Which Joker costume should you get for Halloween?
The Joker is a well-known character who first appeared as a villain in the DC comic book “Batman” in 1940. Over the decades, he has been featured in several movies as well.
With his distinctive look and dark nature, the Joker has become a popular choice for Halloween costumes. While there are slight variations in his look from one movie to another, the Joker usually has a white painted face, red lips, green hair and a purple suit.
Types of Joker costumes
Before you buy a Joker Halloween costume, decide which depiction of the character should inspire your look:
- Generic: Many versions of the character in early “Batman” movies and TV shows stayed true to the comic book depiction of the Joker, including actor Jack Nicholson’s portrayal in the 1989 film ”Batman.” It features neatly slicked-back green hair, a white face and a wide smile applied with red paint. The Joker wears a purple suit, green shirt and bow tie. Often, he also wears purple gloves and walks with a cane.
- “Dark Knight”: Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker in “The Dark Knight” in 2008 revived interest in dressing up as the character for Halloween. This look is a little more ragged than earlier versions. The Joker’s makeup is patchy, with dark circles around the eyes and the hair is long and stringy.
- “Joker”: The movie “Joker,” from 2019, tells the villain’s origin story. Joaquin Phoenix plays the role wearing a yellow shirt and red coat and tails. Along with long green hair, the Joker’s makeup includes a red nose and blue diamonds around the eyes.
- “Suicide Squad”: In the “Suicide Squad” movies, Jared Leto’s Joker is a lot more edgy than other versions. It includes facial tattoos and slicked-back bright green hair. When he’s wearing the iconic purple jacket, it’s made from purple leather snakeskin.
Once you’ve settled on the inspiration for your Joker costume, make sure you know what size costume you’ll need. You’ll also want to consider whether to buy a full costume or pick up individual pieces and put them together.
Best Joker costumes to buy
Rubie’s Men’s “Suicide Squad” Deluxe Joker Costume
This costume is officially licensed by DC and is perfect for people who want to replicate the “Suicide Squad” look. The costume is machine-washable and even comes with a cane to complete the look.
Rubie’s “The Dark Knight” Joker Deluxe Costume
This costume is just what you need for the Heath Ledger look and it’s an officially licensed “Dark Knight” outfit. It’s made of polyester and comes with a purple jacket, attached green shirt, tie with pin-striped pants and a scary half-Joker mask.
Rubie’s Men’s DC Super Villains Adult Joker Costume
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This costume is made from synthetic material that is hand-wash only, but it does come with a jacket, attached shirt, vest, bow tie, pants, Joker wig, cane and face paint. This costume will leave you looking sharp and edgy.
Rubie’s DC Super Villains The Joker Costume
If you’re looking for a Joker costume for your kids, this costume is made to fit kids aged 5-7. It includes a jacket, attached shirt, vest, bow tie and jacket, and the flexible polyester material doesn’t restrict movement.
Bitseacoco Men’s Gothic Medieval Tailcoat Jacket
This gothic costume comes in five colors and the purple and green jacket-and-shirt combo is an ideal base for your Joker costume. Despite the thin fabric, customers report that the costume is really detailed and well-made.
Makkrom Men’s Steampunk Gothic Jacket
If you’ve got everything else you need, this purple steampunk tails and vest will help you finish off the signature Joker look. As it’s a separate piece rather than a full costume, you can even reuse it for other Halloween costumes in the future.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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