Lab coats are great fun for children and you can use them for science projects in school or during art class, or as a cool costume during Halloween or just for playing doctor at home. They are great gift ideas as well especially for budding little scientists, doctors, nurses or artists. Lab coats in kid’s sizes are easy to find and regardless of how big or small the child is, you are sure to find the right size from 2-14. But, if you think that the plain white kid’s lab coat available in most retail stores and online shops look so un-childish, then here are some cool design ideas that you can do using cartoon characters and the following methods.

1. Embroidered Patch – Patches are not just for patching holes anymore, they are also nifty ways to personalize any type of clothing. And in this case, a child’s lab coat. You will find embroidered patches in various designs at hobbies and crafts stores and you can choose from iron-on or sew-on types. However, you might find a limited choice of embroidered patch cartoon characters. But if you’re lucky to find the one you need, it will be a stand out design with its embossed-like quality.

2. Iron-On Transfer Images – With this method, you must have four things: a computer, a colored printer, a flat iron and transfer paper (you can buy this from office supply stores). Just search online for printable iron-on transfer designs and you will find hundreds of cartoon characters to choose from and all ready to be printed out and ironed on your kid’s lab coat. You will notice that the images are flipped so that they’ll come out right when transferred to the fabric.

3.  HotFix Rhinestud Appliqués – Jazz up a little girl’s lab coat with these sparkly designs made with iron-on studs. There are several styles to choose from and you may even opt for non-cartoon characters like stars, hearts, letters and even numbers. Be sure to follow the product directions for application and you will have the perfect bejeweled lab coat for girls.

4.  Fabric Paint – If you’re the artsy type, you might want to paint your child’s favorite cartoon character on his or her lab coat. Simply use the plain lab coat as a canvass, draw out the character with pencil and color using fabric paint. If you still want to go with this method but lack the skill of an artist, you can print out some stencils (pick the easy ones like the logos of Batman, Superman or Mickey Mouse), cut them out, paint and let it dry.

5. Old Shirt Cut-Outs – For a cheaper and recycled alternative, look for an old unused shirt with a cartoon character print. Cut out the print and attach to the lab coat using fabric glue or simply sew it on.

Every kid surely has a favorite cartoon character. Disney characters, Marvel superheroes and popular cartoons from Nickelodeon are just some of the common ones that children nowadays are familiar with. You can incorporate them in a plain cotton lab coat using one of the above methods. Put them on the breast pocket or on whatever part of the garment you like. For sure, kids will love having their very own cartoonized lab coat!