The characters from the Cars films are really paint jobs with personalities, and that makes them easier to wear than most animated costumes. My approach is to read each car as a colour story first, then turn it into ordinary clothes: a red racing jacket, brown overalls, a turquoise swing dress. Patches, a wig, a little makeup and one prop carry the character from there. Thrifted jackets, coveralls and matching sweats make the best bases because you can cut, stitch and glue onto them without guilt. If you want an actual car body, a light panel around the waist does it, and I explain how to build one you can sit down in before the list starts. There are racers, tow trucks, spies and the whole Radiator Springs crew below, for kids, adults, couples and big groups.
Building a Car Body You Can Sit Down In
Many of these costumes mention a waist panel, and it's the part people get wrong most often. A car body that looks great standing still can make sitting, climbing stairs or getting into a real car impossible. Here's how I build one that lasts a whole party.
Pick the right board
Foam board is light and easy to cut, but it snaps along any fold and goes soft in rain. For a costume worn outdoors I use thin EVA foam or two layers of craft foam instead, which bend when you clip a doorframe rather than crease. Cardboard is fine for one indoor evening.
Hang it from the shoulders
A panel tied only at the waist slides down within an hour. I attach it to two wide ribbon or webbing straps that cross over the shoulders like suspenders, so the weight sits where it should.
- Measure from the hip bone to just above the knee. That is the deepest the side panels should go.
- Leave about a hand's width between body and panel at each hip, so you can sit.
- Cut wheels from foam, not card, and fix them flat to the panel instead of letting them stick out.
- Round every corner with scissors, then sit down and climb a step at home before the night.
Hot glue joints let go in cold air, so for a trick-or-treat costume I glue and then add a few stitches or brass paper fasteners at every seam.
1. Lightning McQueen Cars Costume
Lightning McQueen is all about red and the number 95, so get those two right and everything else is a bonus. A bright red racing jacket over a white tee with red joggers is the base. I cut the 95 and the yellow lightning bolt from felt and stitch them on with a loose running stitch, because fabric glue on a shiny nylon jacket lets go after a few hours of movement. Checkered patches on the sleeves finish the racing look. A red cap is easier than a red wig for a long night. Warm gold eyeshadow with a thin black flick suits adults; kids are fine without. Carry a cardboard steering wheel or a small flag, and wear red sneakers with white soles. If you add foam side panels, keep them above the knee.
2. Mater Cars Costume
Mater should look like he's been parked in a field for thirty years, which is a sewist's excuse to distress things. Brown overalls over a faded blue or beige long-sleeve shirt make the base, and rust-coloured fabric patches go on in uneven shapes. I rub the knees and pocket edges with fine sandpaper rather than painting fake dirt, since it looks worn without staining anything it brushes against. A rope belt and a foam tow hook stitched firmly to the back add his job. A messy brown wig, a light dusting of bronze face paint on the cheeks and a cardboard front panel with big cartoon eyes and buck teeth do the rest. Brown work boots or cushioned hiking shoes.
3. Sally Carrera Cars Costume
Sally is a sleek blue sports car, and she reads best in one clean colour rather than lots of pieces. A fitted powder-blue jumpsuit, or a blue top with matching tailored trousers, does it. I run silver piping or narrow ribbon down the sleeves and side seams to suggest trim lines, and that quiet detail is what makes people look twice. Fans also know the small pinstripe tattoo near her rear bumper, which you can paint across the lower back of a jacket. Soft waves or a shoulder-length blue wig, cool-toned eyeshadow and pink gloss suit her. A key prop or a little motel sign cut from foam board is plenty. White or silver low-heeled boots. Skip the car panel if you like; the clothes stand on their own.
4. Doc Hudson Cars Costume
Doc is a dark blue racer with a past, so I dress him in something with a vintage cut: a navy mechanic jacket and matching trousers over a crisp white shirt. Pale blue trim, racing patches and a felt badge give the old-champion feel. Silver-grey hair, natural or a neat wig, carries his age, and a little grey shading near the temples is the only makeup he needs. A clipboard, an old-fashioned stopwatch or a checkered flag fits his crew-chief years. Navy sneakers or black lace-ups. For a car shape, curved navy foam panels on a padded belt work, but he reads fine without them in a Radiator Springs group.
5. Luigi Cars Costume
Luigi is the little yellow Italian car who runs the tyre shop, and his yellow and black are easy to find ready-made. A bright yellow mechanic jumpsuit, or yellow trousers with a black-and-yellow racing shirt, gives the base. Add black felt circles for tyres, checkered cuffs and a tyre-shop patch. The curled moustache and big brows carry his personality, so spend time there. The adhesive that comes with stick-on moustaches often gives up by mid-evening, so I add a little skin-safe costume adhesive, patch-tested on the wrist first. Golden eyeshadow and peach blush keep the face warm. Carry a foam tyre or a tyre gauge. Black sneakers with yellow laces, and stand next to Guido.
6. Guido Cars Costume
Guido is the tiny blue forklift and Luigi's best friend, so this suits a younger sibling or the shorter half of a pair. Royal-blue coveralls, or a matching blue sweatshirt and joggers, make the base, with a white racing stripe and small yellow patches. A fabric belt of light toy tools is his whole job, so tie each tool on with a short cord; loose ones disappear in the first hour. A fitted blue cap and a little soft blue eyeshadow. A foam tyre or a cardboard impact wrench with rounded ends is the prop. Blue high-tops or slip-ons, since Guido is all about speed. Elastic straps hold optional waist panels.
7. Ramone Cars Costume
Ramone repaints himself constantly, so you have licence to play, though purple with flames is the version most fans picture. A purple suit, jumpsuit or matching shirt and trousers is the canvas. For the flames along the cuffs and lower legs, I'd cut orange, pink and gold felt rather than use cheap iron-on vinyl, which cracks across the knee the first time you crouch. A glossy pompadour or sleek black wig, purple eyeshadow with sharp liner and a touch of gold highlight. He runs the body shop, so a clean paintbrush or a foam airbrush suits him. Purple loafers or black boots with bright laces. A curved waist panel with swirling pinstripes is a fun extra if you enjoy painting.
8. Flo Cars Costume
Flo is a fifties show car, so I go full retro: a turquoise swing dress with a flared skirt, white piping and a few silver accents for chrome. A cropped jacket covers a cool night. Vintage curls or a glossy teal wig, winged liner, rosy cheeks and bright pink lipstick suit her warm, confident manner. She runs the café, so a tray with a couple of empty light cups, or a small foam neon-style sign, is the prop. White ankle boots or turquoise flats. If you want side panels on the skirt, use flexible craft foam rather than cardboard; cardboard fights the swing of a circle skirt and crumples where it bends.
9. Sarge Cars Costume
Sarge is an old army jeep, and the trick is keeping him playful rather than military. An olive-green utility jumpsuit with a matching cap and sturdy lace-up boots is the base. I'd add fabric pockets and a wide canvas belt, but stick to cartoon road-sign or tyre-track patches instead of real insignia. Short grey hair or a grey wig gives his age, and a whisper of matte green and brown eyeshadow at the temples is enough rugged makeup. A whistle, a folded road map or a toy traffic baton is the prop. Olive foam panels around the waist are optional. He's strongest standing beside Fillmore, his easygoing neighbour.
10. Fillmore Cars Costume
Fillmore is Sarge's opposite, a mellow old van covered in flowers. A loose sea-green tunic or button-down with wide-leg trousers is the base. Removable flowers, peace signs and rainbow patches go on top; I attach them with safety pins from the inside so the shirt can be worn again afterwards. A green headband over long brown hair or a wavy wig, and tiny painted daisies at the outer corners of the eyes, tested on the wrist first. Carry a flower garland or a small sign promoting natural fuel. Green canvas sneakers or brown slip-ons. A rounded green panel painted with pastel flowers suggests the van.
11. Sheriff Cars Costume
Sheriff is a black-and-white police car, so the costume runs on contrast: black button-down and trousers with a white or pale grey vest, a toy badge and a wide costume belt. Silver piping helps the black pieces show up after dark, which I'd add for any outdoor trick-or-treating. A black cowboy-style hat and short grey hair or sideburns give his small-town age. A ticket book, a whistle or a little stop sign is the prop. Keep away from realistic police equipment so it stays friendly at a kids' event. Black lace-ups or cushioned boots. Black foam panels with white door shapes at the waist are an easy extra.
12. Red Fire Truck Cars Costume
Red is the shy fire truck who waters the flowers, and I love that the costume can show his gentle side. Red coveralls or a red sweatshirt and trousers with reflective silver ribbon and yellow felt stripes make the base, with a generic fire patch that doesn't copy a real department. A red cap, rosy cheeks and a little soft red eyeshadow. Carry a coiled blue fabric hose, a toy watering can or a bunch of fake flowers. Black boots with yellow laces. A small foam ladder across the back is what makes him a fire truck, but stitch it to straps rather than gluing it; glue joints snap the first time someone leans back in a chair.
13. Mack Truck Cars Costume
Mack is McQueen's big red transporter, which makes him a natural for a parent paired with a child dressed as Lightning. A red driver jacket, matching trousers and a grey tee are the base, with silver stripes, checkered patches and felt wheels down the sides. A red-and-white cap and a little grey shading along the jaw for his grille. For a truck body, a long rectangular foam-board box on shoulder straps works, but I keep the trailer part short, no deeper than the wearer's own body, so it doesn't swing into people behind. A route clipboard or folded highway map is the prop. Red sneakers or black work shoes.
14. Chick Hicks Cars Costume
Chick is the green rival who wins dirty, and the fun is all in his swagger. A bright green racing jacket over a black shirt with green trousers is the base, covered in homemade sponsor-style patches using made-up words and shapes instead of real logos. A green cap or short green wig. Green eyeshadow and strong brows help, but most of the character comes from a smug expression. Carry a silver costume trophy, since winning the cup is all he cares about. Black-and-green sneakers. A green foam panel covered in decals is optional. He belongs between Lightning and The King in a racing trio.
15. The King Cars Costume
The King is the gracious veteran in royal blue, and he should look calm rather than flashy. A royal-blue jumpsuit, or a varsity jacket over matching trousers, with white stripes and a big 43 makes the car. I cut the number at least a hand-width tall so it reads across a party room. Vintage-style racing patches add age. Neat hair or a blue-and-white cap, defined brows and a touch of cool blue shadow. A light championship cup or a small flag is the prop. White sneakers with blue laces. It wears comfortably on adults and older kids, and it anchors a racing trio.
16. Lizzie Cars Costume
Lizzie is the oldest car in town, a black vintage car who sells souvenirs, and she suits someone who likes a long skirt and a bit of character acting. A long black dress, or a high-neck blouse with a calf-length skirt, with lace cuffs, subtle silver trim and a white collar. Grey hair in a bun, or a curly silver wig, under a tiny black hat. For age makeup I keep it gentle: soft powder, rosy cheeks and softly drawn brows, no heavy lines, which can look unkind rather than sweet. A postcard bundle or a small souvenir sign is her prop. Black button boots or lace-ups. A compact black panel with silver grille details is optional.
17. Cruz Ramirez Cars Costume
Cruz is the bright yellow trainer turned racer, number 51, and her costume should look like it can move. A yellow zip-front racing jacket with joggers or fitted trousers, black stripes, silver piping and the 51 in bold felt. A high ponytail tied with yellow ribbon is easier than a wig and suits her sporty energy. Gold shimmer eyeshadow, winged liner and coral lips. Carry a training clipboard or a stopwatch, a nod to her coaching days. Yellow sneakers with black detail. Side panels on a padded belt are possible, but for a party where you'll dance, I'd leave them off.
18. Jackson Storm Cars Costume
Storm is the next-generation racer, all sharp angles in black with electric blue lines. A fitted black jumpsuit, or a black racing jacket and trousers, is the base. Reflective blue fabric tape along the shoulders, sleeves and legs gives the high-tech look and catches car headlights, which is handy for street trick-or-treating. Peel-and-stick tape lifts at the elbows, so I add a few stitches at each end. A sculpted black wig with a blue streak, cool blue eyeshadow and graphic liner. A foam lap board is the prop. Black sneakers with blue soles. Round the corners of any angular waist panel.
19. Miss Fritter Cars Costume
Miss Fritter is a demolition-derby school bus with a fearsome reputation, and the costume can be loud without being scary. A yellow bus-inspired dress, or an oversized yellow utility shirt over black leggings, is the base. Blue panels, handprint patches and big numbers go on in washable fabric paint, which I'd test on an inside hem first because some paints stiffen thin fabric. Fans know her for the licence plates she collects from beaten rivals, so a few cardboard plates hanging from the belt are a good nod. High messy ponytail with blue and yellow ribbons, and bright blue eyeshadow. Combat-style boots or sturdy sneakers. Keep any bus frame compact.
20. Smokey Cars Costume
Smokey is Doc's old crew chief, a pickup truck with a lot of wisdom, so the clothes should look honestly worked in. Burgundy coveralls, or dark red jeans with a red work shirt, with cream piping and vintage racing patches. A worn canvas belt. Grey hair, a silver wig or temporary grey colour, a friendly moustache and a little brown shading. For the distressed look, I rub on removable chalk rather than staining anything, so the coveralls stay reusable. A stopwatch or a training notebook is the prop. Brown work boots or dark red sneakers. Rounded burgundy panels are optional.
21. Sterling Cars Costume
Sterling is the smooth businessman of the racing centre, so he wants a sharp silhouette in silver. A silver-grey blazer over a black shirt with charcoal trousers is the base. Metallic piping, a small racing-academy patch and a sleek silver belt are enough detail. When I'm sewing or buying a metallic blazer, I check it under a phone flash, since some silver fabrics turn flat grey in photos. Neat hair or a smooth grey wig, cool silver eyeshadow and a matte neutral lip. A foam tablet or a training schedule is the prop. Black loafers or silver sneakers. In a bright group, he's the quiet contrast.
22. Natalie Certain Cars Costume
Natalie is the statistics analyst who keeps predicting McQueen's retirement, so this one is about looking camera-ready. A fitted red blazer, white blouse and red trousers or a knee-length skirt, with silver piping and tiny chart-shaped patches. A smooth brunette bob or shoulder-length wig. Precise liner, rose blush and a classic red lip. Carry a clipboard of hand-drawn race graphs, or a light microphone for the reporting angle. I'd choose flats or sleek sneakers over pumps unless the event is short. A compact red waist panel is optional. It's a smart pick for an adult group or a work party.
23. Cal Weathers Cars Costume
Cal is The King's nephew, number 42, and he wears the same family blue. A medium-blue jumpsuit, or a blue bomber with matching trousers, white stripes, the 42 and a few generic patches. A blue cap with a checkered brim is easier than a wig. Simple blue eyeshadow and a clean sporty face. A toy cup, a checkered flag or a pit-board sign. White high-tops with blue laces. Curved blue panels at the waist work if they leave room to stride. Standing beside The King, the two make a legacy pair with an obvious family resemblance.
24. Bobby Swift Cars Costume
Bobby Swift, number 19, is one of McQueen's racing friends, in a deep purple that's easy to buy. A purple tracksuit, jumpsuit or racing jacket with matching trousers. White lines, orange accents and the 19 cut from felt. I attach felt to tracksuit fabric with a few hand stitches at the corners, because that slippery polyester won't hold glue for long. Sporty ponytail, short cut or purple wig. Lavender shadow with a touch of silver. A foam helmet or pit sign. Purple sneakers with orange laces tie it together. He slots into a group with Cal and Lightning.
25. Francesco Bernoulli Cars Costume
Francesco is the Italian formula racer, number one and proud of it, in red, white and green. A white racing suit or white jacket and trousers with red and green stripes down the sides, a number-one patch and a few generic badges. Hair slicked back or a short dark wig under a red cap. Clean liner, defined brows and a touch of green shadow. A steering wheel or small trophy. Red racing-style sneakers. Formula cars are long and narrow, so a pointed foam frame with tiny wheels looks right, but I keep the nose no longer than a forearm; anything longer pokes people in a queue.
26. Finn McMissile Cars Costume
Finn is the British secret agent, and he gives adults an excuse to wear a sharp suit. A slate-blue suit, white shirt and silver tie, or a blue jumpsuit for kids. Metallic trim and a small agent badge. Silver or grey hair, neatly done, with cool grey eyeshadow and crisp brows. Gadgets are part of his charm, but I'd make them obviously cartoonish, like a coded map, a passport notebook or a foam gadget, and leave anything gun-shaped out. Black dress shoes or dark blue sneakers. A smooth silver-blue panel is optional. He pairs naturally with Holley.
27. Holley Shiftwell Cars Costume
Holley is the tech-savvy agent in deep purple, and a sleek line suits her best. A purple fitted jumpsuit, a tailored trouser suit, or a dress over opaque tights, with silver piping, a metallic belt and a discreet badge. A smooth violet bob wig, or dark hair in a neat modern shape. Cheap bob wigs flip outward at the ends, so I thin the bulk with thinning scissors before the night. Lavender eyeshadow, precise liner and berry lipstick. A foam tablet, coded folder or headset is a safe spy prop. Purple ankle boots or cushioned black shoes. Next to Finn, the purple and silver-blue read as one team.
28. Professor Z Cars Costume
Professor Z is the villain with the monocle, and as a costume he becomes a quirky scientist. A mustard-yellow lab coat over a black turtleneck and charcoal trousers. Round glasses or a single monocle on a cord, silver buttons and gear-shaped felt patches. A messy grey wig or a yellow cap, light grey eyeshadow and high, expressive brows. Rolled blueprints or a foam remote with oversized colourful buttons. Black boots or mustard sneakers. I'd keep him comic rather than sinister, especially around kids. A compact yellow car frame is optional if it stays narrow.
29. Miles Axlerod Cars Costume
Miles Axlerod is the green-fuel tycoon in a big green SUV, which turns into a smart eco-businessman costume. A dark green suit, or a green utility jumpsuit, over a cream shirt. Bronze trim, leaf-shaped patches and a fabric sash for the speech-giving look. A neat grey wig and small green cap. Soft green eyeshadow and tidy brows. A foam globe, an event programme or an alternative-fuel presentation board makes a good prop. Brown loafers or green sneakers. SUVs are boxy, so any panels can be squarer than the race cars, though the corners should still be rounded.
30. Acer Cars Costume
Acer is one of the lemons, a boxy green car that's a little clumsy, and that's the comedy. An olive-green zip jacket, matching trousers and a pale green shirt. Mismatched square patches, silver trim and small foam grille pieces, placed a little crooked on purpose to sell the idea. Tousled dark hair or a short green wig, olive eyeshadow and uneven brows. A road map, a foam radio or a small mechanic's bag, never anything that looks like a weapon. Chunky green sneakers or brown work shoes. The rectangular olive waist frame is the easiest car body here, because it's meant to look a bit wonky.
31. Grem Cars Costume
Grem is Acer's orange partner, another lemon, and the two only make full sense together. An orange mechanic jacket, matching cargo trousers and a charcoal tee. Black panels, silver piping and felt gear patches. A short orange wig or cap. Cheap brightly coloured wigs tend to shed, so I brush them out gently over a sink before the night. Copper eyeshadow and strong brows. A foam walkie-talkie, map or tool pouch. Black sneakers with orange laces. A rounded orange waist frame is optional. Paired with Acer, the orange and olive clash is half the joke.
32. Carla Veloso Cars Costume
Carla is the Brazilian racer, in bright green with yellow and blue accents. A fitted green racing jumpsuit, or green jacket and trousers, with a yellow stripe down each side, blue piping and generic patches. A high curly ponytail or a brown wig with a green headband. Emerald eyeshadow, gold highlight and pink lips. A helmet prop or small flag. Yellow sneakers. This is a costume for dancing, so if you add foam panels, leave a hand's width of space at the hips; anything tighter stops you sitting down.
33. Shu Todoroki Cars Costume
Shu Todoroki races for Japan as number seven, in clean red and white. A white racing jacket and trousers with red shoulder panels and side stripes, a black belt and a 7 emblem. White fabric is unforgiving, so I'd set any makeup with powder and keep face paint well away from the collar. Sleek dark hair or a short black wig with a white headband. A little red eyeshadow at the outer corners, the rest kept neat. A light racing fan or lap-time board. White sneakers with red soles. A streamlined white panel with red detail is optional.
34. Miguel Camino Cars Costume
Miguel is the Spanish racer, number five, and his yellow, red and black is the boldest palette of the international group. A sunny yellow jumpsuit, or jacket and trousers, with sweeping red panels and black stripes. A short dark wig or slicked-back hair. Gold and red eyeshadow with defined brows. A small trophy, flag or foam steering wheel. Black sneakers with red and yellow laces. I paint the curved red shapes on low waist panels freehand instead of copying logos, which look wrong unless they're perfect. He stands out beside the other international racers in a large group.
35. Raoul ÇaRoule Cars Costume
Raoul ÇaRoule is the French rally car, number six, and rally means maps and practical gear. Cobalt-blue coveralls or a blue windbreaker with matching athletic trousers. White blocks, thin red stripes and the 6 patch. A blue cap over short hair, or a tousled blue wig. Soft blue eyeshadow and a hint of red on the cheeks. A rally map or stopwatch. White trail sneakers suit the off-road theme and are kind to the feet. A squared waist frame fits a rally car, but keep the sides close to the body in a crowd.
36. Rip Clutchgoneski Cars Costume
Rip Clutchgoneski is a deep cut, which makes him fun for fans who want something nobody else at the party will be wearing. A teal racing jacket, turquoise trousers and a lime-green shirt, with geometric blue and green stripes and the number ten. A bright teal wig or a matching cap. Aqua eyeshadow with a touch of lime liner. A foam helmet or a small trophy. Blue sneakers with green laces. If you add side fins to a low teal frame, make them from craft foam rather than card so they bend when someone bumps past instead of tearing.
37. DJ Cars Costume
DJ is the blue tuner car with a sound system built in, so this costume leans into music. A metallic-blue bomber, black tee and electric-blue trousers. Equalizer-bar patches, silver trim and neon-green accents. A spiky blue wig, or headphones over a fitted cap. Blue eyeshadow with a thin silver liner. A foam turntable or a speaker-shaped bag. Black high-tops with blue laces. A low panel painted with sound waves finishes the car. He's strongest with Wingo, Boost and Snot Rod around him.
38. Wingo Cars Costume
Wingo's giant spoiler is the whole silhouette, so build that first. I cut it from craft foam, keep it narrow, and mount it on two straps worn like a backpack, so it sits across the upper back without tipping forward. A bright green jacket over a purple shirt with wide-leg black or green trousers. Flame decals and stripe patches. A tall green wig with purple streaks, or hair spiked up with temporary colour. Purple eyeshadow and lime liner. A car-show sign or colourful steering wheel. Purple high-tops with green laces. Side panels are optional; the spoiler matters more.
39. Boost Cars Costume
Boost leads the tuner gang, a night racer in deep violet and silver. A purple moto jacket, black shirt and fitted purple or charcoal trousers. Silver lines, cool blue patches and a small foam spoiler across the back. A sculpted purple wig, or hair slicked back with temporary violet colour, which I test on one strand first because some sprays rub off on collars and pillows. Smoky lavender eyeshadow, kept light. A foam gearshift or car-show pass. Black sneakers with metallic purple detail. Panels optional. With the other three tuners, the four of you read as a gang.
40. Snot Rod Cars Costume
Snot Rod's running joke is that every sneeze sets off his engine, so the costume needs a little comedy. An orange racing jacket over a black shirt with dark orange cargo trousers, plus yellow flame patches, black stripes and silver zip details. A tall orange wig or a black cap with orange trim. Copper eyeshadow and a tiny painted puff cloud near one cheek. Carry an orange handkerchief to wave every time someone says bless you. Soft grey fabric puffs stitched to the back of the jacket suggest exhaust without any mess. Black boots with orange laces. A compact orange frame is optional.
Racing Numbers That Stay On the Jacket
Numbers and lightning bolts carry half the recognition in this list, and they usually go onto slippery racing jackets or tracksuits that fight every adhesive.
- Felt with fabric glue holds well on cotton coveralls and sweatshirts. On nylon or polyester it peels at the edges, so I add a running stitch around each piece.
- Iron-on vinyl looks crisp but needs a fabric that takes heat. Test the iron on an inside seam first, because some shiny jackets pucker or melt.
- Safety pins from the inside are the quickest removable option for a borrowed or good jacket.
- Cut numbers at least a hand-width tall. Smaller ones blur into the base colour from across a room.
Sharing Out Radiator Springs in a Group
Groups work best when each person gets a different main colour. Lightning's red, Mater's brown, Sally's blue and Flo's turquoise already contrast, so that four makes a clear starter group. Add Doc in navy and Luigi and Guido in yellow and blue, and nobody blends into anyone else in photos.
Avoid giving two people similar shades unless they're a known pair. Two unrelated red racers side by side look like a mix-up, while Mack and Lightning in matching red read as a team. I'd also give the youngest walkers characters with small panels, like Guido, and save the big truck bodies for adults.
Red Jacket First, Panels Later
Every one of these starts with colour, so get the base clothes right and the rest builds on them. Racing jackets, coveralls, a swing dress or matching separates carry each character, and patches, a wig, makeup and a prop do the rest. I'd only add a foam car body once the clothes work on their own. Make one racer, a pair like Luigi and Guido, or the whole Radiator Springs crew. Keep waist frames light with rounded corners, check that kids can see and walk freely, and most of these come together from a thrift run and a weekend of crafting.
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