What characters wear black and white stripes?

Classic options include French mimes, vintage bank robbers, old-school prisoners, and spooky characters like Beetlejuice.

How do I make a quick DIY robber costume?

Wear a black and white striped shirt, black pants, a black beanie, and a black eye mask. Carry a pillowcase with a dollar sign drawn on it in black marker.

What makeup goes best with a striped outfit?

For a mime, use white face paint with black eyeliner details and red lipstick. For other looks, simple everyday makeup or a touch of dark eyeshadow around the eyes works best.

Black and White Striped

Black and White Striped Costume

One pattern, endless possibilities: from classic mime to retro villain.

A black and white striped outfit is one of the most versatile foundations in all of costuming. Whether you want to go as a classic mime, a vintage bank robber, a retro prisoner, or a spooky striped specter, this pattern is instantly recognizable. It is a popular choice because it is incredibly easy to put together using everyday closet staples.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~15 min
Budget: $15–50

See yourself as Black and White Striped →What you need Buy the Black and White Striped costume

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What you need for a Black and White Striped costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Black and White Striped costume — one box instead of 4 pieces.

Shop Black and White Striped at Spirit ↗

Striped shirt or suit
A long-sleeve crewneck shirt with horizontal black and white stripes, or a vertical-striped suit jacket and trousers.
DIY: Use black fabric paint or electrical tape to create even stripes on a plain white shirt.
Amazon
Black pants or skirt
Simple black jeans, trousers, or a black skater skirt to anchor the striped top.
DIY: Use any plain black pants or leggings already in your closet.
Amazon
Mime accessories
A black beret, white cotton gloves, and red suspenders for a classic French mime look.
DIY: Skip the suspenders and use a red bandana tied around the neck.
Amazon
Robber accessories
A black knit beanie, a black felt eye mask, and a canvas bag with a dollar sign drawn on it.
DIY: Cut eyeholes out of a strip of black felt or fabric to tie around your head.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Black and White Striped costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Choose your theme: decide if you are going as a mime, a vintage burglar, a prisoner, or a stylized character.
2
Put on your primary black and white striped garment, ensuring the stripes are clean and highly visible.
3
Add solid black pants, leggings, or a skirt to balance the busy pattern of the stripes.
4
Layer on your theme-specific accessories, such as a beret and gloves for a mime, or a beanie and mask for a robber.
5
If playing a robber, carry a canvas sack as your primary prop; if a mime, prepare a few silent hand gestures.
6
Finish with simple black shoes or boots to keep the focus on the striped pattern.

Makeup & hair

For a mime, apply white face paint over the entire face, draw dramatic black diamonds over the eyes, and paint the lips solid red. For a robber or prisoner, keep makeup minimal or add a light layer of faux dirt smudges to the cheeks.

Black and White Striped for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: One person dresses as a vintage bank robber with a money bag, while the other dresses as a police officer in a classic blue uniform.
group: Form a full chain gang of prisoners in matching black and white stripes, led by one person dressed as a prison warden.
kids: A striped shirt paired with a small black mask and a mini canvas bag makes an adorable, comfortable, and warm trick-or-treating outfit.
Plus size: Vertical stripes on a suit or dress offer a classic, tailored silhouette that is highly flattering and comfortable.
pet: A simple black and white striped dog sweater paired with a tiny felt robber mask attached to the collar.

Tips

Keep the rest of the outfit solid black or solid white so the stripes remain the clear focal point.
If using tape for DIY stripes, use flexible fabric tape or electrical tape so the garment can stretch naturally as you move.
For outdoor events, a striped knit sweater or long-sleeve shirt layers perfectly over thermal underwear.
Take photos against a solid, brightly colored background to make the graphic black and white pattern pop.

Black and White Striped costume FAQ

What characters wear black and white stripes?: Classic options include French mimes, vintage bank robbers, old-school prisoners, and spooky characters like Beetlejuice.
How do I make a quick DIY robber costume?: Wear a black and white striped shirt, black pants, a black beanie, and a black eye mask. Carry a pillowcase with a dollar sign drawn on it in black marker.
What makeup goes best with a striped outfit?: For a mime, use white face paint with black eyeliner details and red lipstick. For other looks, simple everyday makeup or a touch of dark eyeshadow around the eyes works best.

Did you know? The black and white striped prisoner uniform was introduced in the United States during the 19th century to make escaping inmates instantly recognizable to the public.