A mummy is the costume I'd hand to anyone who swears they can't sew, because the whole thing is strips of fabric fixed to clothes you already own. It can go spooky, cute, glam or plain silly depending on the colors and what you add on top. Below are forty versions, from a classic white wrap to pink, neon and gold takes, plus couples, families, babies, groups and even a dog. The rule I'd hold every one of them to: fix the strips to a base garment, keep them loose over the joints, and leave the face, hands and shoes clear so you can actually move. A free afternoon is enough for most of them.
Wrap the Clothes, Not Yourself
Winding strips around your body looks great for about twenty minutes. Then you sit down, the wraps slide, and a trip to the bathroom undoes the whole thing. Every mummy in this list is easier if the strips are fixed to a base garment before you put it on.
- Tear, don't cut. Snip a notch every few inches along the edge of the fabric and rip; woven cotton tears along the grain and leaves soft, frayed edges that already look old.
- Shake the strips out and pull off the long loose threads, or they'll keep shedding all night.
- Tea-stain or coffee-stain some strips if you want age, and dry them completely before attaching anything.
- Put the base garment on a hanger or a chair back, or wear an old one and have someone help, so you can see where the strips fall on a body.
- Fix each strip at its ends and once in the middle with fabric glue, a few hand stitches or safety pins on the inside. Leave the strips slack over elbows, knees and the seat so you can bend.
Work from the bottom up, overlapping each strip over the one below, the way roof shingles sit. That hides the glued ends and keeps the layers from lifting when you move.
1. Classic White Mummy Costume
The classic is a fitted white long-sleeve shirt and white leggings or sweatpants, layered with torn strips of ivory cotton, muslin or soft gauze. I glue or pin the strips at one end and the middle and leave a few tails loose, short enough that nobody steps on them. Torn edges look older than cut ones, so rip the fabric rather than using scissors. Pale face makeup with soft gray shadow and some beige shading around the eyes is plenty. Tousle your hair or tuck a few light strips into it, wrap the uppers of white sneakers, and carry a cardboard museum tag as a joke prop.
2. Easy DIY Mummy Costume
No sewing machine? Start with cream pajamas, thermal underwear or an old sweatsuit, cut a thrifted white sheet into uneven strips, and lay them horizontally with fabric-safe adhesive. If you want an aged finish, tea-stain some strips the day before; they need a full night to dry, and damp strips won't hold glue. Keep the head wrap narrow and above the eyebrows so it never slips into your eyes. Beige powder, brown shadow and smudged gray liner do the face. Neutral sneakers under loose fabric and a treat bag wrapped in matching strips make it ready for school events and trick-or-treating.
3. Glam Mummy Costume With Gold Wraps
Gold turns the mummy into a party look. Wear a fitted cream jumpsuit, or a long-sleeve top with matching leggings, and add ivory strips in diagonal layers with narrow gold ribbon woven between them at the waist, shoulders and cuffs. Diagonal lines flatter more than horizontal bands, which is why I use them on dressier versions. A sleek high ponytail or a long black wig, smoky bronze shadow with gold liner, and a neutral lip keep it polished. A metallic collar, stacked cuffs and a jeweled headband bring the drama. Gold ankle boots or low block heels and a light gold scroll beat any bulky prop.
4. Cute Mummy Costume With Tulle Skirt
For something playful, pair a wrapped top with an ivory tulle skirt worn over white shorts or leggings. Cover a fitted white shirt in overlapping cream strips, wrap a few around the waistband, and keep the sleeve tails short and tidy. Tulle and loose gauze tangle with each other, so I tack the bottom layer of wraps down at the waist. Two messy buns tied with gauze ribbons, rosy cheeks, pale shimmer and a few small drawn face lines keep it sweet rather than scary. Striped knee socks with sneakers or ballet flats, plus a fabric-wrapped pumpkin bucket, finish it.
5. Black Mummy Costume
Black wraps make the mummy sleek and modern. Build on a black bodysuit or fitted long-sleeve top with black jeans or leggings, then attach torn charcoal and faded black cotton strips in uneven layers, letting the solid base show through in places. A light dry-brush of washable gray fabric paint on a few strips gives them depth; on black, everything flattens in photos without that. Wear a low, slightly undone ponytail or a short black wig, matte gray shadow, graphic liner and a muted lip. Black lace-up boots blend in, and a dark metallic collar, simple cuffs and a fabric-wrapped book suggesting an old museum record finish it.
6. Pink Mummy Costume
Pink is the mummy for a party where a neutral costume would vanish into the crowd. Use a pale pink jumpsuit, sweatsuit, or a long-sleeve top with leggings, and layer blush, rose and white strips over it, slightly uneven so the wrapping still reads. A pink bob wig or ribbon-wrapped space buns suit it. Pink shimmer around the eyes and tiny white lines along the cheeks are enough makeup. Wear white platform sneakers or pink boots, with silver cuffs, a heart-shaped treat bag and a jeweled headband. When I dye white strips pink at home, I rinse until the water runs clear, or they bleed onto the white ones the first time you sweat.
7. Rainbow Mummy Costume
Why settle for one color when every wrap can be different? Start with a white top and white leggings and attach soft strips in the full rainbow, alternating colors across the arms, torso and legs. Pastels look softer; saturated colors carry farther. I lay all the strips out on the floor in order before gluing anything, otherwise two greens end up side by side and the pattern falls apart. A high ponytail with matching ribbon, colorful liner and clear gloss suit it. White sneakers calm the busy palette. Add rainbow wrist cuffs and a small cloud bag wrapped in leftovers, and trim hanging ends short for walking and dancing.
8. Neon Mummy Costume
Neon only works on a dark base, so start with a black long-sleeve top and fitted black pants. Layer neon green, pink, yellow and orange strips across the outfit and secure each one firmly; neon cottons are often thinner and fray faster than plain muslin, so I zigzag or glue the cut edges. Clip matching clips into a high ponytail or wear a bright shoulder-length wig. Bright graphic liner and a few neon dots at the temples are better than a fully painted face. Black sneakers with colorful laces, glow bracelets with no loose parts and a clear bucket wrapped in neon ribbon finish a loud, cheerful costume.
9. Royal Mummy Costume With Gold Cape
A royal mummy is half wrap, half ceremony. Put an ivory tunic over fitted cream pants, attach aged cotton strips around the sleeves, waist and legs, then add a structured gold collar and a light metallic cape that ends at the knee. A knee-length cape is the one I'd pick, because a longer one gets trodden on. Use a smooth black wig with a jeweled headband and stacked gold cuffs, bronze shadow with defined liner, warm contour and a muted lip. Gold flat sandals are fine indoors; metallic ankle boots cover better outside. A decorated cardboard scroll or a light staff with no sharp edges is plenty of prop.
10. Mummy Bride Costume
The mummy bride is the one where I spend the most time on placement. Start with a thrifted ivory maxi dress, long white skirt or simple lace dress, and attach cream strips around the bodice, sleeves and hem, leaving the skirt free enough to walk. Lace takes glue badly because the glue soaks through the holes, so on lace I hand-tack the strips at a few points. Add a short tulle veil edged with narrow gauze, loose waves or a relaxed updo with ribbons woven in, and pearl-toned makeup with smoky taupe shadow and a muted rose lip. Ivory boots, sneakers or low heels and a bouquet of cream fabric flowers wrapped in leftover strips round it off.
11. Mummy Groom Costume
A suit makes a surprisingly good mummy groom. Wear a beige or cream button-down with matching trousers and a thrifted vest, then attach narrow muslin strips at the cuffs, vest, knees and shoulders. Keep them narrow on tailoring; wide wraps on a suit just look like an accident. A loosely wrapped fabric bow tie and a cream jacket with a few frayed edges carry the theme. Keep the hair neat with a strip or two near the crown, and use pale powder, light brown shading around the eyes and defined brows. Tan dress shoes or neutral boots, a fabric flower boutonniere and a wrapped ring box pair it with a mummy bride.
12. Mummy Couple Costume
A mummy couple looks matched without wearing the same clothes. One wears a cream dress or jumpsuit with diagonal gauze wraps; the other wears an ivory shirt and pants covered in wider cotton strips. The link is the finish: I tea-stain both sets of strips in the same pot at the same time, so the shade matches, and repeat a gold ribbon accent on each. Keep one hairstyle in loose waves and the other tousled, with the same pale makeup and neutral lips. Cream sneakers or boots, matching cuffs and two halves of a cardboard museum plaque tie the pair together, and flexible wraps let you both sit and dance.
13. Mummy And Explorer Couple Costume
This pairing tells a story on its own: the mummy and the person who dug it up. The mummy wears an ivory base with loose cotton strips, aged beige makeup, tousled hair and neutral boots. The explorer wears khaki pants, a white button-down, a utility vest and brown boots, with a wide-brim hat, binoculars and a rolled paper map. I'd leave heavy gear at home; anything slung on a strap swings into people at a party. Matching canvas satchels and small museum-style name badges link the two. The contrast between wrapped fabric and practical khaki makes the pair easy to read, and both outfits stay comfortable outdoors.
14. Mummy And Museum Curator Couple Costume
Museum curator and exhibit is the clever one for a work party. One person wears a full ivory mummy built on a thermal base with soft muslin strips, muted contour makeup and wrapped sneakers. The curator wears tailored black trousers, a button-down, a cardigan or blazer, and loafers, with glasses, an ID lanyard, white cotton gloves and a clipboard listing a made-up exhibit number. Give the mummy a matching cardboard display tag. I'd keep the curator's look crisp and the mummy's messy, because that contrast is the whole joke. It suits offices, school events and indoor parties.
15. Mummy And Archaeologist Couple Costume
Mummy and archaeologist is similar to the explorer pair but built for layering. Dress the mummy in off-white thermals, frayed cotton wraps, pale makeup, messy hair and cream walking shoes. The archaeologist gets tan cargo pants, a breathable button-down, a canvas vest and brown hiking boots, plus a neutral scarf, field hat, notebook and soft measuring tape. A light dust-colored blush on the archaeologist's cheeks reads as fieldwork. Matching canvas pouches and handmade exhibit labels connect them. Pick soft props over real tools, and it adapts easily across ages, bodies and weather.
16. Mummy Family Costume
A family of mummies works because everyone picks their own base. Pajamas suit kids, leggings suit adults, and a soft one-piece suits a baby, all in white, cream or beige. I cut strips in a few different widths for each person so the costumes look related rather than mass-produced. Washable beige makeup and soft brown eye shading are fine for adults and older kids; skip face products on very young children. Wrapped headbands suit the kids, tousled hair suits the adults. Neutral sneakers, treat bags wrapped in leftover fabric, shorter tails on the children, and no loose wraps near strollers, wheels or little hands.
17. Parent And Child Mummy Costume
Parent and child mummies stay simple if you scale the wraps to the wearer. The adult wears a cream sweatshirt and pants with wide muslin strips; the child wears a softer white pajama set with light, narrow wraps. A few beige strips on both outfits link them. The parent can wear pale foundation and brown eye makeup, while the child needs only a little cheek shading or nothing. Matching fabric headbands with a small gold patch, neutral sneakers and pumpkin buckets wrapped in cotton ribbon finish the pair. On the child's costume I stitch every strip down firmly and keep the knees and ankles completely clear.
18. Kids Mummy Costume
Kids' mummies have to be soft, flexible and quick to get out of. I never wrap fabric directly around a child; start with white sweatpants and a long-sleeve T-shirt and sew, pin or glue short cotton strips on before they put it on. Concentrate the layers on the torso, upper arms and thighs, and leave elbows and knees free, or the strips pull off the first time they crouch. A stretchy wrapped headband beats covering the whole head. A little beige face paint on the cheeks is optional; keep it well away from the eyes. Fabric only on the sneaker uppers, a light wrapped bucket, and reflective tape for after dark.
19. Toddler Mummy Costume
For a toddler, softness and movement come first. A cream hooded sweatsuit or footless pajama set is the base, with wide jersey-knit strips glued flat so little fingers have no long ends to pull. Jersey is my choice here because it doesn't fray, so nothing sheds into a mouth. Leave the hood mostly bare with two or three strips along the top. Rosy cheeks and a tiny dab of beige face paint are enough. Soft-soled shoes should stay fully visible, and a small plush toy wrapped in matching fabric is a safe prop. Check that they can bend, sit, use the bathroom and wear a coat over it if the night turns cold.
20. Baby Mummy Costume
A baby mummy starts with a soft cream romper, footed sleeper or long-sleeve onesie, and that is the whole base. Sew flat strips of lightweight jersey onto it, with no loose gauze, pins, beads, buttons or dangling bits anywhere. I stitch along both long edges of each strip so there's nothing to grab or chew. A soft knotted cap printed or stitched with wrap lines suggests the theme without going near the face, and babies need no makeup. Cream socks or booties and a small bib with stitched-down strips finish it. Decorate only the outside of a stroller with removable ribbon, away from the wheels, and keep the snaps open for diaper changes.
21. Maternity Mummy Costume
A maternity mummy can show off the bump while staying stretchy. Begin with a stretch cream maxi dress, or a fitted long-sleeve top over maternity leggings, and arrange soft cotton strips diagonally across the shoulders, arms and legs. Curve a few strips gently around the bump; I glue them to the dress rather than wrapping, so nothing tightens when you sit. A small gold heart or a little mummy fabric patch can sit at the center. A loose braid with cream ribbons, warm neutral makeup with soft smoky eyes, and cream sneakers or supportive ankle boots suit it. Add a light shawl for warmth and a small wrapped clutch.
22. Plus Size Mummy Costume
On a plus-size mummy, the strips should follow the clothes and never squeeze the body. Start from a stretchy cream jumpsuit, maxi dress, or a top and pants you're already comfortable in. Mix diagonal and vertical strips; I find vertical runs on the legs and diagonal across the torso give the most movement and the least bunching. A gold sash or a wider contrast wrap defines the waist if you want it. Natural curls, a high ponytail or a smooth shoulder-length wig with a wrapped headband, bronze eyes, luminous skin and a neutral lip polish it. Supportive boots or sneakers, statement cuffs and a scroll-shaped bag finish it. Sit and walk in it before the night to check the strips hold.
23. Male Mummy Costume
For a rugged men's mummy, skip full-body wrapping and dress the clothes instead. A cream henley, relaxed cargo pants and a light utility vest make the base, with torn muslin strips at the shoulders, forearms, torso and thighs and some of the clothing left showing. Mixing ivory, beige and pale gray strips gives depth that a single shade can't. Mess up short hair or add a partly wrapped head covering, then use muted powder and brown shading around the eyes and cheekbones. Tan lace-up boots wrapped loosely above the ankle, a weathered satchel, wide fabric cuffs and a cardboard museum tag keep the hands free.
24. Female Mummy Costume
A fitted women's mummy starts with an ivory long-sleeve bodysuit and matching leggings, or a soft knit jumpsuit. Run cream strips diagonally across the torso, hips, arms and legs and fix each one to the clothing. A bodysuit is my favorite base for this, because it doesn't ride up and pull the strips out of line. Add a light wrapped belt at the waist. Loose waves, a messy ponytail or a dark bob wig all suit it, with smoky taupe shadow, soft contour and a beige lip for an aged but polished face. Cream ankle boots, stacked metallic cuffs and a small round bag styled like an exhibit seal finish it. Leave knees, elbows and shoe soles free.
25. Mummy Queen Costume
The mummy queen adds color and metal to the wrap. Start with a long ivory dress in a straight or gently flared shape, add cream strips around the bodice and sleeves, and weave narrow gold and turquoise ribbon through them. A wide metallic collar, decorative belt and matching cuffs carry the royalty. Put a sleek black bob wig under a light jeweled headpiece, and pair defined liner and bronze shadow with glowing skin and a neutral lip. Gold flat boots or embellished sandals suit indoors; closed shoes are better outside. I'd test the headpiece for an hour at home first, since a heavy one gives you a headache long before the party ends.
26. Steampunk Mummy Costume
Steampunk mixes aged wraps with workshop details. Use a cream blouse, brown vest, and tan pants or a layered midi skirt, then add distressed ivory strips around the sleeves, waist and legs. A wide belt, a few decorative gears, faux-leather cuffs and light goggles bring the mechanical side. I glue gears onto a felt backing first and then stitch the felt on, because hot glue straight onto stretch fabric pops off. Wear a messy bun, braid or tousled short cut, sepia-toned eye makeup, bronzed cheeks and a muted lip. Brown lace-up boots, a cardboard timepiece or a fabric-covered journal, and smooth-edged accessories finish it.
27. Victorian Mummy Costume
Victorian mummies are about long lines and delicate damage. Start with an ivory high-neck blouse and a long cream skirt, or a neutral waistcoat with straight trousers, and layer narrow muslin strips at the cuffs, collar, waist and hem. Add a lace shawl, a cameo-style brooch and soft gloves with strips sewn on. Long hair suits a loose low bun; otherwise a softly waved wig. Taupe shadow, pale powder and dusty rose lipstick stay refined. Cream or brown lace-up boots and a small vintage-style book tied with ribbon finish it. Distress the clothes with a little washable beige fabric paint rather than cutting holes, which keep fraying long after the night.
28. Flapper Mummy Costume
A flapper mummy swings. Choose a knee-length cream shift dress and stitch rows of short strips across it so they hang and move like fringe, mixing ivory cotton with narrow gold ribbon. I sew each row by machine across the top edge; glued fringe pulls loose the first time you dance. Add neutral tights, a jeweled headband over softly waved hair or a short dark wig, and smoky taupe and bronze eyes with defined brows and a muted berry lip. Gold low heels or comfortable dance shoes, a small bag wrapped in matching strips, and a hem above the ankle keep stairs and dance floors safe.
29. Disco Mummy Costume
The disco mummy is made for dancing. Start with a silver or white jumpsuit with a comfortable flared leg and layer narrow white, silver and iridescent strips around the arms, waist and upper legs. Metallic fabrics fray badly and scratch, so I run a line of fray stopper along the cut edges and keep them off the inner arms. A glittery belt and big round earrings, soft volume or a silver-tinted wavy wig held with a wrapped headband, shimmering lids and a glossy lip carry it. Silver platform sneakers or low block-heel boots give height without pain. Carry a mirrored clutch, and check every strip is firmly attached before you dance.
30. Punk Mummy Costume
Punk mummies are about controlled mess. Wear a plain black T-shirt, ripped black jeans over opaque leggings, and a cropped cream vest, then attach ivory and gray strips across the vest, arms and legs with deliberate gaps of black showing. A studded-style belt, smooth metal cuffs and layered chains without sharp edges add the attitude. Try a temporary faux hawk or a streaked wig, smudged black liner, gray shadow and dark plum lipstick. Black combat boots wrapped lightly at the uppers and a fabric-covered mini backpack for your phone finish it. I keep the tails short on this one, since the sharp, ragged shape is what makes it punk.
31. Athletic Mummy Costume
If you'll be moving a lot, build the mummy on gym clothes. Start with a white moisture-wicking shirt, fitted joggers and supportive sneakers, and attach stretchy knit strips, not stiff gauze, across the chest, upper arms, thighs and lower legs. Knit strips stretch with you; woven gauze rips at the seams of a moving knee. A wrapped sweatband and wristbands make the sporty joke clear. Pull long hair into a high ponytail and keep makeup to light beige with a little brown shading around the eyes. A water bottle in a removable fabric sleeve is a useful prop. Leave the underarms and back clear for airflow, and do a few squats at home before a fun run.
32. Mummy Cheerleader Costume
A mummy cheerleader pairs a cream pleated skirt over shorts with a fitted white top, ivory strips running diagonally across the shirt and around the waistband. Add a fabric letter or a small pyramid emblem on the chest. I cut letters from felt and stitch them on, since glued felt peels away from stretch tops. A high ponytail tied with cream and gold ribbons, clean bright makeup and white athletic sneakers with ankle socks keep it sporty. Pom-poms made from torn fabric strips weigh nothing and match the costume. Secure the skirt, wear shorts underneath, and keep long trailing pieces off anyone doing a routine.
33. Mummy Ballerina Costume
The mummy ballerina feels graceful and still says Halloween. Wear a cream leotard-style top over opaque leggings, add a layered ivory tulle skirt, and attach soft cotton strips across the bodice, arms and waistband, leaving the legs free. Wrap a neat bun with narrow muslin ribbon. Pale luminous makeup, taupe shading, rosy cheeks and a soft pink lip suit the delicate shape. Flat ballet-style shoes with sturdy soles, or sneakers with ankle ribbons, are better than real ballet slippers on a sidewalk. Carry a light fabric flower or a tiny wrapped music box. Tie every ribbon loosely; nothing should be snug around an ankle or wrist.
34. Mummy Princess Costume
A mummy princess works for children and adults who love a full skirt. Choose an ivory dress with a full skirt, comfortable sleeves and a fitted but flexible bodice, and add soft cream strips around the bodice, arms and outer skirt while leaving the main fabric visible. A light gold crown, metallic belt and smooth cuffs bring the royalty. Loose curls, a braid or a simple updo with gauze ribbons, soft gold eye makeup and a pink lip suit it. Cream flats or gold sneakers, and a fabric-wrapped storybook or jeweled treat bag finish it. For a child I'd cut any train off entirely; it's the first thing that gets stepped on.
35. Frozen Mummy Costume
A frosty palette makes the mummy feel fresh and wintry. Begin with an icy white or pale blue base, like a fitted sweater and leggings, and attach white, silver and pale blue strips across it. Snowflakes cut from soft felt are far better than loose glitter, which ends up on every chair you sit on. A white, silver or pale blue wig in a braid, or cool ribbons woven into your own hair, silver shadow, blue liner and pearly highlights carry the frost. Faux-fur-trimmed white boots keep you warm outside, and a shimmering capelet and a clear ornament finish it. I keep the makeup off the lips and nose so it stays soft.
36. Desert Mummy Costume
Sun-faded colors give a desert mummy a warm, weathered look. Start with a sand-colored tunic and relaxed beige pants, then layer ivory, tan and pale brown strips in uneven shades. I dye these in a coffee bath for different lengths of time, which gives the most natural range of browns. Drape a light scarf at the shoulders, away from the face and neck. Tousled hair or a textured braid suits the windswept feel, with bronzer, matte beige shadow and soft brown liner. Tan hiking boots, a canvas satchel, a cardboard map and a smooth gold cuff finish it. Skip real sand; it irritates skin and makes indoor floors slippery.
37. Glow-In-The-Dark Mummy Costume
Glow details keep a mummy visible after dark without making it gloomy. Wear a black or navy fitted base and attach white strips edged with glow-effect fabric paint or reflective tape, spread over the torso, arms and legs so the pattern shows in ordinary light too. Reflective tape is the one I'd trust for safety near traffic; glow paint fades within an hour or so of charging. Add a wrapped headband and reflective accents in a ponytail, white graphic liner and silver shadow. Black sneakers with reflective laces and a clear bucket trimmed in matching tape finish it. Test painted fabric ahead and keep reflective bits away from the eyes and mouth.
38. Funny Toilet Paper Mummy Costume
The toilet paper mummy is the classic joke, but real paper tears before you leave the house. Wear a white sweatsuit and cover it with soft white jersey strips cut wide like oversized sheets, plus a few cardboard tube shapes at the waist or shoulders. Messy hair under a simple wrapped headband, pale makeup and exaggerated brown eye shading with a surprised expression sell the gag. White sneakers keep it all one color. Carry a cardboard roll with a long fabric strip trailing from it. I like this version because jersey holds together all night, makes less waste, and leaves no shredded paper across the host's floor.
39. Mummy Dog Costume
For a dog, keep the mummy small and built entirely around comfort. Start with a well-fitted cream dog shirt, vest or jacket and sew short jersey strips flat onto it, well away from the neck, face, tail, paws and bathroom areas. A lightly wrapped harness can give the same effect without restricting movement. No makeup, no head coverings, no dangling props, and keep the regular collar and leash. I'd add a small fabric exhibit tag on the back only if your dog ignores it. Watch the dog the whole time, take the costume off at the first sign of fuss, and keep it on just long enough for a photo or a short walk.
40. Mummy Group Costume
A group of mummies looks strongest when each person picks a different version. Build every look on its own base, from classic cream to black, metallic or pastel, then add coordinating cotton strips. One person goes classic while the others choose royal, glam, athletic, frozen, punk or cute takes. Repeat one accessory, like gold cuffs or museum tags, across everyone; that single repeat is what makes strangers see a group. Hair can range from messy buns to sleek wigs, but keep makeup in the same taupe and bronze palette. Comfortable sneakers or boots for everyone, and for photos, line people up by color and height. Keep all wraps short and out of walkways.
Muslin, Gauze, Jersey or an Old Sheet
The fabric you tear decides how the costume behaves. Here's how I'd choose.
- Muslin and cotton sheeting: the classic. They tear cleanly, take tea stain evenly and fray just enough to look old.
- Cheesecloth and medical gauze: very airy and the most realistic, but they snag on everything and shred fast, so I only use them as a top layer.
- Cotton jersey from old T-shirts: it doesn't fray and stretches with you, which makes it the safest choice for kids, babies, pets and anyone dancing. It curls at the edges instead of fraying, so it looks softer.
- Polyester-blend sheets: cheap and strong, but they don't take tea or coffee stain well and can feel hot. Fine for colored versions, poor for an aged look.
Rain, Cold and the Morning After
Wet cotton turns gray and droopy, so keep a clear rain poncho in your bag if you're trick-or-treating. In the cold, a thermal base under the strips keeps you warm without changing the look. Glued strips survive a gentle hand wash in cool water; tea stain fades a little each time, so I re-stain before the next Halloween rather than buying new fabric.
A Few Yards of Muslin Go a Long Way
Every mummy here comes from the same few things: torn strips, a plain base garment, sensible shoes and simple neutral makeup, and none of it needs an expensive kit. Stay with white and beige or try pink, neon, black, metallic or icy colors, and bring in couples, families, babies, groups and pets with the right adjustments for age. If I had one evening, I'd tear an old sheet, tea-stain half of it, and glue it onto a white sweatsuit. Fix the wraps to the clothing rather than winding them around your body, and keep loose fabric away from faces, joints and feet.
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