Crab Costume
Scuttle into the party with claws, eye stalks, and vibrant red style.
The crab costume is a classic, lighthearted choice for Halloween, school plays, or ocean-themed parties. Known for its bright red color, oversized claws, and goofy stalk eyes, this look is instantly recognizable and always brings a smile. Whether you build it yourself using comfortable red layers or buy a ready-to-wear tunic, it is a fun and easy option for all ages.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~20 min
- Budget
- $20–60
Try it on
See yourself as Crab
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
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Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a Crab costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Crab costume — one box instead of 4 pieces.
Red hooded sweatshirt or tunic
A bright red, solid-colored hooded sweatshirt or a simple red sleeveless tunic to serve as the crab's body.
DIY: Use an oversized red t-shirt and cut the sleeves off to wear over a long-sleeved red shirt.
Red crab claw mittens
Oversized, padded red mittens shaped like crab claws that slip over your hands.
DIY: Cut claw shapes out of red felt, sew or fabric-glue the edges together, and stuff them lightly with cotton batting.
Googly eye stalks
Large white and black eyes attached to sturdy red pipe cleaners or foam tubes on a headband or the hood.
DIY: Glue large white foam balls with painted black pupils onto thick red chenille stems and secure them to a plastic headband.
Red leggings or sweatpants
Comfortable, solid red pants or leggings to complete the monochromatic crustacean look.
DIY: Use any plain black or red pants you already own.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Crab costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the red leggings or sweatpants and the red hooded sweatshirt to establish your bright red base.
- 2
Secure your eye stalks by putting on the crab headband or pulling up the decorated hood of your sweatshirt.
- 3
Slip your hands into the oversized red crab claw mittens.
- 4
If you want extra legs, safety-pin four stuffed red socks or fabric tubes to the sides of your sweatshirt to mimic walking legs.
- 5
Finish the look with comfortable red or black sneakers.
Makeup & hair
Keep your hair tucked back under your hood or headband. If desired, apply a touch of red face paint to your cheeks or nose for a playful, cartoonish touch.
Crab for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with a lobster, a mermaid, or a fisherman for a classic under-the-sea duo.
- group
- Create a full seafood boil or ocean crew with lobsters, clams, sharks, and scuba divers.
- kids
- Use a red fleece onesie with felt claws sewn onto the wrists and felt eyes glued to the hood.
- Plus size
- A loose-fitting red tunic or an inflatable crab suit offers a comfortable, flexible fit for all body types.
- pet
- A simple red harness with soft felt claws and a small headband with googly eyes.
Tips
- Ensure your claw mittens are easy to slip off so you can eat, drink, or use your phone during the event.
- If making DIY eye stalks, use sturdy wire or pipe cleaners so they stand upright and do not flop forward.
- For outdoor events, layer warm clothes underneath the red sweatshirt and sweatpants.
Crab costume FAQ
- How do I make DIY crab claws?
- Cut claw shapes out of red felt or poster board, sew or glue the edges together leaving the bottom open, and stuff them lightly with cotton batting.
- What should I wear under a crab costume?
- Wear comfortable, breathable red or black layers like a t-shirt and leggings to stay comfortable under the tunic.
- How do I make the crab eyes stand up?
- Attach large foam balls or felt eyes to thick chenille stems or wire, then wrap the base securely around a sturdy plastic headband.
Did you know? Crabs are famous for 'carcinisation,' a biological phenomenon where non-crab crustaceans repeatedly evolve into crab-like forms over millions of years.