Bat Costume
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Bats have been part of Halloween since the old Celtic bonfires of Samhain drew insects, which drew bats. It’s a cute or spooky costume, depending on how you style it, and it’s one of the fastest ways to turn black clothes into a costume.
What Makes It Work
Wear black from head to toe. A black dress, a black hoodie and leggings, or a black sweatshirt and pants all work.
The wings are the signature. Scalloped black wings that attach at the wrists and the back let you flap your arms. You can make them from an old black umbrella: remove the fabric, cut it in half and stitch it to a sleeve.
Add a headband with pointed black ears. For a spooky bat, add small fangs and dark smoky eyes. For a cute bat, a little pink nose and blush work great on kids.
What People Get Wrong
Wings that don’t move. Wings stitched only to the back look stiff. Attach them to your wrists so you can flap. The other mistake is round ears, which look like a mouse.
Buy It or Build It?
Bat wing and ear sets run $10 to $25. Kids’ bat hoodies with built-in wings are $20 to $35 and very warm for trick-or-treating.
Where to Buy
| Retailer | What they carry | |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Costume kits, wigs and accessories | Shop on Amazon |
FAQ
How do I make bat wings?
Take the fabric off an old black umbrella, cut it into two scalloped halves, and attach each one along a sleeve from wrist to underarm.
Is a bat costume good for kids?
Yes. A black hoodie with wings is warm, cute and easy to move in.
What couples costume works with a bat?
A bat and a vampire, or a bat and a witch.
Can I wear a black dress as a bat?
Yes. Add wings, ears and black tights.
Next up: Spider 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.