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It can be hard to stand out from the crowd when it comes to your dog’s Halloween costume. We’re here to help! We did some sleuthing to find out what the best and trendiest DIY dog costumes for this year will be.
When dressing your dog in a costume, consider their comfort level. Some dogs are happy to wear whatever you ask them to, whether it’s a rain jacket or a full-body jumpsuit with accessories. Other dogs are going to resist clothing and will do better with a simple Halloween collar or ruffle to wear around their neck.
When shopping for a Halloween costume for your dog, the most important consideration is size. Because dog costumes are not all manufactured in the same way, your pet could be a medium in one costume and an extra-large in another, so be sure to measure your dog and use your pet’s measurements and the product size chart as guides to ensure their best fit.
The 14 Easiest DIY Dog Costumes
From super-simple to some-craft-skills-required, you’re sure to find a DIY dog costume here to suit your furry bestie. We’ve linked to the components you might want to buy online, and how-to tutorials when available. Of course, the best thing about DIY costumes is that you can make them your own. So don’t be afraid to get creative! Heads up: you’ll probably want to pick up a hot glue gun.
1. Bandit
If your dog has stolen your heart, dress them up as a bandit this Halloween. All it takes is a black-and-white striped shirt and a few simple props.
Shop Black And White Shirt on Amazon2. Sushi
This DIY sushi costume turns your dog into a delightful delicacy—with minimal effort on your part. Simply take a lightweight fleece throw, or some other textured white fabric, and top it with a pillow in a burgundy-colored pillowcase. Last, secure it to your dog’s back with a thick black ribbon.
Shop Pillowcase on Amazon3. Pineapple Pup
Let your dog greet your guests as a wonderfully festive pineapple. It doesn’t get easier with this DIY dog costume. Just gather the materials listed below, and follow these handy instructions from Brit+Co.
Shop Yellow T-shirt on Amazon4. Frida Kahlo
For this colorful look, you need a few craft items to make a colorful floral headband, plus a patient dog who tolerates wearing stuff on their head. Follow this tutorial from JaderBomb.com.
- Fake flowers
- Black yarn
- Elastic headband
- Spare scraps of fabric
- Don’t forget that hot glue gun!
5. Pupcake DIY Dog Costume
This DIY project from Lovely Indeed will turn your sweet pooch into a sweet treat. It’s a little more work than some of the other picks on this list, but if you’re a serious crafter, it won’t be too tough. And the results are so darn cute!
- Paper maché box
- Assorted felt and cotton backing
- Natural colored paper for the wrapper (foil would be cute, too!)
- 3/4-inch elastic
- Sewing supplies and, you guessed it, that glue gun!
6. Beautiful Flower
Sure, you could buy a ready-made flower costume for your dog. But this DIY version is fully customizable to fit your pet, and it’s not too hard for craft newbies like me. Plus, if you get a few doggy friends together, you can have a whole bouquet! Here’s the tutorial from DIY Network.
- Sewing supplies (you can use a machine if you have one)
- Felt in a bright color that matches your favorite flower
- 1-inch elastic
7. Pool Float DIY Dog Costume
If you’ve got some sewing chops, check out these incredibly cute pool floatie costumes from Sugar and Cloth. The materials listed below will help you turn your pooch into a pool party flamingo or unicorn. Or, if you’re lazy like the person writing this post, you could always buy a plush flamingo and attach it to your dog’s harness. Voila, DIY made e-a-s-y!
- Pink and/or white fabric
- Squishy foam (it helps the beak and horn stand up)
- Felt for features and unicorn mane
- Stuffing
8. Superdoggy!
This cute, simple DIY dog costume turns your dog into superdog, and you don’t even have to buy anything to make it. Here’s a no-sew tutorial for a costume made out of an old t-shirt (pick a size that works best for your dog). Decorate the cape with your favorite comic book hero emblem or invent a unique logo for your one-of-a-kind pup. Bonus points if you make them a little felt mask to go with it!
- Bright fabric—an old shirt or towel will work, or buy a yard of canvas or cotton
- Fabric paints to design your own superhero emblem
- Felt and elastic to make a mask
9. Rocket Dog DIY Costume
This adorable DIY dog costume is made out of two empty soda pop bottles, tissue paper, and duct tape. Attach your homemade rocket to your dog’s existing harness, and watch them blast off for a fun Halloween! Pick up some additional tips from Costume-Works.com.
- Two empty 2-liter soda bottles
- Silver duct tape
- Tissue paper
- Silver spray paint
10. Puppy Piñata DIY Costume
This look is just a glue gun and tissue paper away. All you have to do is glue fringed strips of colorful paper to a sweater or shirt that fits your dog. Get more details from Studio DIY. I’d add a little loop at the top, and paper maché ears if your dog can stand them!
- Grab that glue gun!
- Colorful crepe paper
- Dog t-shirt
11. Gruesome Bloody Bandana Dog Costume
This spooktacular costume collar from Sew Doggy Style is all about cartoony gore. Simple felt, cardboard, and crafty magic turn your dog into a walking horror movie. You’re welcome!
- Red felt
- Cardboard
- Red 3D fabric paint
12. Berry Cute DIY Dog Costume
This strawberry DIY dog costume from Shari’s Berries is such a cute look for the sweetest pups of all.
- Red and green thread
- Red, green, and black felt or fleece
- Elastic
- Velcro
- Sewing supplies
- Your old friend the hot glue gun
13. Martini with Olives
Whether your dog is stuck in the cone of shame this Halloween, or you just have a spare lying around, this DIY costume is a great use of a common dog accessory. We don’t even have a tutorial for this one. Just grab the components listed below, or repurpose stuff you already have at home, to turn your dog into a martini complete with olives.
- Cone of shame (the plastic kind)
- Wooden dowel
- Green styrofoam balls or tennis balls
- Red felt to add the pimento, or red marker
14. Where’s Waldo? DIY Dog Costume
This DIY dog costume couldn’t be simpler. Dress up your dog as a children’s book star, and enjoy a Halloween full of hearing, “I found Waldo!”
- Red and white striped dog sweater
- Black plastic glasses, or make your own out of black tape
- Dog toque (or if you’re going full DIY, knit your own dog hat)
