Guest Feature: My Biggest Problem with the 15th Doctor
Doctor Who feature article by guest contributor Albert Connors.
What is the 15th Doctor’s costume? Despite a reveal some time ago, it seems there really isn’t one in this series—and I’m not a fan of that.
In the past, each new Doctor came with a fresh face, a new personality, and a distinctive, memorable costume that quickly became iconic. Think of William Harnell’s Edwardian frock coat, Jon Pertwee’s ruffled shirts and velvet jackets, or Matt Smith’s bow tie and tweed—those outfits were more than just clothes. They were symbols, instantly recognisable to fans and casual viewers alike. But with the 15th Doctor, this long-standing tradition seems to have vanished, and honestly, I feel like we’re losing a crucial part of what makes the Doctor so special.
Ncuti Gatwa’s approach to the 15th Doctor’s wardrobe is a huge departure from his predecessors. Teaming up with costume designer Pam Downe, Gatwa preferred a wardrobe that pushes boundaries. As he explained:
“She laid out her sketches on the table, and I saw kilts and skirts and all kinds of gender-pushing, societal-pushing outfits. And I was like, ‘Yes, let’s do all of them.’”
But while this approach is undeniably bold and forward-thinking, it sacrifices a consistent look that fans can latch onto.
For me, the importance of the Doctor’s costume can’t be overstated. Each Doctor’s outfit serves as a visual shorthand, a way for fans to instantly connect with the character. David Tennant’s pinstripe suits, Peter Capaldi’s stark black coat and white shirt, and even Colin Baker’s multicoloured monstrosity all became synonymous with their respective Doctors. These outfits were more than just clothes; they were a key part of the Doctor’s identity. They provided a sense of continuity and familiarity amid the chaos and change that define the show.
In my view, when the Doctor’s outfit changes every single episode (as has been the case with Series 14, sometimes multiple times within a single episode), it creates a sense of disjointedness. There’s no single image or style that fans can associate with Gatwa’s Doctor presently, no one look that sticks in the collective memory. This lack of consistency, I believe, undermines the visual continuity that has been a hallmark of the series. It also makes it harder for fans like me to connect with this new incarnation on a deeper level.
I’m not saying the Doctor’s outfit can never change, either, but any changes should be minimised and reserved for specific contexts. Such as adapting to a period setting (it would have been fine for 15 to change into his 60s outfit in “The Devil’s Chord”, for example) or introducing a subtle update that still respects the character’s established look. These careful adjustments can keep the Doctor’s appearance fresh without losing the visual identity.

To me, costumes aren’t just about looks; they’re about storytelling. The Doctor’s outfit often reflects their personality, values, and the era they hail from. Patrick Troughton’s scruffy, Chaplin-esque attire, for example, captured the whimsical and mischievous nature of his Doctor, while Christopher Eccleston’s leather jacket embodied the tougher, more battle-worn Ninth Doctor. These costumes added layers to the character and enriched the storytelling experience. By forgoing a regular look, Gatwa’s Doctor, in my opinion, misses out on this powerful storytelling tool.
Moreover, costumes contribute to the cultural legacy of Doctor Who. They become symbols that go beyond the show itself, recognisable even to people who might not watch the series. The Fourth Doctor’s hat and scarf, of course, has become a part of pop culture lore, appearing in various forms of media and merchandise. A consistent costume, I feel, allows the Doctor to leave a lasting visual imprint on culture, something that a constantly changing wardrobe just can’t achieve.
While Ncuti Gatwa’s decision to embrace an ever-changing wardrobe for the 15th Doctor is bold, it sacrifices an essential element of what makes the Doctor so beloved. The costume isn’t just a fashion statement; it’s a vital part of the Doctor’s identity. I need that anchor to fully embrace and connect with each new incarnation of my favourite Time Lord. Without it, I worry we risk losing a part of the magic that has made Doctor Who endure for 60 years.