Top 10 Thrift-Friendly Cosplay Characters for Beginners (2025 Guide

New to cosplay and on a budget? Discover the top 10 thrift-friendly cosplay characters for beginners in 2025. Easy, low-cost, and high-impact costume ideas using items from your local thrift store.

Cosplay doesn’t have to drain your wallet. In 2025, more and more beginners are turning to budget cosplay using second-hand clothes, dollar store finds, and creative hacks. Whether you’re prepping for your first con or just want a viral Instagram look, these 10 thrift-friendly cosplay characters are perfect starting points.

Let’s dive into the easiest and cheapest characters to recreate—without sacrificing style or fandom power!

 1. Velma Dinkley – Scooby-Doo

Why it’s great: Classic, recognizable, and super easy to thrift.

What you need:

Orange turtleneck

Red skirt

Knee-high socks

Glasses (optional thrift store item)

 “Easy cartoon cosplay for females 2025”

 2. Wednesday Addams – The Addams Family

Why it’s great: All-black and minimal accessories.

What to thrift:

Black dress with a white collar

Black tights

Braided wig or natural hair

Bonus: Great for Halloween and comic cons.

 3. Ash Ketchum – Pokémon

Why it’s great: Gender-neutral, nostalgic, and comfy.

Thrift-friendly list:

Blue vest or jacket

Red/white cap

Jeans

Poké Ball prop (DIY from ping pong balls!)

 4. L from Death Note

Why it’s great: One of the cheapest anime cosplay ideas.

Thrift checklist:

White long-sleeve shirt

Baggy blue jeans

Dark messy hair (wig optional)

 “Anime cosplay under $10”

 5. Bob Belcher – Bob’s Burgers

Why it’s great: Hilarious, simple, and instantly recognizable.

Get from thrift store:

White apron

Gray T-shirt

Black jeans

Fake mustache (optional)

6. Lara Croft – Tomb Raider (Classic Version)

Why it’s great: Easy for female cosplayers and thriftable.

You’ll need:

Green tank top

Brown shorts

Belt + toy gun

Boots or combat shoes

SEO Term: “Low-budget female video game cosplay”

7. Mabel Pines – Gravity Falls

Why it’s great: Colorful and fun!

Thrift essentials:

Bright sweater

Skirt

Headband

Optional: Print out and stick Mabel’s designs on sweater

 8. Neo – The Matrix

Why it’s great: All-black aesthetic with a trench coat vibe.

What to thrift:

Black long coat or jacket

Black shirt and pants

Sunglasses

Ideal for group cosplays too!

 9. Steve Harrington – Stranger Things

Why it’s great: 80s retro, trendy, and guy-friendly.

What to look for

Bomber jacket or denim

Name-tag style shirt

Retro sneakers

DIY nail bat (cardboard + paint)

 10. Chloe Price – Life is Strange

Why it’s great: Grungy, realistic, and artsy look

Thrift this:

Beanie

White tank with print

Black jeans

Layered accessories

 Final Tips for Budget Cosplay in 2025

Check local thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces (like OLX or Facebook Marketplace in Pakistan)

Reuse items across multiple cosplays (black boots, denim jackets, etc.)

Use EVA foam, cardboard, or recycled plastic for DIY props

Follow budget cosplay creators on TikTok and YouTube for tutorial

 

Related Posts:

Beginner’s Guide to Budget Cosplay in 2025

How to Create Cosplay Armor with EVA Foam on a Budget

5 Cosplay Ideas from Stellar Blade That Are Breaking the Internet