Halloween is literally around the corner and I’m panicking a little bit.
Last year I waited too long, went to 3 stores and ended up wrapping my cousin’s dog in tinfoil. The dog looked like a sad burrito. Never again.
When this happened to my little girl, she was sitting there looking adorable and I was thinking “there has to be something better than a $40 costume that she is going to fall out of in five minutes”.
Real talk: Store bought costumes never fit right, and the velcro scratches. My dog shakes off the costume before I can even get my phone out for a photo.
That’s why I have put together this list of 7 cute, cheap, diy dog halloween costumes that will not result in a meltdown. Your Pinterest feed will be busy for days after reading this.
#1: DIY Prison Inmate Dog Halloween Costume (Black & White Stripes)
Because I’m not about to subject my golden retriever to being any kind of convict for Halloween, the next best thing is to have a costume that makes me feel like I’m one. This one does it in spades.
My cousin threw a Halloween pet parade last year and well, the striped jail dog had everyone’s attention.
– Black and white striped fabric (cotton jersey, approximately 12″ x 24″) – White and black felt for the cap – Fabric scissors – Sewing machine or fabric glue – Velcro strips (1-inch width) – Measuring tape
Instructions
Next cut the jersey out in the shape of a sleeveless vest sized to your dog’s chest. Stitch or glue the sides of the vest together but leave the leg holes open. As cotton jersey is quite stretchy your dog will be able to walk around comfortably and won’t feel restricted whilst walking around trick or treating.
A cap or cap-like covering is made by cutting two semi-circle pieces from black and white felt and gluing them together. Curve the brim.
Has Velcro closures along the back for easy on/off.
The snug fit also keeps it in place so your dog doesn’t have to worry about it moving around, so it is also comfortable to leave on longer.
Try pairing it with a fun green collar, like this pup’s collar.
Prep Time: 10 min | Active Project Time: 45 min | Difficulty: Easy
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @lacasitadechelita
#2: DIY Bat Wings Dog Halloween Costume (Black Schnauzer-Approved!)
Prep Time: 15 min | Active Project Time: 30 min | Difficulty Level: Easy
It’s happened to all of us. You’re out with your dog, he’s just standing there looking majestic and you know: he’s got to have a costume that matches that energy!
That’s exactly this.
Black felt fabric (at least 12″ x 18″) Black elastic band (1 inch wide, 18-24 inches long) Scissors and fabric glue or needle and thread Bat wing template (printable online) Chalk or fabric marker
### Instructions
Cut out two (2) mirrored bat wing shapes from the black felt – pointy tops, scalloped bottom edges. Attach both wings to a 1-inch black elastic strap that can be wrapped around under your dog’s belly. Fabric glue works okay, but stitches will hold better during excited tail wagging.
The felt stays rigid enough that the wings stay upright in them and when the photo is taken the wings are pointed up.
strap should be snug but with 2 fingers room. Strap should be in center of the back not off to one side.
I used dark colors on this dark dog. I used my cell phone flashlight to check the wing placement before gluing.
And of course it would work on any dog! Check out 18 Hilarious Dog Costumes Your Pup Will Love! for some more wacky costumes!
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @elvis_der_zwergschnauzer2022
#3: DIY Devil Dog Halloween Costume (Red Cape & Glitter Horns)
I have this little golden sitting in front of me looking so innocent. Tongue out, tail wagging. I just know she would love to dress up in a little devil costume for Halloween.
– Red satin fabric (½ yard) – Red glitter foam sheet (1 sheet) – Velcro strip (2 inches) – Blue cotton bandana – Hot glue gun + glue sticks – Scissors + needle & thread.
### Instructions
Cut the red satin into a cape shape measuring 12 x 10 inches. Fold over the top edge 1 inch and stitch a channel for the ribbon tie.
Cut out two horn shapes from the Glitter Foam, each around 3 inches tall. Hot glue these onto a thin headband. This is a great idea as the foam keeps your little ones head comfy and the horns are actually attached all night long!
Tie the blue bandana around his neck first and then put the cape over it. It helps to keep the velcro closure from irritating his neck.
I know it isn’t the sexiest method, but hot glue it together. At least it dries fast and you’ll still be able to enjoy the craziness of trick or treat without worrying about it falling off.
Prep Time: 10 min | Active Project Time: 25 min | Difficulty Level: Easy
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @lacasitadechelita
#4: The Ghost Sheet Dog Costume (And It’s Somehow the Cutest Thing Ever)
I do not know about you, but when I’m supposed to take my child out on Halloween night, I feel unprepared. My golden is just sitting there, staring at me with those big brown eyes while the doorbell rings and I have nothing. No costume. No plan.
This one? Takes maybe 20 minutes.
– 1 white flat bedsheet (twin size works perfectly) – Scissors – Fabric chalk or washable marker – Elastic band (½ inch wide) – Needle and thread or fabric glue
Instructions
Drape the white sheet over your dog while he/she is sitting. Mark with fabric chalk the place where your dog’s face, ears, and neck fall. Cut a wide oval opening large enough for your dog’s snout and ears to poke through comfortably.
Fold the neck edge under and sew or glue elastic around it. This will help to keep the sheet from slipping and will also allow the dog to breathe without struggling or becoming stressed.
I also trim the hem of the sheet so that it does not drag on the floor. You don’t want your golden tripping over their costumes on Halloween night!
Keep this in mind: darker-colored dogs look absolutely beautiful on top of white fabric (and definitely Pinterest-worthy).
– Tuck a little dirt smudge on the sheet for that spooky lived in vibe!
⏱ Prep Time: 5 min | Active Time: 15 min | Difficulty: Easy
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @bernese_sansa
#5: The Jack-O’-Lantern Sweater That’ll Make Everyone Stop and Stare
Your golden is sprawling on the rug, and Halloween is only three days away. You don’t have a costume. Panic sets in.
Good news: This one takes under an hour and cost nothing.
– orange and black striped knit fabric or an old turtleneck sweater, 36×28 in. – orange felt, for the pumpkin patch – black felt, for the jack-o’-lantern face – green ribbon, for the pumpkin stem – fabric glue or needle and thread – scissors
Instructions
Cut off the turtleneck just enough so it’s snug but not so much it covers the legs. The ribbed collar can be folded down into the orange turtleneck, so it sits high enough to keep little necks nice and warm on chilly trick or treat nights.
Cut a pumpkin shape from orange felt, his eyes and a jagged smile from black felt and glue them on. Glue the green ribbon stem on top and glue the whole lot to the left side of the sweater.
The snug fit is ideal for no slipping or bunching while walking so your dog can stay comfy and the costume looking picture-perfect all night.
My cousin had this made for her chihuahua last year. She got stopped on the street by strangers three times!
If you like making things for your pup, check out these 7 Adorable DIY Dog Clothes Ideas to Try!
Prep Time: 5 min | Active Project Time: 40 min | Difficulty: Easy
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @pawprincesszoe
#6: The “Good Guys” Chucky Doll Costume (English Bulldog Edition — But Works on Any Stocky Pup)
Oh, that knowing look your golden gets when she’s onto something but can’t quite figure out what. That’s what this costume feels like. Pure Halloween chaos.
Materials & Tools: Blue denim overalls (dog size medium or large) Red and white striped long-sleeve dog shirt Shaggy brown wig (fits 10-14″ head) Foam knife prop (approx 8″) Red fabric paint Small brush Velcro strips or snaps
Instructions
Slap the striped shirt on underneath the overalls first so that the costume won’t bunch up on the dog. Add the foam knife with a couple of Velcro strips to the left shoulder strap so that it will stay upright. Fasten the wig under the chin with the elastic band sewn into it. Take a few paintbrush strokes of red fabric paint on the knife and let it dry for 30 minutes before putting it on your dog.
Fit the overalls loosely. (I also wanted to make sure that my dog would not take off the overalls all night. It would be more funny if she does not take off the costume all night so I can take photos of her trick or treating and be hands free).
This apron is embroidered with “Good Dogs” thread. Sew the pocket embroidery yourself.
Prep Time: 35 min | Active Project Time: 15 min | Difficulty Level: Easy
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @mathilde.vhome
#7: The HomeGoods Employee Costume — Your Golden Is Finally Getting That Promotion
your golden is sitting on the couch tail wagging, way too proud of himself and you have NOTHING to wear for halloween tomorrow.
Materials & Tools:
– White long-sleeve toddler shirt (size 18–24 months)
– Red fabric apron (cut from felt or buy a mini doll apron)
– HomeGoods logo printed on iron-on transfer paper
– Small red gift bag (4×4 inches)
– Iron, scissors, fabric glue
Instructions
I slid the white shirt over my dog’s front legs first. It keeps them calm and keeps the fabric flat. I ironed the HomeGoods logo onto the red apron before putting anything on my pup. I tied the apron loosely around her chest (never around her neck) so that she stayed comfortable and had plenty of room to breathe.
When taking photos of your dog, it helps to loop the handle of the bag over one of its paws. No more.
i love the fake arms tucked inside your sleeve – it just looks so good.. especially on a neutral couch like yours!
Tuck your arms tighter in, the more cleaner look and grab the shot as fast as possible before the shirt comes off. Trust me on this one.
Prep Time: 20 min | Active Project Time: 5 min | Difficulty Level: Easy
📸 Photo credit: Instagram @shoppedbyashley
The Pro Trick That Makes DIY Dog Costumes Actually Stay On
But here’s what nobody tells you: Having the costume fall off you in the middle of trick-or-treating is not a fabric problem; it’s a fit problem.
Most people measure their dog when he’s standing still. Your golden on the other hand might be a wiggle butt. He might want to run around, do his whole golden thing so measure him while he’s wiggling and jumping around.
My cousin made the most wonderful Hogwarts robe for her lab last year. It fell off three houses down. She measured him sitting like a little gentleman. Never again.
And here is a little pro secret for you, although you may not need it: you should only use elastic at the bottom of the belly band, not the top. Otherwise it may make it a little too snug around the neck and freak your dog out. Put it snug around the belly band and loose around the neck.
Also: hot glue is the enemy of anything that touches your pup’s fur. It tangles when you try to remove it, and your pup will hate you for it.
Test the full costume during a regular walk first. Watch how he moves. Adjust before the big night, not during.
Your Floors Deserve Better Than Golden Retriever Chaos
I’m still trying to decide which mat I want. I’m gonna order it this weekend. Don’t worry about it too much–my floors are ugly right now while you’re reading this!
Start with the door that gets the most mud. For most of us, that’s the back door. One good mat there will mean no more gross paw prints in your kitchen and no more panicking before guests arrive and you realize that you have to mop the floor.
The best part: Once you see how much easier cleanup is, you’ll be wishing you had one in every muddy corner of the house.
Which spot in your home does your golden absolutely destroy the most? Tell us in the comments below.
Amr Mohsen is a software engineer who traded his keyboard for a leash — at least on weekends. His love for dogs inspired him to share what he learns as a dog owner and enthusiast, bringing a detail-oriented, research-driven perspective to every article he writes. If it’s about dogs, he’s probably already looked it up twice.
