B1 and B2 are about as simple as a duo costume gets, which is exactly why they're so good for two friends, a couple or a pair of siblings. Everything rests on three things: a yellow banana shape around the face, blue-and-white striped pajamas and yellow on the hands and feet. Get those right and the rest is up to you. Below are versions for adults, kids, families, pets and big groups, from full foam heads to hoodies, felt and poster board with pajamas you may already own. Because you'll probably wear this for hours, I've noted where each one is comfortable and where it isn't.
Sewing a Banana Hood That Curves Instead of Leaning
The hood is the piece that makes or breaks this costume. A straight tube on top of your head looks like a yellow chef's hat; what you want is a gentle curve that bends toward one side, with the stem at the tip. Fabric hoods are easier to wear than foam heads, and you can make one from a single metre of yellow fleece.
- Trace a hoodie hood you already own onto paper, then extend the top into a long banana shape, about the length of your forearm, curving gently to one side.
- Cut two mirror pieces from yellow fleece and sew them together along the curved back seam, leaving the face edge open.
- Stuff only the extended tip with batting, and stitch a line across where the tip meets the crown so the filling can't slide down onto your forehead.
- Sew a short brown fleece tube for the stem and stitch it firmly to the end of the tip.
- Bind the face opening with soft jersey or fold-over elastic so it hugs the face without scratching.
- Add a fleece strap under the chin with hook-and-loop tape, which holds the hood steady when you turn your head.
For two people, cut both hoods from the same length of fabric. Yellow fleece varies a lot between batches, and two slightly different yellows side by side are the first thing people notice in photos. Make the curves face away from each other, too, so the pair looks like mirror images when you stand together.
1. Classic B1 And B2 Bananas In Pajamas Costume
This is the pair everyone pictures. Both of you wear matching blue-and-white vertical-stripe pajamas, a relaxed button-up top over loose trousers. A large yellow banana hood with a rounded dark stem sits over the head with the face left open, which is far easier to wear than a mask. Yellow gloves cover the hands, and yellow sneakers or soft banana shoe covers go on the feet. The one detail people forget is the label: a bold B1 on one collar and B2 on the other, or nobody knows who is who. Natural makeup is fine, though a little yellow face paint at the hairline blends the hood into the face.
2. DIY Felt Bananas In Pajamas Costume
Felt gives you the banana shape without the bulk of foam. Start with matching striped pajama sets, then make each headpiece from two long curved pieces of yellow felt joined along the edges. Stuff only the top third lightly with batting; stuffed all the way down, the hood gets hot and pushes forward over the eyes. Brown felt makes the stem. Cut a generous oval for the face and bind the edge with soft fabric so it doesn't scratch, and wear a yellow balaclava or fitted hood underneath to hide your hair. Yellow knit gloves, striped socks and plain yellow sneakers finish it, with B1 and B2 badges in white felt and blue fabric paint. It packs flat in a bag, which matters if you're changing at the party.
3. Last-Minute Bananas In Pajamas Costume
Short on time? Each of you needs striped pajamas, a yellow hoodie, yellow gloves and yellow shoes. Wear the hoodie under the pajama top, pull up the hood and tape a rolled poster-board banana tip to the crown, with a scrap of brown paper or felt for the stem. Roll the cone loosely, as a tight cone of card tips backwards and drags the hood off your head. Rosy cheeks and a touch of yellow eyeshadow are plenty of makeup. Paper B1 and B2 labels taped to the collars and a plush banana each are optional extras. The hood does the job of framing your face in yellow, so you get the character without a mask.
4. Plus-Size Bananas In Pajamas Costume
Room to move matters more than anything in a plus-size version. Choose soft, relaxed striped pajamas with an elastic or drawstring waist, and a long button-front shirt that falls past the hip; that length gives the banana its long, straight body and leaves space for a cool base layer. Skip tight masks and frame the face with a padded yellow hood that fastens comfortably under the chin. Light yellow gloves and supportive yellow sneakers will carry you through hours of standing. A little soft yellow at the temples links your face to the hood without covering your whole complexion. Put a clear B1 or B2 patch on the collar and add a small banana crossbody bag, and you can adjust the fit to suit your shape.
5. Women’s Bananas In Pajamas Costume
For a neater women's version, tuck a striped pajama shirt loosely into matching high-waisted pajama trousers. Hold the fabric up to a bright light before you buy, because thin white stripes can turn see-through under party lighting or a camera flash. A sculpted yellow fabric hood goes over the head, either with all your hair tucked inside or with a few soft waves left out around the face. Yellow eyeliner, rosy blush and a glossy neutral lip keep the makeup cheerful. Fitted yellow gloves, clean yellow sneakers and the B1 or B2 badge finish the character, and a small plush banana is an easy party prop. You get the whole look without climbing into a mascot suit.
6. Men’s Bananas In Pajamas Costume
Men's sets come together quickly with straight-leg striped pajama trousers and a matching long-sleeve shirt, worn untucked for that relaxed bedtime shape. A tall yellow foam hood gives the banana outline. Foam traps heat, so I'd only choose one with a mesh back or a breathable lining. Beards and stubble can stay as they are; a little yellow face paint blended at the edge of the hood softens the line. Yellow cotton gloves and supportive sneakers with removable yellow fabric gaiters handle the hands and feet. Put a large B1 or B2 on the collar where cameras will catch it, and if you need pockets, a slim belt bag hides under the pajama top. It suits indoor and outdoor parties alike.
7. Sibling Bananas In Pajamas Costume
Siblings make a sweet B1 and B2. Dress both in soft striped pajama sets with covered buttons and stretchy waistbands. Light yellow fleece hoods are the better choice for kids because they come off in seconds when a child gets hot or cross, which a hard mask never does. Give each hood a stuffed banana tip and a soft brown stem. Add B1 and B2 patches, yellow mittens and non-slip yellow sneakers. If you use makeup, keep it to a little yellow cream on the cheeks and nowhere near the eyes. A small plush banana gives each child something safe to hold. Hem the trousers so they clear the ground, check that the face openings don't block side vision, and this suits twins or close-in-age siblings.
8. Toddler Bananas In Pajamas Costume
For a toddler, I think about softness, sightlines and nappy changes before anything else. Start with a striped cotton pajama set or a romper with snaps. Layer a yellow hooded sweatshirt underneath so the hood frames the face, and stitch a short stuffed banana tip on top; tall tips wobble and toddlers yank them. Soft yellow mittens and flexible non-slip slip-ons finish the body. Sew the B1 or B2 patch on rather than pinning it. Skip face paint, or use only a dab of child-safe yellow on the cheeks. A small plush banana is the only prop a toddler needs, and the whole thing stays comfortable for supervised dress-up.
9. Parent And Child Bananas In Pajamas Costume
A parent and child as B1 and B2 is a lovely family version. Both wear matching striped pajamas, but I'd give the adult a structured foam headpiece and the child a soft fleece hood, since a small child won't tolerate weight on the head for long. Add yellow gloves and comfortable sneakers in matching shades. Who gets B1 is up to you. Natural makeup with a touch of yellow keeps both faces expressive. The parent can carry a roomy yellow tote for snacks, water and whatever bits of costume the child pulls off halfway through. Give the child a light plush banana instead of anything rigid. Matching colours and proportions make the pair look planned while each costume stays right for its wearer's age.
10. Family Bananas In Pajamas Costume
For a whole family, two people play B1 and B2 and everyone else becomes one of their teddy bear friends. The bananas wear striped pajamas, yellow hoods, gloves and matching sneakers. The bears wear brown fleece, rounded ear headbands, coloured shirts and soft brown shoes. A brown painted nose on each bear and yellow accents on the bananas are all the makeup you need. Younger children can carry plush toys, and an adult can hold a light basket of pretend honeycakes. Keep everyone inside one bright palette of blue, yellow, brown and simple primary colours. That palette is what stops a family of six from looking like six separate costumes, while still giving each person a role.
11. Friend Group Bananas In Pajamas Costume
With five or six friends, you can add the teddy bears and Rat in a Hat to B1 and B2. The bananas need striped pajamas, tall yellow hoods, gloves, sneakers and their numbered collar badges. The bears wear brown tops and trousers, rounded ears, coloured shirts and a painted nose. Rat in a Hat uses grey clothing, a long fabric tail, rounded ears, a red sweater and a wide-brim hat. Stick to soft props such as shopping bags, plush bananas or a basket of pretend snacks. Supportive shoes in colours that match each character make the group look finished from head to toe. Every person gets a character of their own, and the bananas stay the centre of the group.
12. Pajama Party Bananas In Pajamas Costume
At a pajama party, the costume should still feel like sleepwear. Choose matching striped pajama sets in breathable cotton or satin. Instead of full head coverings, shape yellow beanies with a small stuffed banana tip; they stay on while you lounge on a sofa, where a tall hood gets crushed. Yellow socks or slippers work indoors, and yellow sneakers can take over outside. Stitch B1 and B2 patches onto the shirt pockets or collars. Yellow eyeliner, peach blush and a natural lip keep the makeup fresh. Low braids fit neatly under the hats, or smooth short hair back off the face. Plush banana pillows are props you'll actually use, and you can eat, sit and chat in all of it.
13. Cold-Weather Bananas In Pajamas Costume
On a cold night, the warm layers go underneath. Start with thermal leggings and a fitted long-sleeve top, then put roomy striped flannel pajamas over them; loose pajama shapes are forgiving here, which is lucky. Choose a fleece-lined yellow hood that covers the ears but doesn't block side vision. Swap thin costume gloves for insulated yellow ones, and wear waterproof yellow boots or sneakers. A striped robe or blue-and-white fleece jacket adds another layer if needed. Put a little yellow cream on the cheeks so the character still shows when the scarf comes off. Stitch the B1 and B2 patches on, because safety pins pull through flannel. It stays recognisable at a festival or a neighbourhood walk, and keeps you warm.
14. Warm-Weather Bananas In Pajamas Costume
In hot weather, cut back on fabric so air can move. Switch to short-sleeve striped pajama shirts and knee-length pajama shorts. Make the banana hood from thin yellow cotton over flexible interfacing, with a wide opening around the face and neck. Fingerless yellow gloves and ventilated yellow canvas sneakers with ankle socks keep hands and feet cooler. Face paint slides off a sweaty forehead, so use yellow eyeshadow and a little golden highlighter instead. B1 and B2 collar patches keep the shorter outfit tied to the original. Small folding fans with banana stickers make props you'll be glad to have. The blue stripes and bright yellow still carry the costume at a daytime parade or a crowded indoor party.
15. Foam Head Bananas In Pajamas Costume
A sculpted foam head gives you the big mascot proportions. Build the banana from flexible upholstery foam, shaping a long curved dome with a dark stem, and cover it with yellow fleece. Cut a generous face opening and back its edges with mesh. Wear it with loose striped pajamas, yellow gloves and padded yellow shoe covers over comfy sneakers. Most of your face sits inside the hood, so natural makeup is enough. Add a clearly printed B1 or B2 badge to the collar. A few ventilation holes near the back seam help airflow without spoiling the shape. Plan for the head's size: an oversized foam head won't fit through a car door easily and bumps into doorframes, so check the height against yours before you cut.
16. Cardboard Bananas In Pajamas Costume
Cardboard is the cheapest way to get a tall banana head. Cut two matching curved panels from corrugated card, join the edges with wide paper strips and leave openings for the head and face. Cover the shape in yellow paper or fabric and paint the stem brown. Run a soft foam strip around the inside opening so the cut edge doesn't rub your forehead. Wear it with striped pajamas, yellow dishwashing gloves and yellow sneakers, with a little yellow makeup at the forehead and jawline. White card and a blue marker make the B1 and B2 labels. Keep the head light and not too tall. Card softens in rain and catches in crowds, so I'd keep this one for indoor parties.
17. Fleece Onesie Bananas In Pajamas Costume
A fleece onesie makes the cosiest banana on a cool evening. Choose a striped zip-front onesie with roomy legs and cuffs that sit above your shoes, so the hems don't get trodden flat. Wear a fitted yellow hood underneath and attach a softly stuffed banana extension to the crown. Yellow mittens and matching slip-ons or ankle boots finish it. Sew the B1 or B2 patch near the collar, clear of the zip. Soft yellow at the temples helps the hood blend in, though natural makeup works too. A banana-shaped belt bag gives you hidden storage. With nothing to tuck or straighten, it's good for walking and dancing, and anyone who prefers warm, relaxed clothes will like it.
18. Tutu Bananas In Pajamas Costume
A striped tutu turns the pajamas into something more playful while staying family-friendly. Wear it over striped leggings with a matching pajama-style button-up shirt, and put a yellow tank or fitted long-sleeve top underneath for coverage. A curved yellow fabric hood goes on top, with hair tucked inside or in low braids. Yellow wrist-length gloves, striped socks and supportive yellow sneakers finish the body. Yellow eyeliner, rosy cheeks and a soft blue flick at the outer corners keep the face cheerful. Add the B1 or B2 badge to the collar. A small plush banana clipped to a crossbody strap leaves your hands free. Match the tutu's blue to the pajama stripes, since two different blues next to each other look like a mistake.
19. Sporty Bananas In Pajamas Costume
For a run or an active day, build the costume around sportswear. Striped jogger-style pajama trousers and a matching button-front top go over a yellow performance shirt. Make the banana hood from light moisture-wicking fabric with a flexible stuffed tip, because cotton fleece gets soggy once you sweat. Yellow running gloves and cushioned yellow sneakers will cope with long distances. A blue sweatband can sit at the base of the hood without hiding the banana. Tinted moisturiser, yellow cream shadow and a good dusting of setting powder hold up better than heavy paint. Put B1 or B2 on the collar and repeat the number on a small blue drawstring backpack. Nothing drags or shifts, so it suits costume runs and school events where a foam suit would be too heavy.
20. Retro 1990s Bananas In Pajamas Costume
For a nostalgic, 1990s-television feel, go big and boxy. Oversized striped pajamas with large white buttons and an obvious B1 or B2 collar badge set the tone, with chunky yellow sneakers and bright primary-colour accessories. A tall rounded hood in yellow fleece with a brown fabric stem goes on top. Tuck every bit of hair inside so the curve stays clean. Matte skin, soft blush and a little yellow around the face opening keep the makeup simple. Yellow knit gloves and a toy-like prop, such as a plush banana or a bright pretend alarm clock, finish it. Fitted, modern pieces work against the look, so size up. The baggy shapes and bold colours carry the retro feel and stay comfortable all night.
21. Pastel Bananas In Pajamas Costume
Pastels give the bananas a softer, more fashion-led look. Swap the strong blue stripes for powder blue and white, and use buttery yellow for the hood, gloves and shoes. The hood still needs a clear curved top and a small tan stem; in pale yellow the shape can disappear, so I'd stuff the tip a little firmer than usual. Pastel blue liner, soft pink blush and yellow shimmer in the inner corners suit the colours. Cream-and-yellow sneakers or cushioned slippers work depending on the venue. Embroider the B1 and B2 patches in light blue instead of using heavy printed letters. A pale yellow banana mini backpack is useful, and the lighter palette looks bright and cheerful in group photos.
22. Neon Bananas In Pajamas Costume
Neon makes the pair impossible to miss at a busy party. Crisp striped pajamas go over fluorescent yellow shirts, with banana hoods in vivid yellow, reflective blue trim around the face openings and dark brown stems. Wear neon yellow gloves, white socks and yellow sneakers with blue laces. Graphic yellow liner, blue mascara and a little iridescent highlighter suit the brightness. Bold B1 and B2 patches and matching reflective wristbands finish it. Glow props are fine if the venue allows them. Make sure the outfit still reads in ordinary light, though, as neon yellow next to white stripes can look washed out under warm bulbs. The strong contrast gives the duo a modern, cheerful party look.
23. School-Friendly Bananas In Pajamas Costume
For school, the costume has to let a child move, see the board and sit through lessons. Wear striped pajama trousers with a yellow T-shirt and an open striped pajama top. Swap the big head for a yellow beanie with a short stuffed banana tip and a brown stem. Gloves can stay in a bag, since bare hands are better for class work. Clean yellow sneakers with non-slip soles and pajama hems that clear the floor keep the stairs safe. Sew the B1 or B2 patch on securely. Natural makeup or a dab of washable yellow on the cheeks is plenty. A flat felt banana bag holds small things without distracting anyone, and the whole outfit fits a spirit week or class party.
24. Office-Friendly Bananas In Pajamas Costume
At an office party, you'll want a version you can adjust while you work. Pair tailored striped trousers in a pajama style with a matching button-up shirt over a yellow crew-neck top. A soft yellow banana hat comes off quickly for meetings or calls. Yellow loafers or clean sneakers keep you comfortable, and light gloves can wait in a pocket until the photos. Neat natural makeup with a small sweep of yellow liner is enough. Pin a tidy B1 or B2 badge to the collar and carry a structured yellow tote instead of a novelty prop. There's no mascot body to squeeze through narrow corridors or sit down in, so you can still type, attend meetings and get through the day.
25. Maternity Bananas In Pajamas Costume
In pregnancy, the banana's curve suits a bump nicely, as long as nothing presses on it. Choose a soft striped pajama shirt with side vents and trousers with a stretchy maternity waistband, or wear a striped pajama-style dress over yellow leggings. A light fabric hood with a wide neckline goes on top, with hair in a low bun underneath. Yellow stretch gloves and cushioned slip-on sneakers keep it practical. Yellow shadow, peach blush and a comfortable balm are all the makeup you need. Put the B1 or B2 label high on the collar so it isn't hidden by the bump. A light banana crossbody bag holds the essentials. Leave out rigid foam around the body, heavy props and any shoes that feel wobbly.
26. Wheelchair-Adaptive Bananas In Pajamas Costume
For a wheelchair user, the costume has to stay clear of the wheels and the controls. Choose a striped pajama shirt with an easy front fastening, with matching trousers or a striped lap blanket tucked so it can't drift toward the wheels. A light yellow hood gives the banana shape without sticking out past the headrest. Soft yellow gloves and comfortable yellow shoes or warm socks finish the body. Place the B1 or B2 badge on the upper chest, where it shows when seated. Natural makeup with yellow accents is enough. Removable wheel covers in blue-and-white stripes or curved yellow felt panels are a lovely touch if they don't interfere with pushing or controls. A plush banana fixed firmly to the armrest gives a prop with nothing to hold.
27. Sensory-Friendly Bananas In Pajamas Costume
For a sensory-friendly banana, leave out scratchy foam, tight masks, stiff seams and heavy face paint. Begin with tag-free cotton striped pajamas, and put a soft yellow zip hoodie on instead of a banana head. Sew a small padded tip onto the hood using smooth fleece and light filling. Familiar yellow sneakers and optional fingerless gloves that come off quickly finish it. Make the B1 or B2 patch from soft fabric rather than a raised plastic badge. Skip makeup, or use a tiny amount of yellow cream only if the wearer enjoys it. A plush banana clipped to a soft belt bag finishes the theme. I'd have the wearer try every piece on at home a few days early, and plan which layers can come off while the stripes and yellow hood still say B1 or B2.
28. Owner And Pet Bananas In Pajamas Costume
With a pet, the owner wears the full costume and the animal only gets a light nod to it. You wear striped pajamas, a yellow banana hood, gloves, yellow sneakers and the B1 badge. Your pet wears a comfortable striped harness shirt with a light yellow banana panel lying along the back, plus a B2 label fixed where it can't be chewed. Cheerful yellow makeup suits you, and a banana-shaped treat pouch is handy. Keep masks, gloves, shoes and dangling props off the animal entirely. Check that nothing limits movement, hearing, sight or toilet stops, and let your pet wear the harness shirt for a few short sessions first. Side by side, the two of you read as a pair while your pet stays relaxed.
29. Banana Split Bananas In Pajamas Costume
A banana split turns the duo into a joke. One person wears the traditional striped pajamas, yellow hood, gloves, sneakers and B1 patch. The second uses the same base but adds a removable white felt whipped-cream shoulder piece with coloured foam sprinkles and a soft red pom-pom cherry, plus the B2 patch so the original pairing still shows. Yellow accents and rosy cheeks suit both faces. Carry light painted-card ice-cream bowls, and nothing messy or breakable. Keep the dessert pieces up on the shoulders, because anything hanging at hip level catches on doorways and gets knocked when you walk. The yellow heads, matching stripes and comfortable pajamas stay the same.
30. Large Group Bananas In Pajamas Costume
A big group can turn into a whole bunch of bananas in pajamas. Dress everyone in striped pajama sets, yellow fabric hoods, matching gloves and yellow sneakers. Number the collars B1, B2, B3 and onward so every person has their own identity. Let the banana tips lean in different directions for variety, but keep the same yellow fabric and brown stems so the bunch looks matched. Natural makeup with a little yellow liner or cheek colour is fine. A few people can carry plush bananas, striped pillows or banana bags. For photos, put taller people at the back so every face shows. Clubs, teams and extended families all get a funny group costume from it, and buying the striped fabric in one batch keeps the blues matching.
Striped Pajamas That Actually Look Like the Show's
The pajamas look easy to find until you start looking. Many striped sleepwear sets have horizontal stripes, which read as a sailor or a prisoner rather than B1 and B2. Look for vertical stripes in a strong mid blue on white, with the stripes wide enough to see from across a room; narrow pinstripes blur into pale blue at a distance.
- Men's cotton pajama sets in the classic button-up style are the closest match and often turn up in thrift shops.
- Choose the same set for both of you, or at least the same stripe width, so the pair matches.
- If you can't find them, sew loose pull-on trousers and a simple boxy shirt from striped cotton or ticking fabric, cutting both pieces with the stripes running straight up and down.
- Wash new pajamas before the event; cheap blue dye can rub onto yellow gloves the first time you wear them.
Letters That Stay on the Collar
The B1 and B2 labels are small, but without them you're just two bananas. Paper labels taped on curl up within an hour. I cut the letters from white felt and stitch them onto a blue felt rectangle, then tack that to the collar with a few stitches so it can be snipped off later. Fabric paint works too, but paint the letters on a separate patch rather than straight onto the pajamas, unless you're happy keeping them as a costume set. Make the letters at least as tall as your thumb so they still show in a group photo.
Two Stripes, Two Letters and a Lot of Yellow
Every version here comes back to the same few clues: blue-and-white striped pajamas, a bright yellow banana shape, comfortable shoes and a clear B1 or B2. From there you can copy the classic duo closely or adapt it for hot days, cold nights, school, work, families, pets, pregnancy or sensory needs. In my experience a fabric hood is nearly always easier to wear than a foam head, and striped pajamas are a cheap base you may already own. Check that you can see clearly, the fabrics breathe, the accessories stay put and the hems clear the ground. Get those right and you can enjoy a nostalgic, comfortable night out in pairs.
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