How to Make a Halloween Costume

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Some of the best costumes you will see on Halloween are made by the people wearing them. Making your own Halloween costume can seem like a lot of work, but if you select a costume idea that you really love, pick the right materials for the costume, and give yourself some time to make it, you can make a great costume, too.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Choosing a Costume Idea

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  1. Before you decide what you’re going to be for Halloween you have to decide how much work you’re willing to do on your costume. Do you want something you can just throw together or are you planning on making something elaborate?
  2. If you are attempting to make a costume the day before Halloween, you probably want to create a last-minute costume that can easily be thrown together using items, clothing, and supplies that you already have lying around your house.
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  3. Once you know you how much time you want to spend on a costume, you’ll need an idea. A good place to start is to make a list of your favorite characters: from books, movies, or TV shows. Dressing up as your favorite character always make a great costume.
  4. Another good place to find inspiration for your costume is in current events. Recent news stories, celebrity mishaps, or current pop culture references always make a great costume.
  5. If you’re still stumped for a costume idea, start by picking up some great costume accessories that you love – a hat or a cape or a tiara – and build a costume around the accessory. [1]
    • You might consider building your costume around a DIY latex mask if you are up to the challenge or want a unique look.
  6. Costumes that require multiple people can be fun and impressive if they are executed well. [2]
    • A few examples of group costumes include: bands, superhero groups, celebrity couples, or a set of characters from a book, movie, etc.
    • Make sure everyone in your group is committed to the group costume. If anyone backs out, it might ruin the costume.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Picking Your Materials

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  1. Arts and crafts stores are great places to look for costume materials, even if you don't know exactly what you want before visiting the store. As long as you go in with a costume idea, you should be able to find fabric to make it work. [3]
  2. If your costume requires you to sew clothing, you will want to pick a material that is easy to sew or piece together, particularly if you are a beginning crafter.
    • For example, felt is inexpensive and can be glued together using a hot glue gun or even stapled together to create clothing. Basic cotton fabric is easy to sew with a sewing machine or by hand. [4]
  3. Before you visit a fabric store, you'll need to take exact measurements of your costume. If you’re unsure how much you need for your costume, ask for assistance. [5]
  4. If you’re not up for sewing your costume, secondhand clothing stores can be great places to find cheap, wacky clothes perfect for a costume. Sometimes these stores actually have homemade costumes for sale if you choose not to make your costume from scratch.
  5. When you’re choosing your materials, think about embellishments and accessories you can add to it. Many accessories can be purchased cheaply at arts and crafts stores. [6]
    • Look for accessories like crowns - from big tiaras to small flowers crowns - or capes or feather boas.
    • Good examples of easy to add embellishments include fake flowers, buttons, and glitter glue.
    • For example, if you're going for an evil witch look, you might choose accessories like horns, gloves, or fake long nails. [7]
  6. When you’re searching for costume materials, look in the back corner of your closet or the drawer you never open in your dresser. You might have the stuff you need right at home! [8]
  7. If all else fails, a cardboard box can serve as a good base for a costume. The boxiness lends itself well to robots, washer or dryers, cars, or a TV. [9]
    • Box cutters work best for cutting through cardboard.
    • Decorate your box after you’ve cut out the holes for your arms, head, and body.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Putting It All Together

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  1. Even if you’re not sewing together your costume, you should still gather the materials you’ve decided to use. Lay everything out and start to make a plan for how you’re going to put them together. [10]
  2. Once you have your materials together, make sure you have the correct measurements for the clothes you're creating. Double checking these measurements before you create a template and begin cutting out fabric can save you a lot of wasted time and money. [11]
    • For pants, you will need the following measurements: waist, hip, crotch depth and full leg length from waist to floor.
    • For shirts, you will need the following measurements: neck, chest, shoulder width, arm length, armhole length and shirt length.
    • For shorts, use the pant measurements you have, only shortening the pant length to the desired length.
    • For skirts, you simply need waist and hip measurements. The length and fullness of the skirt will vary depending on what type of skirt you want to make.
    • Make sure that the material you choose to use is not see-through or itchy if you are making clothing as part of your costume.
  3. Creating a template for your costume on paper first gives you a chance to double check measurements. This is a good technique regardless of whether you're gluing or sewing your costume Transfer the template to a piece of felt with a pen and use scissors to cut out the template before gluing it together.
  4. Using your template, make clothing for your costume out of fabric. This might require either sewing or gluing material together. It's best to take this step slowly as you double check measurements and try things on as you make them. [13]
  5. Using a glue gun, paste on objects or embellishments to the clothing you've made or the existing clothing you're using for your costume. For example, you and a partner could cover a green outfit in real or fake leaves, wrap a toy snake around your neck, and hold an apple in your hand for a quick and easy Adam and Eve costume.
  6. Once you’ve got the base of your costume, add your accessories. This might mean gluing or sewing additional material, or simply draping a cape over your shoulders or adding a tiara.
  7. You’ll want to check out how everything looks together at least once before you wear your costume on Halloween. Once you have everything put together, try it on with all of the accessories and make sure you're happy with the result. You should do this a few days before Halloween so you have time for changes if they're necessary.
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Halloween Costume Idea Generator

  1. 1
    Get personalized solo, couple, and group Halloween costume ideas
    Ready to get spooky? Finding the perfect Halloween costume can be tough, whether you're flying solo, with a partner, or with a whole crew. Don't worry—just input the number of people you're dressing up with (and optionally, the vibe you're going for and whether you want something trendy or classic), and this generator will give you some killer Halloween costume ideas!
    • Your Halloween Costume Ideas on its own line.Costume Options: Create three main sections with bold headings, for example, Option 1: The Three Witches from Hocus Pocus. Each main heading should be followed by a single blank line, then a short, descriptive overview paragraph of the costume idea.Costume Details: Under each main costume option, use an HTML bulleted list (
        and
      • ). Each bullet point should contain a bolded subcategory name (e.g., Costume Pieces:), followed by a brief description of the details. Provide helpful, actionable advice for coordinating the costume.Spacing: Ensure there is a
        line break tag between the end of one main costume option's list and the start of the next main option's heading to keep the results skimmable.Example Input:Number of people: 3Vibe: FunnyStyle: ClassicExample Output:Hello there! A funny, classic costume is a great choice that will have everyone laughing and feeling festive. I've put together three fun options that are sure to be a hit!Your Halloween Costume IdeasOption 1: The Three Blind MiceThis classic nursery rhyme costume is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's easy to put together. It's instantly recognizable, playful, and perfect for a trio.
        • Costume Pieces: Think gray sweatsuits or simple black outfits as the base. Add round ears on headbands, wire glasses for the "blind" effect, and a long tail attached to the back. A big plastic knife can complete the look for a hilarious twist on the classic rhyme.
        • Perfecting Your Look: Decide who will wear what based on the height or size of each person to create a comical "staggered" effect. You can also work together to choreograph a simple, funny walk or a little rhyme to perform together.
        • Vibe: Go for a mix of clumsy and dramatic. The fun comes from playing up the "blind" aspect, bumping into things, and leaning on each other.
        Option 2: Three StoogesThe Three Stooges are an iconic trio known for their slapstick humor, making this a perfect choice for a funny and classic group costume.
        • Costume Pieces: The costumes are simple: Moe's bowl cut and suit, Larry's curly hair and bow tie, and Curly's bald head and suit. Focus on finding ill-fitting suits, oversized bow ties, and maybe some old hats.
        • Perfecting Your Look: Assign each person a character and study their unique mannerisms—Moe’s angry scowl, Larry’s wild hair, and Curly’s "nyuk-nyuk-nyuk" sound. The humor is in the performance, not just the outfit.
        • Vibe: Embrace the silly, over-the-top antics of the original trio. You can stage short skits or impromptu comedy bits throughout the night.
        Option 3: The Three AmigosThis one is a great choice for a vibrant and funny group costume. Based on the classic 1986 comedy, this costume will have people quoting lines and smiling all night.
        • Costume Pieces: You'll need matching sombreros, white button-down shirts, bright red bandanas, and dark trousers. Look for oversized fake mustaches to really capture the look of the film's characters.
        • Perfecting Your Look: Practice the famous "Three Amigos" salute and other memorable poses from the movie. You can also carry fake prop guitars or maracas to add to the overall look.
        • Vibe: Channel the characters' misplaced sense of bravado and exaggerated politeness. The fun is in the details, from the synchronized poses to the dramatic facial expressions.
        ---Example Input:Number of people: 4Vibe: ScaryStyle: ClassicExample Output:Ready to scare up some fun? A scary, classic costume is a great way to create a memorable and chilling group look. Here are three ideas that are sure to give everyone a fright!Your Halloween Costume IdeasOption 1: The Four Horsemen of the ApocalypseThis is a powerful, classic scary costume that's perfect for a group of four. Each person can embody a different horseman: War, Famine, Pestilence, and Death.
        • Costume Pieces: Each person can have their own color theme: red for War (think military gear or torn red robes), black for Famine (skeletal or tattered clothes), pale/green for Pestilence (a plague doctor mask or sickly makeup), and white/black for Death (a classic grim reaper cloak). Add props like a sword, a set of scales, or a scythe.
        • Perfecting Your Look: Focus on the dramatic and theatrical. Walk together in a line, creating a slow, menacing procession. Each person can adopt a different, eerie posture or expression to match their horseman.
        • Vibe: This is a serious, chilling costume. Keep your expressions grim and your movements deliberate to maximize the scare factor.
        Option 2: The Four Slasher VillainsThis costume pulls from some of the most iconic horror movies of all time. Each person can choose their favorite classic slasher villain to create a terrifying and instantly recognizable group.
        • Costume Pieces: Each person chooses a different villain. A Michael Myers with a coverall and mask, a Freddy Krueger with a striped sweater and glove, a Jason Voorhees with a hockey mask, and a Ghostface with a black robe. These costumes are widely available and simple to put together.
        • Perfecting Your Look: This group should move and stand together as a menacing force. Practice some classic stances or poses from the movies to make the costumes even more effective.
        • Vibe: The goal is to be as unsettling as possible. Stay in character, don't talk, and stand in a creepy, quiet formation to create a truly scary presence.
        Option 3: The Addams FamilyThis is a classic, creepy, and cool group costume that is perfect for four people. You'll get to embody a quirky and beloved horror family.
        • Costume Pieces: Dress as Morticia (black gown, pale skin), Gomez (pinstripe suit, mustache), Wednesday (black dress with a white collar, pigtails), and Pugsley (striped shirt, black shorts). The key to this costume is the details in the makeup and accessories.
        • Perfecting Your Look: The fun in this costume is in playing the characters. Practice their mannerisms and deadpan delivery. You can do funny, morbid group poses for photos.
        • Vibe: This is more "spooky and macabre" than "terrifying." It's about being weird, stylish, and a little off-putting in a fun way.
        ---Example Input:Number of people: 5+Vibe: Cool Style: TrendyExample Output:Ready to be the most stylish group at the party? A trendy costume is a great way to show off your pop culture knowledge and create a memorable group look. Here are three ideas that are perfect for a large group!Your Halloween Costume IdeasOption 1: A K-Pop GroupThis is a fantastic option for a large group because it's highly flexible, instantly recognizable, and all about coordinated style and performance. You can choose a real group or make up your own!
        • Costume Pieces: This is all about cohesion. Choose a main color palette (e.g., black and silver, pastel pinks) and a specific look (e.g., streetwear, formal suits, retro outfits). Everyone should have a consistent element, like a matching jacket or accessory, but can also have individual touches to stand out.
        • Perfecting Your Look: The more people you have, the better this looks. Practice a simple dance move or a coordinated pose for photos. The key is moving as a unit and projecting confidence.
        • Vibe: Confident, energetic, and sleek. This is a chance to show off your style and have a ton of fun with a high-energy group dynamic.
        Option 2: The Cast of a Hit Streaming ShowChoosing the cast of a recent hit show is a perfect way to show you're current and in the know. The number of characters often fits a larger group, and the costumes are usually easy to recreate.
        • Costume Pieces: Each person picks a specific character. For example, if you chose The Bear, you could have Carmy (white t-shirt, messy apron), Sydney (chef coat), Richie (black t-shirt), Marcus (apron, beanie), and Tina (casual clothes). The costumes are simple, but the key is nailing the specific character details.
        • Perfecting Your Look: The humor and effectiveness come from the interactions. You can walk around in a group, quoting famous lines from the show or reenacting a memorable scene. Props like a chef's knife or a walkie-talkie add to the effect.
        • Vibe: Embrace the specific tone of the show you've chosen. For The Bear, it's chaotic and intense; for Stranger Things, it's a mix of retro and sci-fi.
        Option 3: The MinionsMinions are a modern classic, and with a new movie recently released, they're perfectly trendy. The best part is that this costume is simple to create and works for any number of people.
        • Costume Pieces: All you need are yellow shirts, blue overalls, and large goggles. If you want to get creative, you can add different hairstyles or accessories to distinguish yourselves as specific Minion characters.
        • Perfecting Your Look: The more of you there are, the more hilarious it becomes. The key is in the performance—walking around in a big cluster, speaking in "Minionese," and engaging in silly, childlike antics.
        • Vibe: Go for pure, innocent chaos and funny group moments. It’s a lighthearted costume that's all about having fun together.
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      Try the full generator here .

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can you make a mummy costume?
    Alina Bokovikova
    Costume Designer
    Alina Bokovikova is a Costume Designer from California. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in designing costumes for stage productions. Alina earned an MFA in Costume Design from the University of California, San Diego and her Master of Education from the Novosibirsk Pedagogical University. She’s won two Outstanding Costume Design awards and her costumes have been displayed in Moscow, Prague, and San Jose, California.
    Alina Bokovikova
    Costume Designer
    Expert Answer
    One way to make someone look like a mummy is wrapping them with sheets that are an off-white or yellowish color. Use rope to tie and hold the sheets in place.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 8
  • Question
    How do I choose my costume?
    Community Answer
    Dress as a character you like, or look online for some ideas.
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    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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  • Question
    If I am already a cyber-goth, could I still dress as one for Halloween?
    Community Answer
    Of course, you can. It's your costume, and you already have a grasp on what it should look like.
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      Tips

      • Be sure to include seam allowances in your measurements when you make a fabric template if you are sewing your costume.
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      • If you don't want to make a costume yourself but you want the homemade look, you can buy a homemade costume online from a website such as Etsy.com or check a recycled clothing store in your area for homemade costumes.
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      • If you are making clothing, be sure that it will not fall off of you or fall apart unexpectedly. You may want to wear clothing or spandex underneath your costume as a precaution.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.care.com/c/stories/3695/10-tips-for-picking-the-right-halloween-costu/
      2. ↑ https://www.ebay.com/gds/The-Complete-Halloween-Costume-Buying-Guide-/10000000177631091/g.html
      3. ↑ https://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Family/2013/1025/Halloween-Costumes-5-DIY-materials-that-won-t-break-the-budget/Wrap-up-a-fun-fabric-costume
      4. ↑ https://so-sew-easy.com/fabrics-for-beginners/
      5. ↑ https://so-sew-easy.com/fabrics-for-beginners/
      6. ↑ https://www.care.com/c/stories/3695/10-tips-for-picking-the-right-halloween-costu/
      7. ↑ Alina Bokovikova. Costume Designer. Expert Interview
      8. ↑ https://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Family/2013/1025/Halloween-Costumes-5-DIY-materials-that-won-t-break-the-budget/Get-your-MacGyver-on-with-duct-tape
      9. ↑ https://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Family/2013/1025/Halloween-Costumes-5-DIY-materials-that-won-t-break-the-budget/Get-creative-with-cardboard
      1. ↑ https://www.retailmenot.com/blog/easy-halloween-costumes-adults.html
      2. ↑ https://weallsew.com/3-tips-sewing-halloween-costumes/
      3. ↑ Alina Bokovikova. Costume Designer. Expert Interview
      4. ↑ https://weallsew.com/3-tips-sewing-halloween-costumes/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      You can easily make a Halloween costume with materials from your house! For example, to make a ghost costume, drape a white sheet over your head so it covers your body. Use a marker to draw an “X” where your eyes are. Then, remove the sheet and use scissors to carefully cut the eyes out. If you need to, ask a grown-up for help. You can also make a devil costume by wearing all-red and taping red cones to a headband to make devil horns. Alternatively, you can be an angel by wearing all white and cutting a golden circle to be a halo. To be an M&M, simply wear clothes that are all the same color, like all-blue or all-orange, and tape two white “M”s to the front of your shirt. For a slightly more complicated costume, you can dress in sparkly clothing and bright colors to be a rock star, or dress in all black with fangs to be a vampire. No matter what costume you choose, just remember: the most important part of Halloween is to have fun! To learn how to start designing and putting together your Halloween costume, scroll down!

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