Crusader Costume
Channel medieval history with a striking red-and-white Crusader Knight look.
The Crusader Knight is a classic historical costume choice for Halloween, Renaissance faires, and cosplay. Representing the military orders of the High Middle Ages, this iconic look is defined by a bold red cross on a white surcoat layered over chainmail. It is a powerful, recognizable ensemble that balances historical drama with straightforward assembly.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $45–150
Try it on
See yourself as Crusader
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What you need for a Crusader costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Crusader costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
White Crusader Surcoat
A sleeveless white tunic or tabard featuring a large, bold red cross printed or sewn onto the chest.
DIY: Cut a sleeveless tabard from a white bedsheet and paint a large red cross on the chest using fabric paint.
Chainmail Coif and Shirt
A metallic silver mesh hood (coif) and matching long-sleeve shirt to simulate medieval chainmail armor.
DIY: Use a grey or metallic silver knitted sweater, or spray-paint a textured open-weave fabric silver.
Medieval Broadsword and Scabbard
A realistic plastic or foam medieval-style longsword with a simple crossguard and a matching scabbard.
DIY: Cut a sword shape out of sturdy cardboard, reinforce it with a wooden dowel, and wrap it in silver and black duct tape.
Brown Leather Belt
A wide, long brown faux-leather belt with a simple brass or silver buckle to cinch the surcoat at the waist.
DIY: Use any thick brown belt from your closet, fastening it loosely so the excess strap hangs down.
Dark Trousers
Simple, solid black or dark brown fitted pants or leggings to wear underneath the tunic.
DIY: Use a pair of plain black sweatpants or dark jeans with no visible modern branding.
Medieval Boots
Knee-high brown or black faux-leather boots, or matching boot tops worn over regular shoes.
DIY: Wear dark leather work boots and wrap the calves in brown fabric strips to simulate historical leg wraps.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Crusader costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the dark trousers and a plain dark undershirt as your base layer.
- 2
Pull the metallic silver chainmail shirt over your head, followed by the chainmail coif hood.
- 3
Slip the white Crusader surcoat over the chainmail shirt, ensuring the red cross is centered on your chest.
- 4
Wrap the wide brown leather belt around your waist over the surcoat, fastening it snugly and letting the excess strap hang down.
- 5
Tuck your trousers into your knee-high brown boots or secure your faux-leather boot covers over your shoes.
- 6
Slide your broadsword into its scabbard and loop the scabbard onto your belt on your non-dominant side.
Makeup & hair
Keep hair natural or tucked completely inside the chainmail coif. A rugged, weathered look works best; optionally apply a light dusting of brown bronzer or cosmetic dirt to the cheeks and forehead for a battle-worn appearance.
Crusader for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with a medieval queen, a noble lady in a flowing gown, or a fellow Templar knight.
- group
- Assemble a full unit of Knights Templar, Hospitallers (black surcoats with white crosses), and Teutonic Knights (white surcoats with black crosses).
- kids
- A simplified version using a felt tabard with a red cross, a silver fabric hood, and a soft foam sword.
- Plus size
- Look for loose-fitting, open-sided tabards that can be easily adjusted and cinched with a long belt.
- pet
- A white dog coat adorned with a red felt cross on the back.
Tips
- Opt for lightweight fabric or mesh chainmail instead of real metal to stay comfortable and cool during long events.
- Check venue rules regarding prop weapons before bringing a plastic or foam sword to a public event or party.
- Ensure your belt is fastened securely, as it carries the weight of your prop sword and keeps the surcoat from shifting.
- Wear moisture-wicking athletic wear under the chainmail layers to prevent overheating.
Crusader costume FAQ
- What is the difference between a Templar and a Crusader?
- The Knights Templar were a specific, highly organized monastic military order within the broader Crusader movement. Templars are famous for wearing white surcoats with red crosses, which is the most popular visual style for a generic Crusader costume.
- How can I make a cheap DIY Crusader costume?
- You can make a simple surcoat by cutting a head hole and armholes into a white flat bedsheet, then drawing or painting a large red cross on the front. Pair it with dark pants, a brown belt, and a cardboard sword wrapped in foil.
- Is a Crusader costume hot to wear?
- It can be warm due to the multiple layers. To stay cool, choose costume chainmail made of lightweight silver-painted mesh fabric rather than heavy knitted yarn or actual metal rings.
Did you know? The iconic red cross worn by the Crusaders was originally granted to the Knights Templar by Pope Eugenius III in 1147 to symbolize their willingness to suffer martyrdom.