Jellyfish Costume
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The jellyfish is one of the great DIY costumes of the last decade. All it takes is a clear umbrella, some ribbon and a string of lights, and it looks magical, especially at night. It works for kids, adults and groups, and you don’t need to sew a thing.
What Makes It Work
The umbrella is the jellyfish. A clear bubble-style umbrella (the dome-shaped kind) makes the body. Hang tentacles from the rim: strips of iridescent ribbon, tulle, cellophane, bubble wrap and pearl garland at different lengths, some reaching down to your knees.
Wind battery-powered fairy lights around the inside of the umbrella along the spokes. That glow is what makes it look like it’s floating in deep water.
Under the umbrella, wear something simple in white, silver, pale pink or aqua. A little iridescent makeup or glitter on the cheekbones ties it together.
What People Get Wrong
Tentacles that are all one length. Mix short and long strands so it looks like it’s drifting. The other mistake is skipping the lights. Without them, it’s an umbrella with ribbons.
Buy It or Build It?
Jellyfish kits run $25 to $45, but the DIY version costs about the same and looks better. A clear bubble umbrella, ribbon and fairy lights come to around $25 to $35.
Where to Buy
| Retailer | What they carry | |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Costume kits, wigs and accessories | Shop on Amazon |
FAQ
How do I make a jellyfish costume?
Hang ribbons, tulle and bubble wrap from the rim of a clear bubble umbrella and wrap fairy lights around the inside.
What kind of umbrella do I need?
A clear dome-shaped bubble umbrella. The deep shape looks more like a jellyfish than a flat one.
Is a jellyfish costume good for kids?
Yes. Use a kid-size umbrella and keep tentacles above the ankles so they don’t trip.
Is a jellyfish a good group costume?
It’s a great one. A group of glowing jellyfish at night looks amazing in photos.
Next up: Krampus 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.