Best Group Outfits for Butlins Big Weekenders
Best Group Outfits for Butlins Big Weekenders
Want your group to look coordinated without turning the weekend into outfit admin? These are the group outfit formats that actually get worn at Butlins: easy buy-in, good in photos, comfortable for hours, and flexible across multiple theme nights.
The golden rules of group outfits
Most group outfit plans fail for one reason: they’re too hard for everyone to stick to. These rules keep it simple and make sure people actually wear it.
Rule 1: Pick a shared “frame”
A shared frame is what makes you look like a group.
- Matching personalised tees (best option)
- Same colour scheme
- Same accessory (e.g., wigs or glasses)
Rule 2: Make costumes optional
Let the enthusiasts go hard — don’t force it on everyone.
- One “headline” full costume night is plenty
- Accessories carry the theme for everyone else
- Tees keep everyone in the plan
The best group outfit formats (that work every time)
These formats are reliable because they balance theme impact with comfort and group buy-in.
| Format | Why it works | Best for | What to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matching personalised tees + theme accessories | Everyone wears it, looks coordinated, comfy for hours | Most groups | Personalised tees + wigs/glasses/props from Smiffys |
| One hero costume + the rest “supporting cast” | Creates a photo moment without forcing full costumes on everyone | Mixed commitment groups | 1 full costume from Smiffys + matching accessories |
| Same colour scheme + one shared accessory | Cheap, easy, still looks planned | Budget groups / last-minute | Base outfit + one Smiffys accessory (e.g., hat/glasses/wig) |
| Full costume night (once) + tees the rest | Maximum impact for one night, zero burnout | Groups who love themes | Costumes from Smiffys + tees from Personalised tees |
Best group ideas by theme
These are “Butlins-safe” ideas: they look good in photos, don’t require everyone to buy the same full costume, and they work across multiple nights.
Ultimate 80s: neon crew
Matching tees + neon accessories. Easy, loud, and instantly “80s”.
- Tees in one colour (or one slogan)
- Smiffys: sweatbands, leg warmers, neon glasses, wigs
- Optional hero: one full rockstar costume
90s Reloaded: throwback icons
Pick a shared “90s piece” and let people do their own spin.
- Bucket hats + rave glasses + chains
- Sports caps + bandanas
- Tees unify it (names on the back = photo gold)
We Love Ibiza: club/festival energy
Glow + glitter + neon + “we’re together” tees.
- Smiffys: glow accessories, neon props, rave glasses
- Lightweight layers (you’ll be moving all night)
- Optional hero: one full “DJ/party” costume
Back to 2000s: Y2K squad
One colour scheme + a couple of loud Y2K accessories.
- Tees: same design, different names/nicknames
- Smiffys: novelty shades, bandanas, “pop star” vibes
- Keep it comfy — you’re doing hours
Replay: mixed eras, same group
Let everyone pick an era and unify with tees or a shared accessory.
- Shared tee colour + shared accessory
- Smiffys accessories for each person’s era
- Looks intentional without forcing one theme
One headline “full send” night
Do one night properly, then go lighter the rest of the weekend.
- Pick costumes you can dance in
- Bring a backup tee for later
- Keep the other nights: tees + accessories
Quick picks (by group type)
Hen groups
- Matching tees (Bride + squad names)
- One night: full fancy dress optional
- Accessories for theme nights
Stag groups
- Matching tees (Groom + chaos crew)
- One hero costume (Groom), accessories for the rest
- Comfort-first footwear and layers
Mixed friend groups
- Same colour tees + nicknames
- Let people choose their accessory style
- One headline full costume night if you want it
Last-minute groups
- Tees if you have time (best result)
- If not: one shared accessory for everyone
- Keep it simple and photo-readable
How to plan it without chaos
Step 1: pick the shared frame
- Choose: tees, colour scheme, or one accessory
- Send one link + one deadline to the group
- Keep it easy to buy
Step 2: choose accessories / one costume night
- Accessories = theme without discomfort
- One costume night = big impact
- Make it optional so no one drops out
FAQs
What’s the easiest group outfit for Butlins?
Matching personalised t-shirts plus a theme accessory (wig/glasses/props). It looks coordinated, it’s comfortable, and it works all weekend.
Should we all buy the same full costume?
Only if your group is genuinely committed. For most groups, it’s better to unify with tees or one accessory and make full costumes optional.
How do we look like a group if we’re doing different themes?
Use a shared frame: matching tees or a shared colour scheme. Then let people pick their own theme accessories. You’ll still look coordinated.
Ready to sort your group outfits?
Start with matching personalised tees, then add Smiffys fancy dress for the themed nights.