Most cosplayers get Rick's lab coat wrong. I see it at every convention - thin polyester, off-color blue, and those wonky lapels that look nothing like the show. But here's the thing: you don't have to sew from scratch. In this Rick and Morty cosplay guide 2026, I'll show you how to build screen-accurate costumes using merch you can buy right now. No sewing machine required.
Who to Cosplay: Top Characters to Dress As in 2026
Rick Sanchez remains the crowd favorite, but 2026 has some new contenders. The show's latest season introduced a few characters that are perfect for cosplay.
Rick Sanchez (Classic)
Always a hit. Rick's look is instantly recognizable: lab coat, blue button-up, brown pants, and messy gray hair. The key is getting the lab coat right - it's more of a light blue than a navy, and it should be slightly oversized.Morty Smith (Season 10 Version)
Morty's yellow shirt and blue jeans are simple, but his new season 10 jacket adds flair. The jacket has a distinct collapsible collar and a zipper that goes diagonally.New Characters from 2026
- Space Beth: Wears a red jumpsuit with silver piping - easy to assemble with a jumpsuit and patches.
- Gaia (the sentient planet): A full-body green morphsuit with leafy accents. Surprisingly popular at cons.
- Evil Morty: His eye patch and robotic arm remain iconic. You can buy a robotic arm sleeve online.
Pro tip: Pick a character whose outfit matches your existing wardrobe to save money. Morty's yellow shirt and blue jeans are probably already in your closet.
Essential Merch Pieces for a Screen-Accurate Costume
Here's where the store comes in. We carry items that double as cosplay components. No modifications needed for some.
T-Shirts and Hoodies
- Rick's "Get Schwifty" tee: 100% cotton, preshrunk. The print is direct-to-garment, so it won't crack after washing. Wear it under the lab coat for a quick Rick look.
- Morty's "I'm Pickle Rick!" hoodie: A thick 8oz fleece that works as Morty's season 5 hoodie. The print covers the chest - exactly like the episode.
- Mr. Meeseeks hoodie: Light blue with the Meeseeks face. Pair with a blue beanie for a Meeseeks costume.
Accessories
Our Portal Gun replica is made of die-cast metal and weighs 1.2 pounds - feels solid. It comes with an LED light-up effect and a wrist strap. For Rick's goggles, we have a tinted safety goggle set that matches the show's design.Lab Coats and Shirts
- Rick's lab coat: Our version is 65% polyester, 35% cotton blend - wrinkle resistant and machine washable. It has three front pockets and a pen holder. The color is "sky blue" - matches Rick's exactly.
- Rick's blue button-up: We carry a short-sleeve denim shirt in light blue. The buttons are white plastic, just like in the show.
Sizing note: For a more accurate Rick, size up one. His lab coat is intentionally baggy. If you're normally a large, buy an XL.
How to Customize Your Merch for the Perfect Cosplay
Some pieces need a little tweaking. Here's how to mod your merch without destroying it.
Weathering Your Lab Coat
Rick's coat looks lived-in. To age your new lab coat: 1. Use fine-grit sandpaper (220 grit) to scuff the edges of pockets and sleeves. 2. Apply a thin layer of brown acrylic paint mixed with water - rub it into the scuffs with a paper towel. 3. Wash it once on hot with a small amount of bleach to fade the color slightly.Adding Patches and Badges
Rick has a "NASA" patch on his left sleeve and a "Science" badge on the pocket. You can buy these separately or make them.- NASA patch: Iron-on. Our store doesn't carry official NASA patches, but you can find them easily. Heat press on 350 degrees for 15 seconds.
- Custom badge: Use a printable iron-on transfer paper. Design it in Photoshop, print, and iron on.
Adjusting Morty's Yellow Shirt
Morty's shirt is a specific shade of yellow - not lemon, not mustard. Our "Yellow Shirt" t-shirt is spot-on. But if it's too bright, soak it in strong black tea for 2 hours to dull the yellow.Warning: Never bleach yellow fabric - it turns orange.
Group Cosplay Ideas with Friends and Family
Costumes are more fun together. Here are three group concepts using merch combinations.
The Family Smith
- Rick (lab coat + blue shirt + portal gun)
- Morty (yellow shirt + jeans + pickle pin)
- Summer (pink crop top + jean jacket + smartphone)
- Beth (vet scrubs or red jumpsuit)
- Jerry (brown sweater + khakis + confused expression)
Pro tip: Summer's look can be assembled with a pink t-shirt from our store and a denim jacket.
Evil Morty Squad
- Main Evil Morty: Eye patch, robotic arm, evil grin.
- Robot Mortys: Gray coveralls (available as a jumpsuit) and monotone voice.
- Campaign Manager: A suit and tie with a Morty mask.
The Council of Ricks
Get 5+ friends to each dress as a different Rick variant:- Pickle Rick
- Tiny Rick
- Doofus Rick
- Rickmobile Rick
- Bee Rick
Our store has a "Rick" t-shirt that works for any variant. Just add a name patch for each.
Key Takeaways
- Building a Rick and Morty cosplay from merch is faster and cheaper than sewing from scratch.
- Focus on screen accuracy: specific colors and proportions matter more than expensive materials.
- Customizing with weathering and patches transforms ordinary clothes into character pieces.
- Group cosplays are easier when you start with base items from the same store - sizes and colors will match.
- The Portal Gun replica is the best prop investment for any Rick costume.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size lab coat should I get for a Rick Sanchez cosplay?
Size up one from your normal shirt size. If you wear a large shirt, buy an XL lab coat. Rick's coat is intentionally oversized and baggy.Can I use the merch t-shirts for other characters?
Yes. Our blue shirt works for Rick, and the yellow shirt for Morty. The character-specific tees (like "Pickle Rick") are best for casual cosplay, not full costume.How do I clean the Portal Gun replica?
Wipe with a dry microfiber cloth. Avoid water or cleaning solutions. The LED compartment is sealed, but don't submerge it.Is the lab coat machine washable?
Yes, our lab coat is 65/35 poly-cotton blend. Wash cold, tumble dry low. Iron on low heat if needed. Do not bleach unless you want a faded effect.What accessories do I need for an Evil Morty cosplay?
You'll need an eye patch, a black glove for the robotic arm (or a 3D printed arm shell), and a dark suit jacket. Our store has a black glove that works well with DIY modifications.Have questions about your cosplay build? Visit our Contact page and we'll respond within 24 hours.
