20 DIY Halloween Costumes You Can Easily Make and Sell

Halloween is creeping closer (pun intended!), and that means one thing: people are already scrambling to find the perfect costume. You know how it goes—one minute it's September, and the next thing you know, you're surrounded by jack-o'-lanterns and the sweet smell of candy corn. If you're crafty and looking for a way to cash in on the season, why not make and sell DIY Halloween costumes? Trust me, with the right ideas, you can turn your creative skills into extra income this spooky season!

Now, I know what you're thinking: Where exactly do I sell these costumes? Well, lucky for you, there are several great platforms out there where handmade costumes fly off the (virtual) shelves:

• Etsy: The holy grail for all things handmade. Set up shop and get your DIY costumes in front of an audience that's already on the hunt for something unique and creative.
• eBay: A huge marketplace where you can reach a wide variety of shoppers. People go to eBay for everything, and Halloween costumes are no exception.
• Facebook Marketplace: If you're looking to sell locally, Facebook Marketplace is a great option. People need last-minute costumes, and you can offer quick pick-up.
• Instagram: You can create a whole visual brand around your DIY costumes and reach people through hashtags like #HalloweenCostumes, #DIYCostumes, and #SpookySeason.

Alright, now that we've got the logistics sorted, let’s dive into 20 simple but eye-catching DIY Halloween costumes you can make and sell. Grab your glue gun and fabric scissors—it's time to get crafty!

1. Witch Costume

You can't go wrong with a witch costume—it’s a Halloween classic that’s always in demand. Every year, people want to channel their inner wickedness or go for a more glamorous witchy vibe.

What you'll need:

• Black dress (something flowy is always a good option)
• Black fabric for a cape (add some sparkle to make it stand out)
• Black pointed witch hat (felt works great for a DIY version)
• Green face paint for that extra witchy flair
• Broomstick prop (you can DIY it with a wooden dowel and some straw)

This costume never goes out of style, and you can offer different versions—glam witches, wicked witches, or even modern-day witches with fun accessories. Personalization is key here.

2. Unicorn Costume

Unicorns are magical, colorful, and still super trendy, especially with the younger crowd. Trust me, kids and teens love a good unicorn outfit.

What you'll need:

• White or pastel-colored clothes (a simple dress or jumpsuit will do)
• Tulle in rainbow colors (for the tutu or tail)
• Felt for making the unicorn horn (glue it to a headband)
• Glitter, sequins, and other sparkly decorations

Unicorns have that magical appeal, and with all the sparkle and color, these costumes really pop. Plus, it’s versatile—you can sell them as cute for kids or glammed-up versions for teens and adults.

3. Scary Clown Costume

Thanks to movies like It, the scary clown has become a Halloween staple. People love to terrify their friends, and there’s nothing quite like a creepy clown lurking in the dark.

What you'll need:

• Colorful wig
• White face paint and red lipstick
• Baggy, brightly colored clothes (think oversized pants and suspenders)
• Fake blood for added scare factor

Clowns are creepy, and they always sell well because people love a good scare. You can even offer a “funny clown” version for those who want something less terrifying.

4. Mummy Costume

If there’s one costume that screams “classic horror,” it’s the mummy. It’s simple to create but super effective.

What you'll need:

• White bandages (you can use strips of old sheets or gauze)
• White face paint for that pale, undead look
• Tea or coffee to stain the bandages (for a more aged effect)

The mummy is easy to make, looks great, and has that eerie factor that everyone loves on Halloween. Plus, it’s a costume that’s comfortable to wear and easy to slip on.

5. Vampire Costume

Whether it’s Twilight or the classic Dracula, vampires never go out of style. The best part? You can add your own twist on the look to make it stand out.

What you'll need:

• Black cape (the more dramatic, the better)
• White shirt and black pants
• Fake fangs
• Red face paint for a blood-dripping effect

Vampires are a no-brainer for Halloween, and with a little creativity, you can offer everything from classic vampires to modern, sophisticated versions.

6. Cat Costume

Who doesn’t love a good cat costume? It’s cute, easy, and always in demand. Perfect for someone looking for a last-minute costume.

What you'll need:

• Black clothing (leggings and a fitted top work best)
• Black felt or fabric for the cat ears and tail
• Face paint for whiskers and a cute black nose

It’s super simple but adorable, and you can make these in bulk quickly. Add a bit of sparkle or some faux fur to make it stand out from other basic cat costumes.

7. Pirate Costume

A pirate costume is always a hit, and it lets your creativity shine with all the little accessories you can add.

What you'll need:

• Striped shirt and black pants
• Bandana or hat for the head
• Fake eyepatch
• Cardboard or foam for a DIY sword

Pirates are timeless, and each costume can be unique depending on the details you add. You can make them cute, scary, or downright quirky—totally up to you!

8. Ghost Costume

You can’t have Halloween without a ghost costume. It’s super easy to make, and everyone loves the classic, spooky look.

What you'll need:

• White sheet (cut out holes for eyes, of course)
• White gloves (optional, but a nice touch)
• Face paint to give a ghostly pallor

It’s a quick and easy costume, perfect for someone who wants to go traditional. And it’s comfy—no one’s complaining about that!

9. Superhero Costume

Whether it’s a classic superhero like Superman or a completely made-up character, superhero costumes are always in demand.

What you'll need:

• Bright tights or leggings
• Felt to make a cape and mask
• Fabric paint for adding superhero logos or symbols

Superhero costumes are fun, and you can make each one unique by allowing customers to choose their own colors and logos. Personalization is key here!

10. Zombie Costume

Ah, the zombie. It’s creepy, it’s gross, and it’s perfect for Halloween. The more gory, the better.

What you'll need:

• Old, torn clothes (ripped-up jeans and shirts are ideal)
• Face paint for a pale, undead look
• Fake blood to splatter everywhere

Zombies are a classic, and with some creative makeup and ripped clothing, you can make a costume that looks straight out of a horror movie.

11. Bat Costume

This is a cute but spooky costume, perfect for kids who want something fun but not too scary. As You can see above it's also perfect for dogs. Just imagine a bat dog saving the city...

What you'll need:

• Black fabric or felt for wings
• Black clothing (leggings and a top work best)
• Black felt for bat ears

It’s simple and effective, and it appeals to both kids and adults. Plus, it’s comfy—always a bonus for a Halloween costume.

12. Princess Costume

The princess look is a Halloween favorite, especially for young girls. You can’t go wrong with tulle and glitter!

What you'll need:

• Tulle or satin fabric for a dress
• Glitter and sequins for decoration
• A plastic tiara (or make your own with beads and wire)

Princess costumes are always in demand for kids, and the DIY versions offer a personal touch that store-bought costumes lack.

13. Werewolf Costume

Who doesn’t want to channel their inner beast on Halloween? Werewolves are spooky and a little bit wild—perfect for a night out.

What you'll need:

• Faux fur fabric for a vest or gloves
• Old flannel shirt to tear up
• Face paint or a werewolf mask

Werewolf costumes are fun, and you can get creative with how scary or tame you want them to be. The faux fur adds that authentic touch.

14. Pumpkin Costume

What’s more Halloween than a pumpkin? Whether it’s cute or scary, a pumpkin costume is perfect for the season.

What you'll need:

• Orange fabric or felt
• Green felt for the stem and leaves
• Black felt for a jack-o’-lantern face

It’s a Halloween staple, and you can make it cute or spooky depending on what the customer wants.

15. Fairy Costume

This is a magical costume, perfect for kids or anyone who loves a bit of sparkle.

What you'll need:

• Tulle for a tutu
• Glitter and sequins for decoration
• Fabric wings (you can make these with wire and nylon)

Fairies are fun and whimsical, and the costume appeals to both kids and adults. The wings are a showstopper!

16. Skeleton Costume

A skeleton costume is always spooky and perfect for Halloween parties.

What you'll need:

• Black clothing (tight-fitting)
• White fabric paint to create the bones
• Face paint for a skeletal look

It’s classic, creepy, and relatively easy to make. The face paint adds an extra layer of spookiness.

17. Mermaid Costume

Everyone loves a good mermaid costume—it’s magical, colorful, and perfect for kids or adults.

What you'll need:

• Shiny fabric for a tail (you can make this into a skirt)
• Sequins and glitter for decoration
• Shells or starfish for hair accessories

Mermaids are fun and magical, and the costume can be as simple or elaborate as you want it to be.

18. Bumblebee Costume

This is an adorable option, especially for kids.

What you'll need:

• Black and yellow striped fabric (or paint stripes on black fabric)
• Black fabric for wings
• Headband with little antennae

It’s cute, fun, and easy to make. Perfect for kids who want something sweet and simple.

19. Robot Costume

Who doesn’t want to go as a cool robot for Halloween? It’s a creative costume that’s perfect for tech-loving kids.

What you'll need:

• Cardboard boxes (paint them silver or gray)
• Silver spray paint or fabric for decoration
• Colored buttons and lights for added detail

It’s creative and stands out from more traditional costumes. You can make it as simple or complex as you want, depending on your customer base.

20. Alien Costume

Aliens are mysterious, fun, and a bit quirky—perfect for Halloween!

What you'll need:

• Green fabric or face paint
• Shiny fabric for a futuristic look
• Black felt for big alien eyes

Aliens are popular because you can make the costume any way you want—cute, creepy, or downright weird. Customers love the versatility.

Creating Halloween costumes can be a great way to make money and also be great fun, but not everyone has the ability or simply wants to do it. If you want to earn extra money before Halloween in a different way, check out our article about 15 Side Hustles to Start in the Fall. It’s packed with ideas on how you can boost your income during the autumn season.

Happy crafting, and here's to a successful (and profitable) Halloween season!