Dragon Costume Guide

Dragon from Shrek next to a red scaled top and matching skirt, dragon tail and wings, and other costume accessories.

Dragon Cosplay: At a Glance

  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Estimated cost: $50–$90
  • Time required: 45–90 minutes
  • Main colors: Red, black and purple
  • Best for: Halloween, Shrek group costumes and Donkey couples costumes

ABOUT DRAGON:

Dragon is a female dragon who initially guards Princess Fiona in her castle, but later falls in love with Donkey and becomes an ally to Shrek. She has ruby-colored scales, bat-like wings, and a prehensile tail. Despite her fearsome appearance, Dragon has a tender-hearted personality and regularly puts on lipstick hoping to find a mate. In the films, she helps defeat Lord Farquaad and Lord Rumpelstiltskin. Dragon and Donkey’s relationship produces hybrid offspring called Dronkeys. She is a satire of Disney dragons and a feminist twist on the classic dragon-slaying trope.
  • Difficulty: Intermediate
  • Estimated cost: $50–$90
  • Time required: 45–90 minutes
  • Main colors: Red, black and purple
  • Best for: Halloween, Shrek group costumes and Donkey couples costumes

How To Dress Like Dragon

1. TOP – to make our Dragon costume, we started with a red scale-print crop top that is simply perfect for this look!

2. SKIRT – Next, we added a matching shimmery short skirt.

3. TAIL – This dragon tail is an optional but cute accessory that we personally could not do without!

4. EARS – These ears are identical to Dragon’s and another fantastic addition to this look.

5. WINGS – Rounding out the Dragon aesthetic, we have these cute little wings that simply strap to your back like a backpack.

6. SHOES – Could you ask for a better pair of heels for this look? Matching the color scheme exactly, we slipped into a pair of red and black stilettos.

7. NAILS – Where would any dragon be without a deadly set of claws? Just like these sharpened fake nails in a deep wine red.

8. STENCIL – If, like us, the thought of sketching your own dragon scales brings you out in a hot sweat then this simple stencil can be a huge timesaver.

9. EYESHADOW – Finally, a purple eyeshadow palette can be used to add the finishing touches as well as paint your scales on, if needed.

More Dragon Costume Ideas

Check out our Pinterest for some of our favorite DIY Donkey and Dragon costumes from the best cosplayers the internet has to offer.

Don’t forget to see the rest of our Shrek Costume Collection for Women for more outfit inspiration for you and your besties!

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Dragon Costume: FAQ

How do you make a DIY Dragon costume from Shrek?

Start with a red or magenta scale-print top and matching skirt, dress or leggings. Add dragon wings, a spade-tipped tail, pointed ears, red claws and purple scale makeup to make the character recognizable.

What color is Dragon from Shrek?

Dragon has ruby-red or magenta-red scales with a lighter pink underside and darker maroon details. She also has green eyes, pale facial spikes and leathery bat-like wings.

How do you make wings and a tail for a Shrek Dragon costume?

Choose lightweight red wings that attach with comfortable shoulder straps. Make the tail from red fabric or craft foam, adding a spade-shaped tip before fastening it securely to a belt or waistband.

Is Dragon from Shrek female?

Yes. Dragon is female and eventually becomes Donkey’s wife. Her eyelashes, lipstick, expressive green eyes and relationship with Donkey help distinguish her from a generic red dragon.

What are Donkey and Dragon’s babies called?

Donkey and Dragon’s hybrid children are known as the Dronkeys. They combine dragon wings and fire-breathing abilities with donkey-shaped bodies and faces.

Are Donkey and Dragon a good couples costume?

Yes. A Donkey and Dragon costume is one of the most recognizable Shrek couples ideas. For a larger group costume, add Shrek, Princess Fiona, Puss in Boots, Lord Farquaad or Gingy.