What do you need for a DIY burglar costume?

You only need a black-and-white striped shirt, black pants, a black beanie, a black eye mask, black gloves, and a canvas bag with a dollar sign drawn on it.

How do you make a DIY money bag prop?

Take a plain canvas bag, pillowcase, or burlap sack, and use a thick black permanent marker or fabric paint to draw a large dollar sign ($) on the front.

Is a burglar costume comfortable for parties?

Yes, it is one of the most comfortable costumes because it uses standard everyday clothing like t-shirts, jeans, and beanies.

AI-generated example

Burglar Costume

Steal the spotlight in this classic, easy-to-assemble striped bandit look.

The classic burglar is a timeless, lighthearted costume choice that is instantly recognizable and incredibly easy to put together. Perfect for last-minute parties, this look relies on a simple black-and-white striped aesthetic paired with classic criminal props. Best of all, it is comfortable, budget-friendly, and works for all ages.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~15 min
Budget: $15–40

See yourself as Burglar →What you need Buy the Burglar costume

Try it on

See yourself as Burglar

One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.

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One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.

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Burglar costume — Example look · AI-generated

You as Burglar

Result

What you need for a Burglar costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

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

Shop Burglar at Spirit ↗

Striped long-sleeve shirt
A classic crewneck long-sleeve shirt with horizontal black and white stripes.
DIY: Use a plain white long-sleeve shirt and draw horizontal stripes across it with a thick black fabric marker.
Amazon
Black eye mask
A simple black felt or fabric domino mask that covers the eyes and ties in the back.
DIY: Cut a classic mask shape out of black felt or cardstock and attach a piece of black elastic string.
Amazon
Black beanie
A snug-fitting, plain black knit beanie or watch cap.
Amazon
Canvas money bag
A small canvas or burlap drawstring sack with a large black dollar sign ($) printed or drawn on the front.
DIY: Take a plain canvas drawstring bag or pillowcase, and draw a large dollar sign on the front with a black permanent marker.
Amazon
Black gloves
Simple, lightweight black stretch gloves or cotton jersey gloves.
Amazon
Black pants
Comfortable plain black jeans, leggings, or trousers.
DIY: Use any pair of dark black pants or leggings already in your closet.
Amazon

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

How to put it together

1
Put on the plain black pants and the black-and-white striped long-sleeve shirt.
2
Tuck the shirt in or leave it loose depending on your preferred fit.
3
Pull the black knit beanie down securely over your forehead and ears.
4
Tie the black domino eye mask over your eyes, ensuring the eyeholes align comfortably for clear vision.
5
Slip on the black gloves to complete the stealthy look.
6
Fill your canvas money bag with lightweight crumpled paper or fake play money, then hold it by the drawstring.

Makeup & hair

Keep hair tucked completely inside the black beanie for a sleek, incognito look. No complex makeup is needed, though you can add a bit of dark eyeshadow around the eyes under the mask for a more dramatic, shadowy effect.

Burglar for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair up as a duo of bank robbers, or have one person dress as a police officer chasing the burglar.
group: Form a whole heist crew with matching striped shirts, beanies, and numbered inmate tags, or carry different loot props.
kids: A highly popular and comfortable choice for kids; use a soft cotton striped tee, a felt mask, and a small felt candy bag.
Plus size: This look is highly adaptable; choose a relaxed-fit striped tee or sweatshirt and comfortable black stretch pants.
pet: Dress your dog in a small black-and-white striped tee and attach a tiny felt money bag to their collar.

Tips

Stuff the money bag with tissue paper or bubble wrap so it looks full without being heavy to carry around all night.
Wear comfortable black sneakers, as you will be on your feet and 'on the run' during your event.
If attending an outdoor event, layer a black thermal shirt underneath the striped shirt to stay warm.
For fun photos, strike a sneaky, tip-toeing pose while clutching your money bag over your shoulder.

Burglar costume FAQ

What do you need for a DIY burglar costume?: You only need a black-and-white striped shirt, black pants, a black beanie, a black eye mask, black gloves, and a canvas bag with a dollar sign drawn on it.
How do you make a DIY money bag prop?: Take a plain canvas bag, pillowcase, or burlap sack, and use a thick black permanent marker or fabric paint to draw a large dollar sign ($) on the front.
Is a burglar costume comfortable for parties?: Yes, it is one of the most comfortable costumes because it uses standard everyday clothing like t-shirts, jeans, and beanies.

Did you know? The iconic striped shirt and eye mask look originates from early 20th-century comic strips and silent films, which used highly simplified, high-contrast outfits so audiences could instantly identify the 'bad guy' on low-resolution screens.