How do you make a DIY chimney sweep brush?

You can make one by spray-painting a broom handle black and attaching black cardboard circles or stiff black pipe cleaners to the top in a starburst pattern.

What kind of hat does Bert wear?

Bert wears a dark grey or black newsboy cap, also known as a flat cap or cabbie hat.

How do you do the soot makeup?

Use a dry makeup sponge to dab black eyeshadow or charcoal powder onto your face, blending it out so it looks dusty rather than painted.

AI-generated example

Bert Costume

Step in time with this classic chimney sweep look.

Bert from Mary Poppins is one of Disney's most beloved characters, famous for his cheerful demeanor and catchy musical numbers. Dressing as Bert in his chimney sweep attire is a popular choice for Halloween and Disney-themed events because of its instantly recognizable, nostalgic charm. The look consists of a dark, soot-dusted jacket, a red neckerchief, and his signature chimney sweep brush.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~30 min
Budget: $30–80

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Bert costume — Example look · AI-generated

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What you need for a Bert costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Bert costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.

Shop Bert at Spirit ↗

Dark grey or black flat cap
A classic wool or cotton newsboy cap, slightly weathered.
DIY: Use an old dark-colored flat cap and dust it with baby powder or grey chalk.
Amazon
Red neckerchief
A simple red cotton bandana or scarf tied loosely around the neck.
DIY: Cut a strip of red fabric from an old t-shirt.
Amazon
Dark button-up shirt
A grey, blue, or black long-sleeve button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up.
DIY: Use any dark, worn-in button-up shirt from your closet.
Amazon
Dark vest or waistcoat
A sleeveless dark grey, brown, or black vest worn open over the shirt.
DIY: Cut the sleeves off an old dark blazer or sweater.
Amazon
Dark trousers
Black or dark grey straight-leg pants, slightly rolled at the cuffs.
DIY: Use any old pair of dark jeans or chinos.
Amazon
Chimney sweep brush prop
A toy or DIY replica of a circular wire chimney sweep brush on a long pole.
DIY: Attach black pipe cleaners radially to the end of a painted black wooden dowel.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Bert costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Put on the dark button-up shirt and roll the sleeves up to your mid-forearms.
2
Layer the dark vest over the shirt, leaving it unbuttoned for a casual, working-class look.
3
Put on the dark trousers and pair them with dark work boots or sturdy leather shoes.
4
Tie the red neckerchief loosely around your neck, securing it with a simple knot.
5
Place the newsboy cap on your head, tilting it slightly to one side.
6
Apply black face paint or cosmetic soot to your cheeks, nose, and hands to mimic chimney dust.
7
Carry the chimney sweep brush prop to complete the iconic silhouette.

Makeup & hair

Keep hair tucked mostly under the flat cap. Use black cream makeup, charcoal powder, or dark eyeshadow smudged onto your cheeks, nose, forehead, and hands to create a realistic soot-stained appearance.

Bert for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair with Mary Poppins in her classic blue coat or white jolly holiday dress.
group: Add more chimney sweeps in matching soot-stained outfits to form a 'Step in Time' dance troupe.
kids: A miniature version with a flat cap, red scarf, and a small cardboard brush prop.
Plus size: Choose loose-fitting, comfortable dark trousers and an open vest for an easy, adjustable fit.
pet: A small black dog wearing a tiny red collar bandana and a miniature felt flat cap.

Tips

Don't overdo the soot; keep it smudged and patchy so it looks like real coal dust rather than solid paint.
Wear comfortable boots, especially if you plan on recreating Bert's energetic dance steps.
Keep the brush prop lightweight, especially if carrying it around a crowded party all night.
For a cleaner alternative, you can dress as Bert in his red-and-white striped 'Jolly Holiday' carousel suit.

Bert costume FAQ

How do you make a DIY chimney sweep brush?: You can make one by spray-painting a broom handle black and attaching black cardboard circles or stiff black pipe cleaners to the top in a starburst pattern.
What kind of hat does Bert wear?: Bert wears a dark grey or black newsboy cap, also known as a flat cap or cabbie hat.
How do you do the soot makeup?: Use a dry makeup sponge to dab black eyeshadow or charcoal powder onto your face, blending it out so it looks dusty rather than painted.

Did you know? Dick Van Dyke famously played both Bert and the elderly bank director, Mr. Dawes Senior, in the 1964 film.