Max and Ruby are one of the easiest character pairs I know to pull together for siblings, because almost nothing about them needs sewing. Max is stripes and blue overalls, Ruby is a purple top under a yellow dress, and both of them need tall white ears and a pink nose. Once those colours are right, you can push the pair into fairy tales, Bunny Scouts, birthday parties or a rainy walk and people still know who they are. I care more about comfort than accuracy with this pair, since most wearers are small and will be in the outfit for hours. One prop each, like a toy cake, a basket or a stuffed animal, does more for recognition than any extra layer of detail. Below are thirty versions, from toddlers to adult couples to a whole extended family.
Rabbit Ears That Don't Flop by Bedtime
Max and Ruby's ears are taller than most bunny ears, and that height is the hardest part of the whole costume to keep standing. Shop-bought ears often fold over halfway down the street, so I build or reinforce mine before anything else.
- Cut each ear as two layers of white felt with a pink felt centre glued on the front, and sandwich a length of pipe cleaner or soft craft wire between the layers. The wire lets you bend the ear back upright after a hug.
- Make the ears long and slim rather than wide. Wide ears catch wind and doorframes, and they tip forward over a child's eyes.
- Wrap the base of each ear tightly around the headband and glue it, then cover the join with a strip of felt so no wire ends poke out.
- Pad the ends of a plastic headband with felt or ribbon. Kids complain about headbands squeezing behind the ears long before they complain about anything else.
- Use fabric glue or stitching for felt, not hot glue alone. Hot glue turns brittle in cold night air and the ears snap off at the base.
For babies and toddlers, skip the headband and sew the ears onto a soft hat or hood. Max's tail can be a pom-pom made by wrapping white yarn around two fingers, tying the middle and trimming it round.
1. Classic Max And Ruby Costume
This is the version I build first, because every other idea on the list grows out of it. Max gets a red-and-white striped long-sleeve shirt under loose blue overalls, white sneakers, white gloves and a headband with tall ears. Ruby gets a purple long-sleeve top under a bright yellow pinafore, white tights, purple flats and matching ears, plus a few fabric flower patches on the skirt. Keep Max's white face makeup to the cheeks only, and draw the pink nose and whiskers with a skin-safe pencil. I give Max a small stuffed elephant or toy train and Ruby a child-size handbag. Buy the overalls a size up: little ones sit on the floor at parties, and tight bib straps dig in within the hour.
2. Adult Max And Ruby Couple Costume
The trick for grown-ups is to keep the colours and lose the toddler cut. Max's wearer can go with straight-leg denim overalls, a fitted red-and-white striped shirt, clean white sneakers, a white rabbit-ear headband, a clip-on tail and simple whisker makeup. Ruby's wearer layers a purple mock-neck top under a yellow A-line dress in mini or midi length, with white tights and purple Mary Janes. If the dress is plain, I add flower appliqués near the hem, since that one detail is what tells people it's Ruby and not just a yellow dress. Give Max a wrapped toy or a small windup-style prop and Ruby a structured yellow handbag. Adults usually forget that ears on a headband press behind the ears after a few hours, so I pad the band ends with a little felt.
3. Kids Max And Ruby Sibling Costume
Real siblings get the best version of this pair, because the age gap already matches the characters. The younger child is Max in soft denim short overalls, a striped cotton shirt, ankle socks and sneakers that fasten properly. I use a flexible ear headband that won't pinch and fix a lightweight pom-pom tail with a safety pin or fabric fastener. The older child is Ruby in a purple tee under a yellow jumper dress, with white leggings instead of tights for warmth and purple slip-ons. Washable face paint for the whiskers and a pink nose is plenty. Ruby can carry a basket of plush toys while Max holds one favourite stuffed animal, and that basket ends up being the candy bag too, which saves a trip back to the car.
4. Toddler Max And Baby Ruby Costume
With babies and toddlers I'd rather lose a bit of the character than risk anything that falls off, pokes or ends up in a mouth. Toddler Max wears a red-and-white striped bodysuit under stretchy denim overalls, white crib shoes and a fleece hat with the rabbit ears stitched on. Sew the pom-pom tail on rather than pinning it. Baby Ruby gets a purple cotton bodysuit under a sleeveless yellow romper, white leggings, purple booties and a soft ear bonnet with no hard headband at all. I skip face makeup for this age; a bib printed or appliquéd with a pink nose and whiskers gives the same effect and survives drool. A plush vegetable or stuffed bunny is the only prop I'd hand a baby.
5. Last-Minute Max And Ruby Costume
If Halloween is a few hours away, raid the closet before you go anywhere near a store. Max needs blue jeans or overalls, a red-and-white striped shirt and white sneakers, and clip-on suspenders over jeans stand in for overalls. Ruby wears a yellow sundress over a purple long-sleeve tee with white leggings and purple flats. For ears, cut four long shapes from white poster board, glue on pink paper centres and tape them firmly to plain headbands. Poster board ears flop the moment they get damp, so I run a strip of clear tape down the back of each one as a spine. Cotton balls make quick tails, a pink nose and three whisker lines per cheek finish the faces, and a toy car for Max and a little purse for Ruby are enough.
6. No-Sew Max And Ruby Costume
No sewing machine? This pair is still easy, as long as you know which adhesives hold. Ready-made denim overalls and a striped shirt cover Max, and a big white pom-pom tail goes on with removable fabric tape or a strong clip. I make the ears from white and pink felt glued onto a fabric-covered headband. Ruby starts with a yellow jumper and a purple top, then peel-and-stick felt flowers and green stems go near the hem, with white tights and purple sneakers or flats. Here's the catch: peel-and-stick felt grips cotton well but lets go of shiny polyester, so press it hard and check it before you leave. Both kids get a light pink nose and soft whiskers, and Max can carry a cardboard bus while Ruby holds a flower-decorated basket.
7. Solo Max Costume With Blue Overalls
Max on his own is a solid choice for a child or an adult who wants to be comfortable all night. I go with relaxed blue overalls that have a big front pocket, layered over a red-and-white striped long-sleeve shirt, with white canvas sneakers and white socks to keep the palette clean. Tall white ears and a fluffy tail carry the bunny part. Pale makeup on the cheeks is optional; a small pink nose and thin gray whiskers are not. The bib pocket is the best prop holder you'll get, so tuck a favourite toy in there or carry a light toy airplane. On a cold night, wear a white hoodie under the stripes and put felt ears straight onto the hood, so there's no headband to lose.
8. Solo Ruby Costume With Yellow Dress
Ruby alone works at nearly any age because the outfit is just a dress and a top. Layer a fitted purple shirt under a yellow pinafore or A-line dress, and add removable felt flower appliqués around the skirt. White tights give the rabbit base and purple Mary Janes tie back to the top. Choose tall white ears with pale pink centres, and clip a fluffy white tail to the back of the dress. Soft makeup is enough: rosy cheeks, a pink nose and short whiskers. Hair matters more than people expect, since loose long hair swallows a headband, so I put it in a low bun or tuck short hair behind the ears. A small handbag or a flower basket is her prop, and this one doubles well for book days at school.
9. Max Vampire And Ruby Cinderella Costume
This pairing plays on Max wanting to be a vampire while Ruby is set on Cinderella. Max wears black pants, a white shirt and a short black cape lined in purple, with white rabbit ears, black sneakers, a pink nose and friendly pointed teeth drawn on with face paint. I always choose drawn-on fangs over plastic ones for kids, because plastic fangs get spat out within ten minutes and make talking hard. Ruby wears a pale blue or lavender party dress with a full tulle skirt, white gloves, silver flats and a small tiara set between her ears. A tidy bun and a touch of shimmery blue eye makeup suit her. Hand Max a small pumpkin bucket and Ruby a silver star wand, and keep both faces cheerful rather than scary.
10. Pirate Max And Princess Ruby Costume
Max's mischief and Ruby's love of dressing up make a pirate and princess pair feel right for them. Max starts with cropped blue pants, a red-and-white striped shirt and a black felt vest, then a soft pirate hat over his rabbit ears, a red waist sash and brown slip-on boots. A plush parrot pinned to the shoulder gives him personality without a sword in a crowd. Ruby wears a purple princess dress with a yellow overskirt, white tights and glittery purple flats, with a lightweight gold crown between her tall ears, rosy makeup, a pink nose and fine whiskers. She can carry a small fabric treasure pouch. When I put a hat over ears, I cut two slits in the hat so the ears come through instead of being crushed flat.
11. Little Ruby Riding Hood And Big Max Wolf Costume
Ruby Riding Hood is a game the siblings actually play, so this one has a story behind it. Ruby layers a bright red hooded cape over her yellow dress and purple shirt, adds white tights, red flats and rabbit ears, and carries a wicker basket of fabric cookies. Max goes wolf in gray sweatpants, a gray hoodie and a soft faux-fur vest, with rounded wolf ears on the hood and his white rabbit ears still poking out, which always gets a laugh. Gray sneakers and a detachable fluffy tail finish him. I'd paint Max's gray nose and Ruby's pink whiskers instead of using a wolf mask, since a mask narrows a child's view right when they're crossing driveways in the dark. Faux fur also sheds, so lint-roll the vest before the photos.
12. Super Bunny Max And Bunny Scout Ruby Costume
Here the siblings each get their own favourite thing. Super Bunny Max wears blue leggings, a blue long-sleeve top and red shorts with a bright yellow felt emblem on the chest, plus a short red cape, white sneakers and white ears. A soft felt eye mask gives the superhero finish without covering much of his face. Ruby's Bunny Scout look has a green pleated skirt, a matching vest, a white blouse, knee socks and brown walking shoes, with handmade badge patches on the vest and her ears set behind a green cap. A light map and a small canvas backpack suit her. Keep capes short on little ones; anything past the hips gets stepped on and pulls at the neck, so I attach mine with hook-and-loop tape that gives way under a tug.
13. Max New Suit And Party Ruby Costume
For a dressier party, put Max in a small navy suit jacket over his striped shirt, with blue trousers or pressed overalls, white sneakers, a red bow tie, white ears and a fluffy tail. I leave the jacket a little loose; a fitted jacket on a small child means arms that can't reach the snack table. Ruby wears a yellow party dress with a purple satin sash, white tights and purple ballet flats, with fabric flowers at the waist and a bow beside one ear. A polished low ponytail and rosy, light makeup keep her neat. Max carries a wrapped gift box and Ruby holds a small tray with a lightweight faux cake. The stripes and the yellow dress keep the characters clear even under the party extras.
14. Rainy Day Max And Ruby Costume
Wet weather doesn't have to cancel the characters if the rain gear joins the costume. Max can wear striped rain gear, or a clear child-size raincoat over his striped shirt and blue overalls, with blue rubber boots, white ears and a cotton tail positioned below the coat. A closed yellow umbrella or a toy sailboat is his prop. Ruby wears a yellow raincoat over a purple dress, white leggings and purple rain boots, with white felt ears sewn onto a purple rain hat so there's no headband. If real rain is forecast, I skip face paint entirely; water-resistant crayons hold up better, but a wet sleeve wiped across the face still smears pink everywhere. A clear coat is the clever part here, because it keeps the stripes visible.
15. Winter Max And Ruby Costume
Thin shirts and dresses won't last long on a freezing night, so this version is built on warm layers from the start. Max wears insulated denim overalls over a red-and-white striped sweater, with a white fleece hat with upright ears, white mittens and blue winter boots. Put his tail on the overalls low enough to show below a short jacket. Ruby layers a yellow wool pinafore over a purple turtleneck and thermal white leggings, with purple snow boots, white gloves and a fleece ear hat, and felt flower patches keep her dress recognisable. I use a dab of pink cream blush for the noses; full face paint just rubs off on scarves. A coiled scarf or plush snowball makes a fun sledding prop for photos.
16. Pajama Max And Ruby Costume
Pajama day at school is where this version shines, and it's the comfiest one on the list. Max wears red-and-white striped pajamas under soft blue overall-style sleepwear, with white bunny slippers, a fleece ear headband and a stuffed elephant under one arm. Ruby wears purple pajamas under a yellow robe or sleeveless nightgown, white bunny slippers and a lavender sleep mask pushed up above her ears, with a storybook or plush doll as her bedtime prop. A touch of washable pink paint for noses and whiskers is all the makeup needed. Choose flame-resistant sleepwear that fits properly, because loose, baggy pajamas are the ones that catch on things. Check that the slippers have grip, since fluffy slippers on a hall floor are slippery.
17. Garden Max And Ruby Costume
A garden theme is easy to put together from clothes most families already have. Max wears blue short overalls over his striped shirt, green rain boots, gardening gloves and white ears, with soft fabric vegetables in his pocket and a child-size watering can to carry. Ruby layers a yellow apron dress over a purple blouse, with white leggings and purple garden clogs, and felt flowers, leaves and carrots decorate her skirt. A straw sun hat sits behind her ears and a flower basket is her prop. Draw the noses and whiskers with skin-safe makeup and add rosy cheeks for Ruby. I'd leave real trowels at home; foam or plastic tools look the same in photos and nobody gets jabbed. Empty the watering can before you leave, too.
18. Max And Ruby Birthday Party Costume
If a birthday falls near Halloween, this pair does double duty. Max wears his blue overalls and striped shirt with a cone party hat set between his white ears, white sneakers, a pom-pom tail and a small wrapped present. Ruby wears a yellow dress over a purple blouse, white tights and purple flats, with a removable birthday bow or tiny felt party hat on her ear headband. She can carry a light faux cake on a plastic tray, or a few pastel balloons on short ribbons with an adult nearby. Pink noses, whiskers and soft rosy cheeks tie the faces together. A cone hat elastic under the chin is the first thing kids pull at, so I attach the hat to the ear headband with a small clip instead.
19. School Day Max And Ruby Costume
School days need costumes kids can sit, eat and write in, and this pair is about as tidy as dress-up gets. Max wears blue overalls, a striped polo, white sneakers and a small blue backpack, with soft white ears on a comfortable headband and a fluffy tail clipped below the backpack line. Colourful pencils or a toy notebook go in his front pocket. Ruby dresses in a yellow jumper over a purple collared shirt, white knee socks, purple loafers, rabbit ears and a structured book bag, with a handmade paper report card or alphabet book as her prop. Keep face paint minimal so lunch doesn't wipe it off. Many schools ban masks and pretend weapons on parade days, and this pair breaks none of those rules.
20. Tea Party Max And Ruby Costume
Ruby likes things orderly and Max likes to make a mess of them, and a tea party plays right into that. Ruby wears a yellow floral pinafore over a purple puff-sleeve blouse, white tights and polished purple Mary Janes, with white ears, a lavender bow, a pink nose and light whiskers. She can carry a light tray with toy cups fixed in place with a dot of putty. Max wears short blue overalls over his stripes, white socks and red sneakers, with matching ears and a tiny bow tie. One oversized plastic cookie or a plush cupcake is his prop. Leave real china at home; it does not survive a walk between houses. The contrast between neat Ruby and scruffy Max is what makes this pairing funny.
21. Ruby And Louise Bunny Scout Costume
Two friends can go as Ruby and Louise in matching Bunny Scout uniforms. Ruby wears a green skirt and vest over a purple or white blouse, with colourful fabric badges across the front, knee socks, brown shoes, white ears and a yellow neck scarf. Louise wears the same uniform with a pink scarf and tan ears, and that ear colour is what sets her apart at a glance. Small backpacks, paper maps or binoculars made from two painted cardboard tubes suit both scouts. Keep the makeup soft with a pink nose and thin whiskers each. Ruby can add a yellow flower patch to her skirt and Louise a hair bow. I glue the cardboard binoculars together and add a ribbon neck strap, or they're lost by the second street.
22. Max And Morris Playmate Costume
Younger friends or cousins can become Max and Morris in clothes they'd happily play in. Max wears blue overalls over his striped shirt, white sneakers, white ears and a fluffy tail. Morris wears green short overalls with a yellow or orange tee, tan sneakers and soft tan ears. Both outfits need to let the kids run, sit and climb stairs without tugging at anything. Max can carry a toy bus or stuffed animal and Morris a foam ball. Washable face crayons for small pink noses and short whiskers are enough. If it's cold outside, I put plain thermal shirts underneath rather than coats on top, because a coat hides the colours people use to tell the two apart. Toddlers who refuse hats and makeup can still wear this.
23. Ruby And Louise Best Friend Costume
For a less formal friend pair, dress Ruby and Louise in everyday dresses that just happen to coordinate. Ruby wears a yellow jumper over a purple top, white tights and purple flats. Louise wears a pink pinafore over a light green blouse, cream tights and pink shoes. White ears for Ruby and tan ears for Louise, plus matching fluffy tails, keep the bunny side clear. Pink noses, light whiskers and small bows beside the ears tie the faces together. Ruby can carry a notebook and pencil and Louise a craft basket with yarn or felt flowers. I'd pick knee-length dresses for walking, and a cardigan each if it's cool. Adults, teens and kids can all wear this one without needing a single handmade piece.
24. Max Ruby And Grandma Family Costume
Adding Grandma turns the sibling pair into a three-person family costume. Max wears his stripes, blue overalls, white sneakers and tall white ears, and Ruby wears her purple top, yellow dress, white tights, purple shoes and flowers. Grandma goes for a soft blue or lavender midi dress with a white cardigan, low comfortable shoes and wire-frame glasses, plus a gray bun wig or her own hair in a neat bun. I make her ears a little shorter than the kids' so the children stay the focus in photos. Gentle pink noses and whiskers go on all three. Grandma carries a handbag or covered basket, Ruby a notebook, Max a toy. Matching white gloves and tails on everyone are what make the three look like a set.
25. Max Ruby Mom And Dad Family Costume
Parents can join as quiet background bunnies so the kids stay the stars. Max and Ruby wear their usual stripes, overalls, purple and yellow. Mom wears a pink blouse, a lavender cardigan, a knee-length skirt and comfortable flats, and Dad wears a blue button-down, tan pants, brown shoes and a casual cardigan. Everyone gets white ears, a fluffy tail, a pink nose and light whiskers. Mom carries a fabric shopping bag, Dad a newspaper or family camera, Ruby a small purse and Max a toy. I tell parents to stay in muted colours here; once Dad wears bright red, the kids' signature colours stop standing out. It all comes from regular wardrobes, so the only things to buy are ears and tails.
26. Max And Ruby Friends Group Costume
A bigger friend group can cover Max, Ruby, Grandma, Louise, Morris and Roger. Max takes the striped shirt and blue overalls, Ruby the purple shirt and yellow dress, and Grandma a pastel midi dress, a cardigan, glasses and a gray bun. Louise chooses a pink dress or Bunny Scout uniform with tan ears, Morris wears green overalls and an orange tee, and Roger dresses in a blue sweater, a collared shirt, khaki pants and brown shoes. Every person needs ears matching their character's fur colour, a fluffy tail, subtle nose makeup and whiskers. Give each person one safe prop, such as a notebook, basket, stuffed toy, backpack or camera. I'd send the group a colour list in advance, because that shared palette is what makes six people read as one cast.
27. Y2K Max And Ruby Costume
For adults who grew up watching the show, an early-2000s spin is a fun way in. Max's wearer picks baggy blue denim overalls, a fitted striped baby tee, chunky white sneakers and a small canvas shoulder bag, plus tall white ears, a fluffy tail and narrow tinted sunglasses sitting below the ears. Ruby's wearer layers a purple ribbed top under a yellow denim mini dress, with white knee socks, purple platform sneakers, colourful hair clips and a compact shoulder purse. Both wear pink nose makeup and clean whisker lines. A handheld game prop for Max and a flower-stickered spiral notebook for Ruby fit the era. Platforms are the risk here; I'd only wear them if you've already walked a full evening in them.
28. Plus-Size Max And Ruby Couple Costume
A plus-size couple can wear both characters comfortably with a few fit choices. For Max, I'd pick stretch-denim overalls with adjustable straps, a soft striped tee, supportive white sneakers and a wider ear headband that doesn't squeeze. Rolled cuffs keep the overalls balanced if the leg is long. Ruby wears a purple knit top under a yellow fit-and-flare or relaxed pinafore, with opaque white tights, cushioned purple flats and flower appliqués placed near the hem. Both need securely clipped tails, tall white ears, pink noses and fine whiskers. Choose breathable layers over stiff costume fabric, which rubs at the inner arm and thigh after a few hours. Max carries a small stuffed toy and Ruby a structured handbag.
29. Maternity Max And Ruby Family Costume
Ruby's yellow dress happens to be the easiest maternity costume on this list. The pregnant wearer layers a purple stretch top under a flowing yellow empire-waist dress, with white leggings, supportive purple sneakers, soft ears and a light tail. I place the removable flower appliqués around the lower skirt instead of over the bump, where they'd stretch and peel. A partner as Max wears relaxed blue overalls, a striped shirt, white sneakers and matching ears. If a child joins, they can be Grandma in a pastel dress, a cardigan, glasses and a soft gray bun headband, which always gets a smile. Keep makeup to pink noses and whiskers, choose breathable fabrics and skip heavy props. A small flower basket and a plush toy are enough.
30. Max And Ruby Costume With Pet Bunny
If the family pet comes along, let the two people do the costume work and let the animal just be a companion. Max wears blue overalls, a striped shirt, white sneakers, ears and a pom-pom tail, and Ruby wears a yellow dress over a purple top with white tights, purple flats, ears and flower patches. Subtle pink noses and whiskers go on both faces. For the pet, a plain purple or blue harness is the most I'd add, and only if the animal already wears one happily. Skip ears, makeup, tight clothes and anything dangling; animals chew or panic at them. One person can carry a pet carrier dressed up as a garden basket and the other a plush carrot. The pet's comfort comes before the photo.
When Your Kids Don't Match the Max and Ruby Roles
In the books and the show, Ruby is the bossy older sister and Max is the little brother who mostly does his own thing. Real families don't always line up like that, and it doesn't matter as much as parents worry it does.
- Two boys or two girls can split the outfits however they like. The colours tell the story: stripes and overalls read as Max, a yellow dress over purple reads as Ruby.
- If the younger child wants to be Ruby, let them. A child playing the character they chose keeps the costume on far longer than one playing the role you assigned.
- A child who won't wear a dress can be Ruby in yellow overalls or a yellow tunic over purple leggings, with flower patches on the front.
- With three or more kids, bring in Louise, Morris or Roger so no one ends up as a spare bunny with no name.
Whiskers and Noses That Survive Snack Time
The face paint on this pair is small, which is good news, because small makeup is easy to keep tidy. I always test any face paint or crayon on the inside of a child's wrist the day before, and I skip anything that turns the skin red.
- Start with a clean, dry face with no lotion, which makes paint slide.
- Draw a small pink triangle or oval on the tip of the nose rather than covering the whole nose. It's quicker and it doesn't smear across the upper lip.
- Add three thin whisker lines per cheek with a gray or brown pencil, starting just beside the nose and flicking outward.
- Press a little loose powder over the top with a puff. It cuts down on transfer onto sleeves and collars.
- At the end of the night, take it off with a gentle cleanser or a little oil on cotton, not a scrubbed washcloth.
For kids who rub their faces constantly, skip the face altogether. A pink felt nose and stitched whiskers on a patch pinned to the shirt front still tells everyone they're bunnies.
Stripes, Yellow and Two Tall Pairs of Ears
Every version above rests on the same short list: Max's stripes and overalls, Ruby's purple top and yellow dress, white ears, a tail, a pink nose and one prop each. Get those right and you can turn the pair into pirates, scouts, a pajama-day duo or a whole family. If I had to pick for two young kids, I'd start with the classic pair and add the fairy-tale or school version later from the same base clothes. Felt details that come off, closet pieces and soft fabrics keep costs and effort low. Before you leave the house, check the ears are firm, the shoes are walkable and there's a warm layer underneath. Kids who are comfortable keep their ears on all night.
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