A defining aspect of Doctor Who has always been its costumes. Every version of The Doctor has made it a point of importance to change into a costume that fits each iteration best. But The Doctor isn’t the only character who cares how they dress.
The Master, the evil other half to The Doctor, is equally known for his theatrical and devilish costuming choices. Since his first appearances, The Master’s costumes have been an important factor for his character. Here are his best.
Tattered Robes
Rounding out the bottom of this list are the tattered robes of the crispy Masters. These undead iterations of the character were often draped in black cloaks, signifying their evil identity and hiding their horrid features.
The cloaks are, to put it simply, just fine. While nothing special, they’re certainly a classic indicator of evil. But black cloaks are a bit standard and boring compared to a lot of other costuming ideas. Perhaps if the characterization of these versions of the character had been better, we would have enjoyed a creepy cloak.
John Simm’s Hoodie
John Simm made his return to Doctor Who in the penultimate two-parter “The End of Time.” Here, he faced off against the Doctor after living in a landfill. His costume choice is made up of nothing more than a red T-shirt covered by a black hoodie, and black pants and shoes.
It’s the most basic outfit of the character, but it actually fits this version fairly well. This Master has been discarded by everyone, the nation he once ruled, The Doctor, and his own species. But while it fits this iteration, it’s not a look that needs returning either.
Anthony Ainley’s Embroidered Collar & Shoulder Pads
Anthony Ainley was the longest-running actor to portray The Master. Throughout his run on the classic series, he had a few different outfits, but this one was his most constant. It was a fairly simple mono-colored suit with gloves.
But standing out among other outfits were the extended shoulder pads and the tall embroidered collar pattern. This outfit is very dated and not in a classic way — though it certainly fits the ’80s era well.
Eric Roberts’ Leather Jacket
Eric Roberts’ Master isn’t well known for his costuming, donning an awfully garish set of Gallifreyan robes in the finale of the TV movie. But his main costume before this is actually pretty solid and uncomplicated.
The early scenes feature his Master wearing a long leather coat over an all-black outfit, and rocking a pair of deadly black aviator sunglasses. It’s a costume that gives out Terminator vibes for sure, and it’s one that we wouldn’t mind seeing again.
Derek Jacobi’s Victorian Look
Derek Jacobi’s tenure as The Master didn’t last more than an episode, but his impact was felt for sure. Suffering from amnesia after using the Chameleon Arch, this Master thought he was nothing more than a human scientist.
His outfit was a total throwback, with a Victorian shirt, vest, and necktie. Although there would be better versions of this style in The Master’s future, this look was still unlike anything he wore before, and gave him a pseudo-Moriarty vibe.
Missy’s Mary Poppins Hat
Missy was the first female version of The Master, as last seen on-screen. This meant that after years of fairly basic outfits, we finally got a version that knew how to dress. In all seriousness, this was one of the best outfits from the Master in years.
Missy was described as an evil take on Mary Poppins, and her outfit reflected that perfectly. This iteration wore a cocked hat in the same style as the character, along with a formal coat and blouse with an Edwardian broach between the collar.
Roger Delgado Simple Classic
Roger Delgado was the first actor to portray The Master, and he was the first to establish his look moving forward. With his outfit, he showcased the simplistic style for most versions of the character from the classic series to today.
While he would occasionally be seen in a suit and tie, this Master wore a sheet-black tunic, pants, and black gloves. Although some might regard it as boring, its simplicity works well when contrasted to the extravagance of some Doctor’s outfits.
Sacha Dhawan’s Purple Suit
Although just a recent addition, this version of The Master has a very established fashion sense, and one that expands on the groundwork from Derek Jacobi and Michelle Gomez’s costume choices for the character.
This version of The Master wears a classic, semi-Victorian outfit, with a purple peacoat and navy vest. His button-up shirt echoes back to the tight neckline of Delgado’s Master, and his garish outfit feels like a direct mocking of The Doctor.
Missy’s Series Ten Costume
Missy’s first costume was great, but like the character, the costume choices only got better as time went on. Her outfit eventually altered, with fewer frills and accessories, become a bit more bare-bones.
Some might find this outfit as a downgrade, but it really fits the character well in her final series. The colors are warmer, marking the character’s change in attitude come the finale. Plus, the long necktie is a bit looser and fits her better than the broach.
John Simm In The Doctor Falls
Coming out on top is none other than John Simm’s outfit. Funnily enough, this costume didn’t come during either of his primary appearances as the character, but instead during his return alongside Missy in “The Doctor Falls.”
This outfit is a direct inspiration to Delgado;s, but it adds enough improvements to make it feel far cooler and more evil. The overcoat feels like a direct mirroring of Capaldi’s, and the button-up shirt makes this feel more like a Time Lord and less like Austin Power’s Doctor Evil. It’s a perfect embodiment of the character across the generations.
