Mummy Costume
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The movie mummy shambled onto screens with Boris Karloff in 1932, and the bandaged look has been a Halloween classic ever since. It’s cheap, it’s homemade-friendly and it’s instantly recognizable.
What Makes It Work
It’s all about the wraps. Strips of white or off-white cloth wrapped around your whole body, with some loose ends hanging off. Gauze looks good but tears, so muslin or an old sheet cut into strips holds up better.
The trick is to wrap over a base layer, not your skin. Wear a white or beige long-sleeve shirt and leggings, then wrap and pin or glue the strips onto them. That way it stays on and you can take it off like normal clothes.
Aging the wraps makes a huge difference. Soak them in tea or coffee so they look yellowed and ancient. Add dark eye makeup peeking out from the bandages.
What People Get Wrong
Wrapping strips loosely around your body and hoping they’ll stay. They won’t. By the second hour they’re around your ankles. Attach the strips to a base layer with fabric glue or safety pins. And leave your hands and feet easy to use, or you’ll be asking for help all night.
Buy It or Build It?
Kits run about $20 to $50. A homemade mummy costs under $15 with an old sheet and a base layer. This is one where homemade honestly looks better.
Where to Buy
| Retailer | What they carry | |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Costume kits, wigs and accessories | Shop on Amazon |
FAQ
How do I make a mummy costume at home?
Cut an old white sheet into strips about three inches wide, dye them with tea, let them dry, then wrap and glue or pin them onto a white or beige base outfit.
How do I make mummy bandages look old?
Soak the strips in strong tea or coffee for a few minutes, wring them out, then dry them crumpled. The uneven color looks ancient.
Is a mummy costume comfortable?
If you build it on a base layer, yes. Leave a gap at the elbows and knees so you can move.
Can a mummy costume be glamorous?
Sure. An Egyptian queen with gold jewelry, a gold collar and a few artful wraps is a popular, prettier version.
Next up: Werewolf Costume
See Also
Free: The Last-Minute Costume Cheat Sheet
Ten costumes you can make tonight, mostly from your own closet. One page, printable, plus a short email before each costume season. No spam.