There’s something magical about dressing up as a mummy. The torn fabric strips flutter as you move, giving the illusion of someone freshly risen from ancient tombs. I

t’s one of those costumes that feels nostalgic, reminding you of classic monster movies and neighborhood trick-or-treats.

Best of all, you can adjust it to your liking, make it ragged and aged for a scarier look, or keep it neat and clean for a kid-friendly version.

With a little creativity, you’ll look like you walked straight out of a Halloween storybook.

Materials Needed

• 1 plain black long-sleeve shirt (adult size: M or L, kids: age-appropriate size)
• 1 pair black pants or leggings
• 3-4 yards of white muslin fabric or old white sheets, cut into 3-5 inch strips
• 1 yard of cheesecloth (optional, for a textured look)
• Fabric scissors
• Safety pins or hot glue gun for securing strips
• Black or white face paint (optional)

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Start with a black base outfit (shirt and pants) to give depth under the fabric strips. This makes gaps look intentional and shadowy.

Step 2: Cut your muslin or sheet fabric into strips about 3-5 inches wide. Then fray the edges by hand for a more authentic, tattered look.

Step 3: Begin wrapping the strips around the shirt and pants.

You can use safety pins or small dabs of hot glue to secure them, layering as you go. Then leave some loose ends hanging for extra movement.

Step 4: Mix in pieces of cheesecloth for variety in texture, especially around the arms and legs.

Step 5: Once the outfit is wrapped, try it on and adjust any strips so you can move comfortably. Next, add face paint to complete the effect.

Tips:

If you’re making this for a child, keep the strips a little looser to allow easy movement. For adults, tea-stain the fabric before wrapping to give it a more aged, creepy look.