What do you need for a Grim Reaper costume?

The essential items are a long black hooded robe, a toy scythe prop, and a skull mask or skeleton gloves.

How do you make a DIY Grim Reaper scythe?

You can cut a curved blade shape out of cardboard, paint it silver, and tape it securely to the end of a broomstick or wooden dowel.

Is the Grim Reaper costume hard to put together?

No, it is one of the easiest classic costumes to assemble, requiring only a few ready-made pieces or basic black clothing.

Grim reaper costume youth

Use a shorter, flame-resistant black robe and a lightweight, flexible foam scythe for safety.

AI-generated example

Grim Reaper Costume

Bring the ultimate symbol of mortality to life this Halloween.

The Grim Reaper is one of the most iconic and enduring symbols of Halloween. People choose this classic archetype because it is instantly recognizable, genuinely eerie, and incredibly easy to put together. The look consists of a long, flowing black hooded robe, a skeletal face or mask, and the character's signature harvesting tool: a large scythe.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~15 min
Budget: $20–60

See yourself as Grim Reaper →What you need Buy the Grim Reaper costume

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Grim Reaper costume — Example look · AI-generated

You as Grim Reaper

Result

What you need for a Grim Reaper costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Grim Reaper costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.

Shop Grim Reaper at Spirit ↗

Black hooded robe
A floor-length, loose-fitting black robe with wide, draping sleeves and an oversized hood.
DIY: Use a long black bedsheet or fabric draped over your shoulders and pinned at the neck, paired with a black hoodie.
Amazon
Toy scythe prop
A plastic prop featuring a long dark staff and a curved, silver-painted blade.
DIY: Cut a curved blade shape out of cardboard, paint it silver, and tape or hot-glue it to the end of a broom handle.
Amazon
Skull mask or face cover
A realistic plastic skull mask or a black mesh fabric mask that obscures your facial features.
DIY: Use black and white face paint to draw a skeletal face directly onto your skin.
Amazon
Skeleton gloves
Black fabric gloves printed with white hand and finger bone graphics.
DIY: Use a white fabric marker or acrylic paint to draw bone shapes onto a pair of plain black gloves.
Amazon
Black boots
Any simple, dark-colored boots or shoes to keep the outfit cohesive.
DIY: Wear any dark sneakers or shoes you already own.
Amazon

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

How to put it together

1
Put on a base layer of comfortable black clothing, such as a long-sleeve shirt and pants.
2
Slip into the black hooded robe and secure any ties or buttons at the neck.
3
Put on the skull mask or black mesh face cover, ensuring you have clear visibility.
4
Pull the oversized hood forward over your head to cast your face in deep shadow.
5
Pull on the skeleton gloves to cover your hands completely.
6
Assemble the plastic scythe prop by screwing the pole segments together, and hold it firmly in one hand.

Makeup & hair

If you choose to skip the mask, apply white face paint over your entire face and use black face paint to create hollowed-out circles around your eyes and nose. Slick your hair back or tuck it entirely under a black wig cap before putting on the hood.

Grim Reaper for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair up with a partner dressed as 'Life' (wearing white with flowers) or go as a matching pair of Reapers.
group: Form a 'Reaper Crew' with friends wearing different colored robes, such as red, white, and black.
kids: Use a shorter, flame-resistant black robe and a lightweight, flexible foam scythe for safety.
Plus size: Look for oversized cloaks or robes with wide, flowing sleeves that offer a comfortable, unrestricted fit.
pet: Dress a pet in a small black cape with a tiny felt scythe attached safely to their harness.

More ways people search for this costume

The most-searched variations of “Grim Reaper costume”, and how this look adapts to each.

Grim reaper costume youth: Use a shorter, flame-resistant black robe and a lightweight, flexible foam scythe for safety.

Tips

Ensure the hem of the robe is pinned or hemmed slightly above the ground so you do not trip while walking.
Choose a plastic scythe that disassembles into smaller pieces for easy transport and storage.
If wearing a full face mask, make sure it has adequate breathing holes and clear visibility before heading out in the dark.

Grim Reaper costume FAQ

What do you need for a Grim Reaper costume?: The essential items are a long black hooded robe, a toy scythe prop, and a skull mask or skeleton gloves.
How do you make a DIY Grim Reaper scythe?: You can cut a curved blade shape out of cardboard, paint it silver, and tape it securely to the end of a broomstick or wooden dowel.
Is the Grim Reaper costume hard to put together?: No, it is one of the easiest classic costumes to assemble, requiring only a few ready-made pieces or basic black clothing.

Did you know? The personification of death as the Grim Reaper, carrying a scythe to 'harvest' human souls, became popular in Europe during the Black Death pandemic of the 14th century.