Children's Halloween Costumes that Can Be Made from a Large White T-shirt

A large white T-shirt when worn by a small kid literally becomes a robe. This can become the basis for several Halloween costumes. Overall, I was able to come up with three definite suggestions, as well as a fourth idea (a white robe) that is more of a basic step for several Halloween costumes as opposed to one definite Halloween costume idea.

Halloween Costume idea #1: Angel. (Ages 2-9, depending on T-shirt size.) For this Halloween costume all you need is a big T-shirt, wings, and a golden halo. The T-shirt should not go below the ankles to avoid being a tripping hazard. For wings, cut out from cardboard two wings and tape or glue white paper to them to make them white. Elaborations, such as adding an edge of gold garland, are not necessary but are desirable for the fancy effect. The halo can be purchased at a store or homemade from gluing garland to a wire halo or using yellow pipe cleaners. Or add a twist to the Halloween costume and tape one of those circular glow-wands and mount it atop a stiff piece of cardboard or wire, which is taped to the back of the shirt. Keep this costume handy for any Christmas pageants.

Halloween Costume idea #2: Ghost. (Ages 2-9, depending on T-shirt size.) For this Halloween costume you will need a T-shirt, a long-sleeved T-shirt, and a sewing kit. The long-sleeved T-shirt will be cut to a sleeveless shirt and set aside. Sew the cut end of a sleeve onto the T-shirt collar with the seam in the back. Have your child put on the costume and mark out the face hole(s) and the top; where the sleeve is to be cut and sewn shut. Then make the alterations to the costume. Start by making the face hole on the small side so you can expand it as necessary. Turn the costume inside-out and sew the top shut and you are good to go!

Halloween costume idea #3: Marshmallow. (Ages 2+, shirt should be not quite as baggy as in above costumes, reaching to just above knees at longest.) Make a wire hoop and push it up the t-shirt as high up as it will go. The hoop should not be too wide and should rest on the shoulders as opposed to falling over the arm. Bend the part of the hoop that holds up the front and back of the t-shirt slightly upwards to overcome any sagging. Then use duct or masking tape to tape the hoop to the cloth, or sew it into the shirt. Procure anther hoop for the bottom, which can either be taped or easily sewn into the shirt by folding the bottom of it over the hoop. The sleeves can be cut off of the t-shirt to enhance the marshmallow effect. If after cutting the sleeve off at the seam, it is still too wide, the shoulder can then be folded over and taped or hemmed temporarily in place. As it will be chilly, a dark sweatshirt worn under the Halloween costume will work well.

Halloween costume Idea #4: Anything that wears a white robe: (Ages 2-9.) Here I will let your imagination take over. A rope tied around the waist will effectively turn the t-shirt into a robe. The best way is to sew a few loops onto the t-shirt at waist level and string the rope through it so it doesn't have to be tight. A brown piece of manila rope will contrast nicely against the white of the robe. The robe can be used for a number of different Halloween costumes; be it a shepherd (also good for Christmas pageants,) a movie figure, a Christian saint, etc. You can make a lot of Halloween costumes from a simple robe.

These are some basic suggestions for Halloween costumes that use white t-shirts. White t-shirts are relatively cheap, thus allowing you to save money on your Halloween costumes. These Halloween costumes will not only save you money, but will also be original and unique. Have a safe and fun Halloween!