Teachers put more effort into Book Week than almost anyone — setting up displays, running parades, reading aloud for hours — so you deserve a costume that looks great without requiring a heroic effort to put together. Whether you want something you can wear all day in the classroom or a standout look for the parade, here are the best Book Week costumes for teachers heading into 2026.
Book Week runs 22–28 August 2026. Order by 19 August for standard post, or 24 August for express.
What Makes a Great Teacher Book Week Costume?
Three things matter most for teachers: comfort (you are on your feet all day), wearability (it needs to survive a full school day including lunch duty), and classroom connection (bonus points if your costume ties to a book your class is reading). With that in mind, here are our top picks.
Best Book Week Costume Ideas for Teachers
1. The BFG from Roald Dahl
Big, bold, and immediately recognisable to every student who has read the book — The BFG is a fantastic choice for male teachers or anyone who wants a larger-than-life character. The costume typically includes a waistcoat, patched trousers and large ears, and it reads instantly from across the schoolyard. Kids absolutely love it, and it gives you a great hook for re-reading the book aloud during the week.
2. Miss Honey from Matilda
Miss Honey is the quiet hero of Matilda — kind, gentle, and the teacher every child deserves. A simple floral dress, hair up, and a stack of books under your arm is all you need. It is a costume that is entirely practical for a day of teaching, requires minimal prep, and every Matilda fan in your class will recognise it immediately. If you have a teaching assistant, they can come as Matilda herself for a perfect pair.
3. The Witch from Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
Julia Donaldson's stories are classroom staples from Prep through to Year 2, and the witch from Room on the Broom is one of the most beloved characters in early childhood literacy. A long black dress, witch's hat and a toy broom prop make for an easy, affordable costume that will delight younger students. It is also one of the most comfortable options for a full teaching day.
4. Professor Dumbledore or Professor McGonagall from Harry Potter
The Hogwarts professors offer a brilliant option for teachers — what could be more fitting than dressing as a fictional teacher? A long robe, academic-style cloak and a wand or pointed hat complete the look. Both characters are deeply associated with learning and wisdom, which makes them a natural fit for a school setting. Harry Potter remains one of the most popular sources for book week costumes each year.
5. The Cat in the Hat from Dr Seuss
Tall striped hat, red bow tie, and a mischievous grin — The Cat in the Hat is a joyful, larger-than-life character that younger students immediately connect with. It is also a very comfortable costume to wear for a full day: the hat does most of the work, and the rest is a simple outfit with a big red bow. Dr Seuss stories also tie in naturally with reading-aloud activities across early primary.
6. A Classic Fairy Tale Villain
Sometimes teachers want to go bold. A wicked queen, the Big Bad Wolf, or a dramatic sorceress gives you a costume that is genuinely fun — and it opens up great classroom conversation about heroes and villains in stories. These are also costumes that typically have strong adult sizing available, which is a practical plus.
Comfort Tips for Teacher Costumes
- Choose flat shoes — most costume footwear is not designed for 8 hours of standing.
- Layer smartly — August in Australia can still be cool in the morning. Opt for costumes with a base layer you can add or remove.
- Secure any props — wands, hats and broomsticks tend to go walkabout in a primary school classroom. A clip or bag hook keeps them close.
Where to Shop
Browse the full book week costume range at Costumes in Australia — our adult sizing runs from XS through to plus sizes, so there is a comfortable fit for every teacher. Order early to avoid the last-week rush.
Have a brilliant Book Week 2026 — your class is lucky to have a teacher who goes all in.