Butterfly Catcher Costume
Net the perfect whimsical look with this easy, adventurous costume.
The butterfly catcher is a classic, whimsical costume choice that channels the spirit of an old-school field entomologist. Perfect for solo dress-up or as part of a charming couples costume, this look relies on practical outdoor gear and colorful butterfly accents. The entire outfit is built around a utility vest, a safari sun hat, and a signature mesh butterfly net.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $25–60
Try it on
See yourself as Butterfly Catcher
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What you need for a Butterfly Catcher costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Butterfly Catcher costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Khaki utility vest
A multi-pocket outdoor or fishing vest in khaki, tan, or beige.
DIY: Use a plain tan t-shirt or an old beige button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up.
Safari bucket hat
A wide-brimmed khaki sun hat or bucket hat, preferably with a chin strap.
DIY: Any neutral-colored baseball cap or straw sun hat you already own.
Butterfly net
A lightweight, long-handled mesh net, typically with a green or white wire frame.
DIY: Attach a loop of wire coat hanger covered in green tulle or mesh to a wooden dowel.
Artificial butterflies
A pack of colorful faux feather or plastic craft butterflies with wire or clip attachments.
DIY: Cut butterfly shapes out of colorful construction paper or felt.
Khaki shorts or trousers
Comfortable cargo shorts, chinos, or hiking pants in tan, brown, or olive green.
DIY: Any pair of neutral-colored shorts or denim jeans from your closet.
Hiking boots or sneakers
Sturdy brown hiking boots, work boots, or simple canvas sneakers.
DIY: Any comfortable walking shoes or sneakers.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Butterfly Catcher costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on your base outfit of khaki shorts or trousers and a neutral t-shirt.
- 2
Layer the khaki utility vest over your shirt, leaving it unzipped or unbuttoned.
- 3
Attach several artificial butterflies to your utility vest, hat, and shoulders using safety pins, clips, or wire.
- 4
Place some extra faux butterflies inside the mesh of your butterfly net so they look freshly caught.
- 5
Put on the safari bucket hat, adjusting the chin strap so it hangs loosely.
- 6
Lace up your hiking boots or sneakers.
- 7
Carry the butterfly net in one hand as your primary prop.
Makeup & hair
Keep hair practical and tucked under the hat, or styled in casual braids. Makeup should be minimal and natural, perhaps with a touch of bronze or faux freckles for an outdoorsy, sun-kissed look.
Butterfly Catcher for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with someone dressed as a giant butterfly wearing colorful wings and a floral headband.
- group
- Create an entomology expedition team with multiple catchers, a botanist, and several friends dressed as different insects like bees, ladybugs, and butterflies.
- kids
- Use a child-sized explorer vest, a plastic toy net, and colorful clip-on butterflies for an adorable, lightweight outfit.
- Plus size
- Opt for an open-front utility vest in a relaxed fit paired with comfortable stretch cargo pants.
- pet
- Dress your dog in a small green or yellow butterfly wing harness to accompany you.
Tips
- Secure the butterflies firmly with safety pins or hot glue so they don't fall off while walking.
- Keep the net lightweight; plastic toy nets are much easier to carry around all night than heavy metal ones.
- Use the pockets of your utility vest to hold your phone, wallet, and keys, eliminating the need for a bag.
Butterfly Catcher costume FAQ
- What does a butterfly catcher wear?
- A butterfly catcher typically wears practical, outdoorsy clothing like a khaki utility vest, cargo shorts, a safari sun hat, hiking boots, and carries a mesh butterfly net adorned with colorful faux butterflies.
- How do you make a DIY butterfly catcher costume?
- You can easily assemble this costume using everyday outdoor gear like a beige vest and bucket hat. Buy a cheap toy net and attach colorful craft butterflies to your clothes and hat using safety pins or hot glue.
- Is this a good couples costume?
- Yes! It is a highly popular couples costume where one person dresses as the butterfly catcher and the other wears vibrant butterfly wings and antennae.
Did you know? The scientific study of insects is called entomology, and amateur butterfly collecting became a massive, highly fashionable hobby during the Victorian era.