Animal Costumes Costumes

The classic animal looks

Animal costumes are some of the easiest to put together, and they turn up all through children's books and fairy tales. Most are built from a few simple parts: ears, a tail, a nose and a colour scheme.

• The wolf: grey or brown, pointed ears, a bushy tail. Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs both need one.
• The pigs: pink, with a curly tail and a snout.
• The bear: brown and round, from Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
• The cat: whiskers and a long tail, ready for Puss in Boots or the Cheshire Cat.
• The rabbit: long ears and a fluffy tail, as in Peter Rabbit or Alice in Wonderland.
• The frog: green, from The Frog Prince.

What makes each one recognisable

Pick one or two features and make them clear. Ears and a tail say more than a full body suit. Colour does the rest.

A character often needs one extra detail. Puss in Boots wears boots and a hat. The White Rabbit carries a pocket watch. Peter Rabbit wears a blue jacket. Without that detail, you simply have a cat or a rabbit.

Easy finishing touches

• Face paint whiskers and a painted nose. Do a small skin test first.
• Felt ears on a headband.
• A tail made from a stuffed sock or a strip of fabric, pinned or tucked into a waistband.
• Gloves or slippers in the right colour for paws.
• A simple prop from the story, such as a basket, a crown or a small paper watch.

Choosing for children

Comfort comes first. Choose something they can walk, sit and play in. Check that masks do not block their view or breathing, and that tails and long ears will not trip them up. Soft hoods and headbands are often easier than full head masks. For school days, layers over normal clothes work well.

Choosing for adults

Adults can go subtle or bold. A headband, a tail and a matching outfit is enough for a party or Book Week. A full costume suits a longer event. Check the label for sizing, and think about how warm it will be to wear indoors.