Jon Arbuckle is the lovable, often awkward owner of the world’s most famous orange tabby cat, Garfield. He first appeared in the comic strip back in 1976 and has since become a global household name.
As a cartoonist living in the suburbs, Jon’s life revolves around his pets and his many eclectic hobbies. Dressing as Jon is a fantastic way to celebrate classic comic history at your next big convention.
This costume is particularly great for beginners because it uses recognizable, everyday clothing items for the build. You can easily assemble this look with a few targeted purchases or a quick trip to the thrift.
This guide will help you capture the essence of Jon Arbuckle with professional-level DIY tips and tricks. You will be ready to walk into any comic strip world with confidence and style today.
Complete Costume Breakdown
Clothing & Core Pieces
The center of any Jon Arbuckle ensemble is his signature bright blue button-down dress shirt with long sleeves. Look for a shirt with a structured collar to give it that crisp, animated look from the show.
It should be a vibrant, medium blue that pops against the background of any event or photo shoot. This color choice is essential for making the character immediately recognizable to fans of all ages.
Pair this shirt with a set of matching blue trousers to create his iconic monochromatic cartoon silhouette. Finding the exact shade of blue for both pieces can be tricky, so try to buy them together.
If you cannot find an exact match, choose a slightly darker blue for the pants for a balanced look. Chinos or flat-front dress pants are the best choice to replicate his clean-cut but slightly dated fashion sense.
Make sure the clothes are well-pressed to reflect Jon’s attempts at being a sophisticated and organized adult. A clean appearance helps sell the idea of a character who truly cares about his presentation.
Accessories & Details
Jon’s shoes are a simple but crucial component of his look that often goes overlooked by casual cosplayers. A pair of classic brown loafers or simple leather dress shoes will ground the bright blue outfit.
Avoid anything too modern or athletic, as it would clash with his established 1970s and 80s comic vibes. You want to look like you just stepped out of a classic Sunday morning newspaper strip.
The true stars of this cosplay are the props you carry to represent Jon’s beloved animal family members. A plush Garfield is an absolute must-have accessory to ensure everyone knows exactly who you are portraying.
For the ultimate duo look, consider bringing along an Odie plush to show off Jon’s other loyal companion. You can even carry a prop coffee mug to symbolize Jon’s daily struggle with morning life.
These small touches transform a simple blue outfit into a fully realized character from a legendary comic strip. Attention to detail is what separates a good costume from a truly great one at conventions.
Cosplay Tips
Practice your cartoon expressions in a mirror to get the wide-eyed, hopeful look Jon often sports in comic panels. His expressions are usually a mix of innocent optimism and slight, bewildered confusion at his cat.
Jon’s hair is typically brown and wavy, which you can achieve with a bit of styling gel or a wig. If you use a wig, look for a boy cut and use heat tools carefully.
To save money, check local second-hand shops for the blue clothing items before buying them brand new online. Thrift stores are excellent resources for finding unique shades of blue that fit the character perfectly.
Adding a small prop like a pencil behind your ear can help emphasize Jon’s primary profession as a cartoonist. It adds a layer of storytelling to your costume that helps people connect with the character.
Make sure your Garfield plush is easy to carry or has a hidden strap for long convention days. Comfort is key when you are walking around for hours and interacting with hundreds of different people.
Character Vibe & Styling Notes
Jon Arbuckle is a character defined by his eternal optimism despite the constant sarcasm from his orange cat. Try to embody this energy by being exceptionally friendly and perhaps a bit socially clumsy.
He is the ultimate straight man in a world of talking animals, so stay earnest in your interactions. When posing for photos, try to look like you are talking directly to your Garfield plush.
The humor of Jon comes from his earnestness, so lean into that personality trait whenever you are in costume. This cosplay is all about nostalgia, so be prepared for people to share their favorite jokes.
Stay in character by reacting with mild shock to any mention of lasagna or Mondays during your event. People love it when cosplayers commit to the bit and bring their characters to life through acting.
Final Thoughts
Creating a Jon Arbuckle DIY costume is a fun, accessible, and highly recognizable way to enjoy any convention. It proves that you don’t need expensive armor to create a memorable and impactful character.
With just a blue shirt, some pants, and a grumpy cat, you can bring joy to any crowd. Take your time to find the right pieces and enjoy the process of becoming a legend.
Now get out there and try to convince Garfield that Mondays aren’t actually that bad for once today. Your enthusiasm will be the best part of the entire experience for everyone you meet.
