Betsy Ross Costume
Stitch together American history with this classic 18th-century colonial look.
Betsy Ross is celebrated in American folklore as the Philadelphia upholsterer who sewed the very first United States flag. This costume is a popular choice for historical reenactments, 4th of July parades, and school projects. The look features a traditional 18th-century colonial dress, a white mop cap, a white apron, and her signature 13-star flag.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~20 min
- Budget
- $30–75
Try it on
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What you need for a Betsy Ross costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Betsy Ross costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Colonial dress
A floor-length, long-sleeved dress in a solid historical color like navy blue, burgundy, or brown, often featuring a white lace collar and cuffs.
DIY: Combine a long, dark maxi skirt with a matching long-sleeve blouse and pin a white lace fabric scrap around the collar.
White apron
A simple white cotton waist apron that ties in the back, reaching down to about the knees.
DIY: Tie a rectangular piece of white fabric or a small white pillowcase around your waist using a white ribbon.
Mop cap
A white, ruffled bonnet-style cap with an elastic band, typical of 18th-century women's headwear.
DIY: Cut a large circle of white fabric, sew a simple channel around the edge, and thread elastic through it to gather it into a cap.
Betsy Ross flag
A small hand-held flag featuring 13 red and white stripes and a circle of 13 five-pointed stars on a blue canton.
DIY: Print the 13-star flag design onto heavy paper or fabric and glue it to a small wooden dowel.
Colonial shoes
Black low-heeled shoes or flats, optionally adorned with a gold or silver square buckle.
DIY: Wear plain black flats and tape a DIY buckle made from gold metallic cardboard onto the top of each shoe.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Betsy Ross costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the long-sleeved colonial dress and smooth out the skirt.
- 2
Tie the white cotton apron securely around your waist over the dress.
- 3
Style your hair back and place the white mop cap over your head, ensuring it covers most of your hair.
- 4
Put on the black flats or buckled colonial shoes.
- 5
Carry the 13-star Betsy Ross flag in one hand, or drape it over your arm as if you are mid-stitch.
Makeup & hair
Keep makeup natural and minimal to match the 18th-century period. Pull your hair back into a low bun or ponytail so it fits easily underneath the white mop cap.
Betsy Ross for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with George Washington in a Continental Army uniform.
- group
- Go as a group of Founding Fathers and colonial figures, including Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson.
- kids
- A simple colonial dress, white apron, and bonnet set scaled for children, perfect for school wax museums.
- Plus size
- Look for colonial dresses with elastic waistbands or lace-up bodices for a comfortable, adjustable fit.
- pet
- A small white ruffle collar and a tiny colonial bonnet for a patriotic pet look.
Tips
- Iron the apron and mop cap beforehand, as cotton wrinkles easily and crisp white fabric makes the costume look polished.
- If you are participating in an outdoor parade, wear comfortable black walking flats instead of period-accurate heels.
- Carry a small sewing basket with a needle and thread as an extra prop to emphasize her role as a seamstress.
Betsy Ross costume FAQ
- What flag did Betsy Ross make?
- She is credited with making the early American flag featuring 13 alternating red and white stripes and 13 five-pointed white stars arranged in a circle on a blue field.
- What kind of hat does Betsy Ross wear?
- She wears a white mop cap, which is a gathered, ruffled cap commonly worn by women in the 18th century to keep their hair clean.
- Is a Betsy Ross costume suitable for school projects?
- Yes, this is a highly popular and school-appropriate costume for historical presentations, wax museums, and Independence Day events.
Did you know? While the story of Betsy Ross sewing the first flag is a beloved piece of American history, there is no archival evidence from 1776 to prove it; the story was first presented to the public by her grandson in 1870.