Harriet Tubman Costume
Honor a legendary American hero with an authentic, respectful historical costume.
Harriet Tubman was a heroic abolitionist, Union scout, and activist who led dozens of enslaved people to freedom via the Underground Railroad. This costume is a popular choice for school presentations, Black History Month, and historical events. The look is defined by a modest 19th-century long dress, a warm shawl, and a headwrap or hair pulled into a low bun.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~20 min
- Budget
- $25–75
Try it on
See yourself as Harriet Tubman
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What you need for a Harriet Tubman costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Harriet Tubman costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Long dark dress or skirt
An ankle-length long-sleeved dress or a matching skirt and blouse combo in black, dark brown, or deep navy blue.
DIY: Pair a long black maxi skirt with a long-sleeved black button-down shirt.
White collar or jabot
A simple white collar, lace jabot, or white scarf tucked into the neckline to mimic 1800s modesty.
DIY: Fold a piece of white fabric or ribbon around the neckline of the dress.
Patterned shawl
A knitted, crocheted, or woven shawl in muted tones like brown, gray, or plaid, draped over the shoulders.
DIY: Use a small, dark-colored throw blanket or pashmina scarf draped over your shoulders.
Headwrap or bandana
A solid-colored or plaid headscarf tied securely around the head, or a dark bonnet.
DIY: Tie a dark-colored cotton bandana or fabric scrap around your hair.
Vintage lantern
A classic metal oil-style lantern prop to symbolize her night journeys on the Underground Railroad.
DIY: Use a battery-operated rustic lantern or carry a rolled-up paper map.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Harriet Tubman costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the long-sleeved dark dress or the matching black skirt and blouse combination.
- 2
Attach the white detachable collar to the neckline, or tuck a white scarf neatly into the collar of the shirt.
- 3
Drape the patterned knit shawl over your shoulders, securing it in the front with a vintage brooch or safety pin if needed.
- 4
Style your hair into a low bun, or wrap the cotton headscarf snugly around your head, tying it at the nape of the neck.
- 5
Put on simple, dark-colored flat shoes or boots.
- 6
Pick up the vintage lantern prop to complete the historical look.
Makeup & hair
Keep makeup minimal and natural. Hair should be parted down the middle and pulled back into a neat, low bun, or fully covered with a dark cotton headwrap.
Harriet Tubman for couples, groups, kids & more
- group
- Pair with other historical figures of the abolitionist movement, such as Frederick Douglass.
- kids
- Use a simple black long-sleeved dress, a white felt collar, a plaid scarf, and a small plastic lantern.
- Plus size
- A loose-fitting black maxi dress or an elastic-waist long skirt paired with a dark button-up shirt offers a comfortable, historically accurate fit.
Tips
- Choose flat, comfortable boots or walking shoes, as Harriet Tubman traveled long distances on foot.
- For outdoor events, the heavy shawl is highly practical and will keep you warm.
- Keep props simple; a vintage-style lantern or a rolled-up canvas map are the most recognizable and respectful accessories.
- Opt for matte, durable fabrics like cotton, wool, or linen rather than shiny synthetic materials to maintain historical accuracy.
Harriet Tubman costume FAQ
- What did Harriet Tubman typically wear?
- She wore practical, modest 19th-century clothing, typically consisting of a long-sleeved dark dress, a white collar, a protective headwrap or bonnet, and a warm shawl for travel.
- How do I make a DIY Harriet Tubman costume for a school project?
- You can easily assemble this using a long black skirt, a black long-sleeved shirt, a white fabric scrap tucked in as a collar, a draped winter scarf as a shawl, and a tied bandana on your head.
- What props should I use for a Harriet Tubman costume?
- A vintage-style lantern is the best prop, symbolizing her guiding people to freedom at night. A rolled-up map or a rustic walking stick also work well.
Did you know? During the American Civil War, Harriet Tubman served as an armed scout and spy for the Union Army, becoming the first woman to lead an armed assault during the Combahee Ferry Raid, which liberated over 700 enslaved people.