Dreamers: From Elsa’s sparkling cape to Snow White’s charm, fairy-tale fashion is a favourite for many girls. But who’s to say boys can’t rock some royal robes?
For Everyone in Between: Toy Story, Pokémon, Stitch — characters that speak the universal language of fun! Matalan’s got the most adorable unisex fits, so every kiddo feels like their favourite star.
Okay, you’ve nailed the main outfit! But we’re not done yet. What’s a superhero without their trusty boots? A princess without her sparkling shoes? Nope, we can’t even think about it. No look is complete without a little extra pzazz. We’re talking head-to-toe fabulousness. Check out these add-ons that crank the character vibe up to an 11:
Footwear That Speaks Volumes: The right shoes can complete the look and add to the imaginative play. Matalan often has character-themed footwear that’s both fun and functional. For the action-packed little ones, Marvel Boys Trainers mean they can run, jump, and save the day in style and comfort. And for the little mermaids or angels, Disney Girls Angel Clogs offer a whimsical touch perfect for summer adventures or indoor play.
Bags and Backpacks for Carrying the Quest: Whether it’s for school, a playdate, or just carrying their imaginary treasures, a character backpack is a must-have. It extends the character theme into their everyday life! The Marvel Boys Backpack is perfect for carrying their superhero gadgets or, you know, snacks and a water bottle. And for the Pokémon trainers on the go, the Pokémon Kids Backpack means they’re always ready for an adventure.
Hats, Gloves, and Scarves for the Finishing Touch: These aren’t just for cold weather; they can be integral parts of a costume! A superhero beanie, a princess scarf, or character-themed gloves can tie the whole look together. The Kids’ Marvel Spider-Man Beanie Hat, Scarf & Gloves Set is a great option, providing both character appeal and practical warmth.
Now that we’ve covered the fun stuff, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty, the practical considerations that ensure your character clothing investment is comfy, durable and good for your child. Because a scratchy costume or one that falls apart after one wash is a total buzzkill. So, before you go wild adding things to your Matalan cart, here’s what to watch out for:
Soft Cotton: For everyday wear, soft cotton is the best choice. It’s gentle on the delicate skin of your child, breathable, and generally easy to care for. Kids are active, and cotton moves them, preventing chafing and discomfort. Look for 100% cotton or high-cotton blends for maximum comfort.
Breathable Blends: While cotton is great, sometimes blends are necessary for durability, stretch, or specific costume features. Look for breathable blends that incorporate materials like polyester or spandex. Polyester adds durability and wrinkle resistance, while spandex provides that all-important stretch for active play. Just make sure the blend still feels soft and allows for good airflow, especially if your child tends to get warm during imaginative escapades.
Cost Saving: Let’s be honest, kids grow faster than light! Character clothing can be a significant investment, especially if they’re constantly changing their favourite hero. Keep an eye out for Matalan’s sales events and seasonal discounts. Trust us, you can snag fantastic deals with us. Consider buying character-themed separates (a bottom here, a top there) that can be mixed and matched with existing wardrobe items. Also, opt for character t-shirts, hoodies, and pyjamas that can be worn regularly, rather than fancy dress costumes for special occasions.
Quality and Durability: Make sure you invest in character clothing that can withstand the rigours of childhood — countless washes, epic adventures, and enthusiastic hugs. Check whether the seams are strong enough for the childhood ventures, and does the fabric feel substantial enough to hold up to the wear and tear, or does it feel flimsy? Also, look if the character prints are vibrant and crisp, or do they look like they’ll fade after a few washes? Good quality prints should feel integrated into the fabric, not like they are just sitting on top.
Holiday, Seasonal, and Themed Outfits: Character clothing is a fantastic way to sprinkle extra magic on holidays, special occasions, and themed events. Planning a Halloween look? Christmas pyjamas? Summer costume party? Matalan drops themed character collections all year long, so you’re never out of outfit options.
So that you have understood what to look for, let’s talk about where to get it all. And the good news is that you have everything at Matalan. Here’s why you can trust us when it comes to laying your hands on the top-quality character clothing.
Variety at Its Finest: Now that you have reached all the way down here, you might have understood that Matalan has an impressive range of characters from Disney, Marvel, DC, Star Wars, and more. You are almost guaranteed to find your child’s latest obsession.
Affordability with Quality: We offer character clothing that’s not just adorable and fun but also surprisingly good quality for the price point. This means you can dress your little ones in their favourite characters without going bankrupt, which is quite essential, especially when they’re growing so fast.
Convenience: With both online and physical stores, Matalan makes shopping a breeze. You can browse from the comfort of your couch if you dislike dragging kids through crowded stores while they beg for every character item they see. And you can enjoy the in-store experience, which can be fun for the kids, especially when they spot their favourite characters!
Full Outfit Solutions: Matalan not only offers the main costumes but also coordinating accessories like shoes, backpacks, and everything else. This makes us your one-stop destination for completing the character look.
Frequent New Arrivals: Character trends change, and Matalan is usually on top of it, regularly introducing new characters and designs to keep up with what kids are loving.
Character clothes are about fostering imagination, building confidence, and creating those precious, unforgettable childhood memories. With Matalan’s fabulous range, finding the right outfit becomes less of a chore and more of a cherishable experience. The best character clothing is the kind that speaks to your child’s heart, feels comfortable on their skin, and survives whatever adventures they are up to.
Whether they’re fighting imaginary villains in their Marvel gear, casting spells in their Disney costumes, or exploring galaxies in their Star Wars pyjamas, the right clothing becomes the foundation for countless magical moments.
So go forth, and fill your cart with the most adorable character clothes from Matalan, and help your little ones dress up their dreams.
A good superhero outfit combines style with storytelling. All elements — like the mask, cape, gloves, and boots — should complement each other to create a striking look. Patterns, textures, and colours need to work together rather than clash. The outfit should also reflect the superhero’s origin, powers, and personality — bold, fearless, sleek, or magical. Ultimately, a great costume makes the character instantly recognisable and memorable.