Bearded Lady Costume
Embrace vintage circus glamour with a bold, beautifully bearded sideshow look.
The Bearded Lady is a classic circus sideshow archetype made famous by historic 19th-century performers and modern films like The Greatest Showman. This costume blends elegant Victorian-era showmanship with a prominent, realistic fake beard. It is a unique, memorable choice that perfectly balances vintage glamour with a touch of humor.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $35–90
Try it on
See yourself as Bearded Lady
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.
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Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a Bearded Lady costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Bearded Lady costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Realistic Fake Beard
A full, realistic black or brown fake beard and mustache set made of synthetic fibers, attached via elastic straps or spirit gum.
DIY: Hot-glue strips of dark brown yarn or crepe wool onto a custom-cut felt backing, then attach an elastic band to loop over your ears.
Circus or Victorian Dress
A satin halter dress, striped ringmaster-style gown, or a jewel-toned velvet corset dress.
DIY: Pair a dark velvet corset or vest with a striped maxi skirt from a thrift store.
Mini Top Hat or Feathered Headband
A small black top hat mounted on a headband, decorated with feathers or red ribbon.
DIY: Glue a small cardstock cylinder painted black onto a standard headband and add a craft feather.
Vintage Hand Mirror
An ornate, antique-style handheld mirror used as a classic performance prop.
DIY: Paint a plastic hand mirror with metallic gold or bronze spray paint and scuff it for an antique look.
Lace-Up Boots
Black Victorian-style lace-up boots or low-heeled ankle boots.
DIY: Wear standard black ankle boots with long black laces wrapped around the ankles.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Bearded Lady costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the Victorian-style circus dress or corset-and-skirt combination.
- 2
Style your hair into an elegant updo or voluminous vintage curls, leaving room for your headpiece.
- 3
Secure the mini top hat headband or feathered headpiece into your hair.
- 4
Apply your makeup, focusing on dramatic winged eyeliner, rosy cheeks, and a bold red lipstick.
- 5
Apply the fake beard, adjusting the elastic straps under your hair or securing the edges with cosmetic spirit gum for a seamless look.
- 6
Put on your lace-up boots and pick up your vintage hand mirror to complete the sideshow aesthetic.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair in a high Victorian updo or soft vintage curls, accented with a feathered headband. Apply dramatic stage makeup featuring winged eyeliner, rosy cheeks, and a bold red lip that stands out just above the beard line.
Bearded Lady for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with a vintage Circus Ringmaster or a Strongman wearing a red-and-white striped singlet.
- group
- Create a vintage sideshow troupe with a Ringmaster, Strongman, Fortune Teller, and Trapeze Artist.
- kids
- A striped satin dress paired with a soft, lightweight brown felt beard on a comfortable elastic band.
- Plus size
- An A-line halter dress with a lace-up corset back offers an adjustable, comfortable, and flattering fit.
- pet
- A red-and-white striped pet ruff collar paired with a small, lightweight faux-fur beard strap.
Tips
- If using spirit gum to attach the beard, make sure to buy spirit gum remover for easy, pain-free removal at the end of the night.
- Keep a flexible straw handy so you can drink beverages easily without getting synthetic beard fibers in your mouth.
- Opt for a dress with a bit of stretch or an elastic waist if you plan on walking or dancing at a party.
Bearded Lady costume FAQ
- How do I keep the fake beard from falling off?
- Use cosmetic-grade spirit gum adhesive along your jawline for a secure hold, or choose a beard with a sturdy, adjustable elastic band that hides under your hair.
- What kind of dress works best for a Bearded Lady?
- A Victorian-style gown, a striped circus performer dress, or a velvet corset dress captures the authentic 19th-century sideshow aesthetic.
- Can I make a DIY beard?
- Yes, you can craft a DIY beard by hot-gluing faux fur, yarn, or crepe wool onto a felt backing cut to fit your face, then attaching an elastic strap.
Did you know? Historically, famous bearded ladies like Annie Jones and Madame Clofullia were celebrated international celebrities who toured with P.T. Barnum's circus.