A mummy is the Halloween costume I'd trust a beginner with, because it forgives almost everything except bad attachment. Bandages wound loosely around the body slip down within the first hour, while strips fixed to a base garment stay put all night. Below are thirty versions, from plain white wraps to gold glam, a disco take and a baby onesie, and nearly all of them start from an old sheet, some cotton gauze and thrifted clothes. Whichever you pick, keep fabric clear of the eyes, mouth and shoe soles.
Fixing Strips to a Base Garment So They Stay On
Every mummy below fails in the same place if it fails at all: the attachment. Strips wrapped around the body loosen as soon as you bend, and by the second hour they're round your ankles. I fix them to clothing instead, and the method depends on how long the costume needs to last.
Tearing, dyeing and aging the strips
Cotton sheets and muslin tear cleanly along the grain into strips two to three inches wide, and torn edges fray into that soft, worn look scissors can't give you. Shake off the loose threads before attaching, or they'll shed all evening. For aging, soak the strips in strong black tea or diluted coffee, wring them out and let them dry crumpled so the color settles unevenly. Give them a quick rinse once dry; otherwise the first damp hand leaves brown smudges on everything it touches.
Which fixing method actually holds
- Hand tacking: a few loose stitches at each end and one in the middle. Slowest, but it survives sitting, dancing and the wash, and it snips out if you want the clothes back.
- Safety pins closed from the inside: fast and reusable, but use plenty, because a strip pinned at one end only flaps and catches.
- Fabric glue: good for the no-sew versions, but most need several hours to cure, so glue the night before, not the hour before.
- Hot glue: fine on cardboard and foam props. On fabric it dries stiff and can let go in cold night air, so I don't rely on it for strips on a costume worn outdoors.
Whatever you use, put the costume on and sit, squat and raise both arms before the night. Any strip that pulls tight in those positions needs more slack or a new fixing point.
1. Classic White Mummy Outfit
I build this one on a fitted white long-sleeve shirt and leggings, then tear cotton strips and lay them in overlapping directions rather than all horizontal, which is what makes it look wrapped instead of striped. Cool tea or diluted brown fabric paint ages a few strips; I dye only about a third so the white still reads from a distance. Leave the elbows and knees loosely covered or the strips pull off the first time you sit. A messy white wig or your own tousled hair with a few light strips pinned in, pale foundation, smudged gray shadow and beige contour handle the face. White socks, fabric-covered sneakers and a small hieroglyph pouch finish it, and a few strips left hanging from the arms and shoulders give movement without tripping anyone.
2. Easy T-Shirt Mummy Outfit
This is the no-sew version, and the one I hand to anyone with an evening's notice. Wear a roomy white T-shirt over white leggings or sweatpants and fix short muslin strips with fabric glue or safety pins closed on the inside, so no pin points at skin. Wrap only the torso, sleeves and upper legs; covering every inch takes hours and adds nothing. A messy bun dusted with temporary white hair color, light gray shadow around the eyes and taupe blended along the jaw age the face. Wrap high-tops with strips but keep the soles bare, and draw a few symbols on a cardboard tablet for a prop. It holds up at school events, casual parties and a quick lap of the neighborhood.
3. Glam Gold Mummy Outfit
Here the gold base is the point, so the gauze has to stay sparse. I start with a gold or champagne fitted jumpsuit and lay ivory gauze diagonally across the bodice, hips, arms and legs, stitched or glued to the garment rather than wrapped around the body, because metallic knits are slippery and loose wraps slide straight down them. Keep the placement asymmetrical so plenty of shine shows through. A sleek high ponytail threaded with thin gold ribbon, luminous foundation, bronze shadow, sharp black liner and a touch of gold shimmer on the cheekbones suit it. Add a wide metallic belt, stacked cuffs and a collar cut from lightweight craft foam, then gold ankle boots and a small jeweled box to carry.
4. Egyptian Queen Mummy Outfit
The silhouette carries this one: a long white column dress, a straight black bob and a wide collar. Pick a dress with real walking room, since a narrow hem plus wrapped strips will hobble you. I drape distressed ivory fabric over one shoulder, around the waist and down the skirt, then add a blue-and-gold collar, matching cuffs and a belt cut from painted foam or fabric. Gold ribbon in the bob wig, bold winged liner, blue shadow, warm bronzer and a neutral lip do the rest. Flat metallic sandals are fine indoors; outdoors I'd switch to gold ballet flats, carry a light scroll or small gold fan, and pin every trailing strip above the ankle.
5. Pharaoh Mummy Outfit For Men
A knee-length white tunic over a cream long-sleeve shirt and straight pants gives men a wrapped look that still sits comfortably, and it's far easier to get on and off than a full wrap. Attach tea-stained cotton strips across the sleeves, torso and pant legs, but leave the neckline open; strips at the throat itch within minutes. A striped blue-and-gold fabric headpiece goes over short hair or a close wig cap. Matte foundation, brown contour and smudged charcoal liner age the face without frightening small kids, while the collar, gold cuffs and painted foam belt bring in the royal color. Check whether the venue allows a staff-shaped prop; if not, a rolled papyrus-style scroll does the same job. Brown sandals over fitted socks, or neutral boots wrapped neatly above the soles, go underneath.
6. Black And White Mummy Outfit
This is the version I'd give anyone who hates looking bulky. A fitted black jumpsuit, black jeans with a turtleneck or a black unitard sits underneath, and bright white strips go on in spaced diagonals so a lot of black shows between them. The gaps are what make it graphic; pack the strips too closely and it just reads as a grubby white mummy. Hair in a low bun with two short white ribbons, pale foundation, charcoal shadow, black liner and cool gray contour keep everything monochrome. A black belt bag with one white strip holds your keys, and black combat boots get white cloth tied firmly around the uppers. The dark base also hides scuffs from an outdoor night far better than an all-white costume does.
7. Cute Pastel Mummy Outfit
Pastels turn the mummy sweet instead of scary, which is why I steer younger teens toward this one. Start with a lavender sweatshirt dress or a pastel top and leggings, then layer white, blush, mint and pale lilac strips, held with washable fabric adhesive or a few hidden stitches. Strips dyed at home come out patchy, and that unevenness actually looks better here than flat shop color. Two high buns with short pastel ribbons, rosy cheeks, pearly shadow, tiny drawn lashes and a soft pink lip carry the face. A heart-shaped belt bag, bead bracelets and a small plush cat in a few loose strips are the extras, with white platforms or supportive pastel high-tops underneath. Keep the ribbons short and the wrapping loose for parades and parties.
8. Pink Glam Mummy Outfit
Mixing shimmering rose fabric in with cream gauze keeps this from looking like a pink jumpsuit with bandages stuck on. Use a blush jumpsuit or fitted midi dress and wrap diagonally so the pink shows at the shoulders, waist and knees. Shimmer fabrics fray badly once torn, so I cut those strips and run a thin line of fray stopper along the edges, while the gauze can be torn freely. Loose waves or a pale pink wig, rosy metallic shadow, defined liner, highlighted cheeks and mauve lipstick suit the palette. Crystal-style clips, silver cuffs and a jeweled collar add shine without weight. Blush ankle boots and a small metallic bag wrapped in matching gauze go with it, and it adapts easily for indoor parties or a photo session.
9. Mummy Bride Outfit
A thrifted white maxi or a simple long-sleeve lace dress is the base, and the first thing I check is that you can walk in it at a normal stride. Torn tulle, cheesecloth and cotton strips go around the bodice, sleeves and upper skirt. Leave the hem clear: a bridal hem already sweeps low, and strips there catch on every heel behind you. Tulle snags on lace, so tack it down rather than draping it. Pin a short distressed veil into a loose updo or wavy white wig, then add pearly foundation, cool gray shadow, soft brows and muted rose lipstick. Carry a bouquet of cream fabric flowers wrapped in ivory ribbon, with vintage-style earrings and a narrow silver belt. White lace-up boots give more support than heels and suit the aged look, keeping it theatrical but still tasteful for public celebrations.
10. Victorian Mummy Outfit
The tailoring does most of the work, so you need less wrapping here than almost anywhere else on the list. Wear a high-neck cream blouse, an ankle-length brown or ivory skirt and a fitted vest, then add aged muslin at the sleeves, waist, shoulders and skirt panels. I tea-dye the muslin in two strengths so tan, cream and faded gray sit side by side; that variation gives depth one shade never does. A loose low bun or a softly curled gray wig under a small fabric-covered hat, matte pale makeup, taupe shadow, smudged liner and muted berry lipstick fit the period. A cameo-style brooch, lace gloves and a weathered journal carry the history. Buttoned ankle boots and neutral socks go underneath, with hem and soles kept free of loose fabric.
11. Desert Explorer Mummy Outfit
This one has a story built in: a mummy that wandered off adventuring. A beige utility shirt, tan cargo pants and a light cream vest form the base, with short distressed strips at the shoulders, cuffs, torso and knees. Don't glue strips over the pockets; on a costume like this you'll actually use them. Tousled hair goes under a wrapped beige head scarf, and I always check the scarf sits clear of the face so side vision stays open. Sun-kissed bronzer, smudged brown liner and sandy shading at the temples suit the outdoorsy look, with round costume goggles, a canvas crossbody and a rolled paper map as props. Brown lace-up boots handle rough ground, and almost every piece goes straight back into the closet afterward.
12. Royal Blue Mummy Outfit
Blue and gold carry the Egyptian feel here before any wrapping goes on. Wear a royal blue maxi dress, jumpsuit or tunic with pants, add ivory strips around the arms, waist and legs, then weave a few blue-and-gold ribbons between the neutral layers. Ribbons slide out of gauze easily, so I put a small stitch at each end. A sleek black bob or braided low ponytail suits the structured shape, with blue shadow, crisp winged liner, warm contour and a gold highlight at the inner eye corners. The collar, wide cuffs and scarab-style buckle can all be painted cardboard, which stays light once sealed. Gold flats or low block-heel boots keep it wearable, a small blue pouch or scroll goes in hand, and every hanging strip gets fastened above the ankle.
13. Neon Mummy Outfit
Neon strips on a black base are cheap to make and loud from across a room. Use a black long-sleeve top and leggings, and attach strips in electric pink, lime green, bright blue and vivid yellow, spaced evenly so the black separates each color. Under a black light, fluorescent fabric and liner glow; under ordinary lights they still look bright, just flatter. A high ponytail with neon clips or clip-in color, fluorescent liner, colored mascara and small geometric accents at the temples handle the face. A neon belt bag, stacked plastic bracelets and black sneakers with bright laces round it out. If you plan to dance, keep fabric off the hands and below the knees, since those are the strips that get stepped on. No complicated construction or effects makeup needed.
14. Disco Mummy Outfit
The bell-bottom shape is what says disco, so I keep the strips narrow and off the flares. Start with a silver flared jumpsuit or a metallic top with high-waisted flares, then attach thin white and silver strips across the torso, sleeves and upper legs. Voluminous curls or a silver-blonde curled wig, sparkling silver shadow, defined liner, glossy neutral lips and a few face gems placed well away from the eyes keep the shine going. Large round earrings, a mirrored belt and a lightweight mini disco-ball purse are the accessories. Silver platform sneakers give retro height without the ankle risk of tall heels. Leave the wrapping flexible at the shoulders and hips, the two joints that move most on a dance floor.
15. Rock Star Mummy Outfit
Distressed gauze and stage clothes already share a texture, so this pairing looks deliberate rather than random. Wear black coated jeans, a fitted silver top and a cropped faux-leather jacket, then attach off-white gauze to the jacket sleeves, waist and pant legs, leaving a few short strips loose to move as you walk. Fabric glue grips faux leather poorly and tends to peel, so on the jacket I stitch through the strips instead. Teased hair or a shaggy black-and-silver wig, smoky eyes, defined brows, silver highlight and deep plum lipstick suit it. Fingerless gloves, layered chain-style necklaces and a light toy microphone are the props, with sturdy block-heel ankle boots underneath. Keep the loose strips short so they don't snag on furniture or someone else's costume.
16. Athletic Mummy Outfit
If you'll be on your feet for hours, start here. A white zip-front track jacket with joggers or athletic leggings is the base, and gray and cream jersey strips get stitched or pinned across the jacket, thighs and calves. Jersey doesn't fray when cut, so the strips stay neat all night, and the stretch moves with you. Keep the zipper, pockets and knees working. A high ponytail with a white fabric tie or a short tousled wig, water-resistant gray shadow, pale face makeup and light contour hold up through a busy evening. White wristbands, a wrapped sports headband and a water bottle with removable strips are the accessories, and supportive white running shoes carry you through long trick-or-treating routes, school activities or a Halloween fun run.
17. Cheerleader Mummy Outfit
Pleats need to swing, so the one rule on this costume is to keep strips off the pleat folds. A white athletic sweater or fitted sweatshirt goes over a knee-length pleated skirt with opaque shorts underneath, and gray and cream strips run across the sleeves, waistband and the flat panels of the skirt. A high ponytail with a distressed ribbon bow, silver shadow, rosy cheeks and a small wrapped-line design near one temple keep the face bright. Make pom-poms from shredded white fabric and stick a bold letter M on top. White crew socks and supportive sneakers go underneath. Fix every strip above the knee and it'll handle walking, dancing and group photos at school events.
18. Ballerina Mummy Outfit
Tulle and gauze both feel airy, which makes them an easy match. Start with a white long-sleeve leotard-style top, opaque leggings and a knee-length layered tulle skirt, then attach narrow gauze strips at the sleeves, bodice and skirt waistband with room to move. A neat bun wrapped in ivory ribbon, or a bun hairpiece, plus pearly shadow, defined lashes, soft pink blush and a neutral lip suit the dancer theme, and a small jeweled headband with fabric wrist cuffs adds sparkle. My one firm swap: pale ballet flats with proper soles instead of performance slippers, which are slippery on hard floors. Short tulle pieces can trail from the waist as long as they stop above the knee. Save it for indoor celebrations, since tulle collects leaves and grit outside.
19. Pirate Mummy Outfit
Pirate clothing is already ragged, so mummy wrapping blends into it instead of looking stuck on. A cream poet-style shirt, a striped vest, cropped brown pants and opaque tights form the base, with weathered cotton strips at the sleeves, torso and lower legs. Leave the cuffs and waistband unwrapped or the shirt won't tuck. A tousled dark wig goes under a soft tricorn-style hat with one gauze strip, and bronze contour, smudged brown liner, a pale lip and a little gold shimmer give the face some sea air. I'd carry a rolled treasure map or a fabric coin pouch rather than anything weapon-shaped, since plenty of schools and venues ban those. A wide belt, mismatched costume jewelry and brown ankle boots wrapped loosely above the soles finish it, and most of it can come off a thrift rail.
20. Scientist Mummy Outfit
The lab coat makes the joke: a mummy that's apparently been running experiments. Wear a white button-down, gray pants and a knee-length lab coat, and attach narrow muslin strips to the coat sleeves, shoulders and lower hem, keeping buttons and pockets clear. Because the coat comes off, I put all the wrapping on it, so you can shed the costume indoors and still look dressed. Slightly teased hair or a messy silver wig with clear goggles on top, pale foundation, gray contour and smudged blue shadow give an exhausted ancient-scientist face. Fill the pocket with plastic tubes, index cards and a cardboard ID badge, and carry a clipboard of hand-drawn symbols rather than real formulas or branded text. White sneakers or gray slip-resistant shoes suit school, office and family events alike.
21. Office-Friendly Mummy Outfit
Workplace costumes have to survive a full day at a desk, so this one hints at the mummy instead of committing to it. Cream tailored pants, an ivory blouse and a long beige cardigan are the base, with neat gauze strips at the cardigan sleeves, lapels and waist held by small hidden stitches. Glue on a cardigan you want to wear again is a mistake; stitches snip out cleanly. A polished low bun with a thin wrapped headband, taupe shadow, soft liner, muted blush and a neutral lip keep it professional. A gold collar necklace and a minimal cuff add the ancient note, and a structured tote gets one removable strip tied to the handle. Cream loafers or low ankle boots stay comfortable through costume contests, team lunches and office photos.
22. Kids’ Classic Mummy Outfit
For kids, I judge a mummy costume on one question first: can they see their feet and their candy bag? A white sweatshirt and joggers are the base, with short cotton strips sewn or glued straight onto the clothes around the torso, arms and legs, and none near the hands, neck, face or shoe soles. Children tug at anything loose, so short strips with both ends fixed outlast long dangling ones. Tousle their hair and tuck one strip into a soft fabric headband. Simple face paint beats a full face covering: pale cheeks, soft gray around the eyes and a few beige lines, tested on the inside of the wrist the day before. A light candy bucket with removable gauze and white sneakers with secure fastenings go with it. Hide strips of reflective tape among the wraps for evening trick-or-treating; they vanish by day and shine in headlights.
23. Toddler Mummy Outfit
Toddlers won't tolerate anything scratchy, so I use wide jersey strips here, not gauze. A white hooded sweatshirt and stretchy white pants make the base, and every short strip gets both ends fixed firmly so nothing comes away in small hands. Put a few stitched fabric bands on a soft cap instead of wrapping anything around the head or face. Makeup is optional; rosy cheeks and one small gray line on each cheek are plenty. A plush wrapped animal can be the prop, with supportive white sneakers and warm socks on the feet. Before the night, have them sit, bend and try a bathroom trip in it, because a costume that blocks any of those comes off within the hour.
24. Baby Mummy Outfit
With babies, comfort decides everything, and nothing should dangle. Start with a soft white footed onesie or a long-sleeve bodysuit with leggings, and sew wide strips of lightweight cotton jersey flat to the garment so they can't be pulled loose or chewed off. Keep the neckline, hands, face and diaper area completely clear; you'll be changing them in it. A soft white cap with stitched gray bands gives the wrapped head without covering eyes or mouth. Skip face makeup altogether and sew a small mummy face onto the front instead. Warm booties with nonslip soles help babies who are starting to stand. Keep it for supervised photos, indoor gatherings or a family costume.
25. Plus-Size Mummy Outfit
Diagonal wrapping is the detail I'd never skip on a plus-size mummy, because horizontal bands cut the body into slices and tend to roll. Start with a black or cream stretch jumpsuit with a defined waist and wide or tapered legs, then lay ivory gauze diagonally across the bust, waist, hips and sleeves. It gives shape without feeling tight. A voluminous ponytail, curls or a textured shoulder-length wig, smoky bronze shadow, bold liner, luminous foundation and a neutral lip suit it. A wide gold belt, statement cuffs and a small structured bag add polish, with supportive ankle boots or cushioned platform sneakers underneath. Stitch or glue the strips to the jumpsuit and leave the shoulders, knees and hips free to flex.
26. Maternity Mummy Outfit
The rule here is simple: nothing wraps tight, anywhere. A soft cream maternity maxi or a long tunic with matching leggings is the base, and lightweight jersey strips are stitched loosely and diagonally, with plenty of room left around the waist and belly. Jersey gives as you move, which rigid gauze won't. A relaxed braid or low bun with a soft ivory headband, gentle taupe, gray and champagne makeup, rosy cheeks and a neutral lip keep it calm. A small gold collar necklace and light wrist cuffs are enough jewelry. Wear cushioned flats or supportive sneakers for balance, and carry treats in a fabric-covered bag on your shoulder so both hands stay free.
27. Mummy King And Queen Couple Outfit
Couples don't need identical outfits; they need a shared palette. One partner wears a cream tunic, straight pants, a blue-and-gold headpiece and distressed strips across the torso and arms. The other wears a white column dress, a black bob wig, a jeweled collar and ivory wrapping around the waist and skirt. Then tie them together with matching gold cuffs, the same bronze-and-black eye makeup and metallic shoes, and dye both sets of strips in one tea bath so the ivory matches exactly in photos. Lightweight scrolls or decorative boxes back up the royal theme. Keep strips above the ankles and leave slack at knees and elbows for sitting and dancing together.
28. Family Mummy Outfit
For a family, I buy one batch of ivory and light gray cotton and cut everyone's strips from it, the cheapest way to make mismatched clothes look like a set. Adults can wear cream shirts with pants or long dresses, kids white sweatshirts and joggers, and the strip placement shifts to suit each garment. Smudged gray makeup suits the adults, simple cheek lines the children. Headbands, fabric-covered hats or tousled hair finish the heads without blocking anyone's sight. Hand each person a different light prop, such as a scroll, a decorated treat bag, a plush cat or a small cardboard tablet, and put everyone in matching white or neutral sneakers. Short, well-fixed strips keep the whole group walking comfortably.
29. Rainbow Mummy Group Outfit
Giving each person one color solves the usual group problem of nobody knowing what to buy. Everyone wears the same black long-sleeve top and pants, then takes one wrapping color from red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. Strips go across the torso, arms and legs with black left showing between them. Each person matches hair extensions, liner, bracelets and laces to their color, and the faces stay consistent with a pale base and one colored line near each eye. Small wrapped boxes or colorful treat bags work as props. Line up in rainbow order for photos; it reads as one costume, yet each person still has a mummy of their own.
30. Last-Minute Bedsheet Mummy Outfit
An old white sheet makes a convincing mummy as long as it's attached to clothing, not wound around you. Tear it into wide strips, since tearing along the grain is faster than cutting and leaves a frayed edge that already looks aged, then knot or pin them to a white sweatshirt and sweatpants. A few tan strips from an old pillowcase add depth. Messy hair under a white fabric headband, gray shadow around the eyes and beige contour on the cheeks will do. Wrap a reusable tote in leftover fabric for a matching treat bag, and wear white sneakers or slip-ons. Before you leave, tug every strip, check the face is clear and make sure nothing reaches the floor. It costs next to nothing and comes together in an evening.
What Happens to Gauze in Rain and Cold
White cotton is the worst fabric to get caught in a shower with. Gauze and cheesecloth soak through in minutes, turn see-through over a pale base, and tea-dyed strips can bleed brown onto the clothes underneath. If rain is forecast, I'd lean toward the black-based versions on this list, or cut the strips from a polyester knit instead, which absorbs less water and dries faster.
Cold is easier, because the base garment can do the work. A thermal top and leggings in white or cream sit under almost any of these looks without changing the outline, and the strips hide the seams. For kids, put a fleece layer under the sweatshirt base rather than a coat over it; a coat hides the whole costume and usually comes off for photos anyway.
Getting Another Year Out of the Wrapping
Hand-tacked strips can stay on through a gentle cold wash in a mesh bag. Glued ones tend to lift at the edges, so spot clean those instead. Tea-dyed fabric fades a little with each wash, which suits a mummy just fine. Once dry, fold the costume flat rather than stuffing it in a bag, since crumpled gauze tangles into a knot that takes longer to undo than it took to attach. Keep a spare handful of strips in the same box and next year's repairs take minutes.
An Old Sheet Is Enough to Begin
Every look on this list works the same way underneath: comfortable clothing, strips fixed to it, and nothing tight on the body. White gauze gives you the traditional mummy, while metallics, pastels, neon and period pieces take it somewhere newer. Hair, makeup, a light prop and shoes you can walk in round each one out. Keep the eyes, mouth, hands, joints and soles clear, and give every strip a hard tug before you head out. Do that, and a bedsheet costume, a royal couple or a whole wrapped family will still look right at the end of the night.
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