Hornet Costume
Protect Hallownest in style with this iconic Hollow Knight look.
This guide focuses on Hornet, the fierce protector and princess of Hallownest from the hit indie game Hollow Knight. Highly popular among gamers and cosplayers, this striking look is defined by a vibrant red cloak, a stark white two-horned mask, and her signature needle weapon. It is a visually stunning yet highly accessible costume for conventions and Halloween.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~90 min
- Budget
- $30–90
Try it on
See yourself as Hornet
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 Hornet costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Hornet costume — one box instead of 4 pieces.
Red Cloak or Poncho
A vibrant red or deep magenta draped cloak or poncho that covers the shoulders and torso.
DIY: Cut a circle out of a piece of red fleece fabric, adding a neck hole and a front slit.
White Horned Mask
A smooth white mask featuring two large, upward-curving horns and black almond-shaped eye cutouts.
DIY: Cut the mask shape out of white EVA foam, heat-bend the horns, and glue a strap to the back.
Black Bodysuit
A simple black long-sleeve bodysuit or a matching black shirt and leggings to represent insectoid limbs.
DIY: Use a black long-sleeve t-shirt and black leggings you already own.
Needle Sword Prop
A large, stylized silver needle-shaped sword with a hollow loop at the pommel.
DIY: Carve the needle shape from a lightweight foam board and paint it metallic silver.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Hornet costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the black bodysuit or the black long-sleeve shirt and leggings to establish the dark base layer.
- 2
Drape the red cloak or poncho over your shoulders, securing it comfortably at the neck.
- 3
Adjust the cloak so it flows evenly around your torso, leaving your arms free to hold your prop.
- 4
Put on the white horned mask, adjusting the elastic strap so it sits securely on your face.
- 5
Carry your silver needle prop, holding it by the handle or slinging it across your back with a grey cord.
Makeup & hair
Since this costume uses a full-face mask, no hair styling is needed. You can apply black makeup around your eyes to help them blend into the dark eye cutouts of the mask.
Hornet for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with someone dressed as The Knight, wearing a grey cloak and a rounder, two-horned white mask.
- group
- Form a Hollow Knight team with characters like Quirrel, the Hollow Knight, and Grub.
- kids
- Use a lightweight red fleece poncho and a soft felt mask for a comfortable, kid-friendly version.
- Plus size
- A wide-cut, oversized red poncho offers a comfortable and flowing fit for any body type.
- pet
- Dress a small pet in a simple red collar cape to match your color scheme.
Tips
- Use black mesh fabric behind the mask's eye cutouts so your eyes are hidden while keeping your vision clear.
- Keep the needle prop lightweight by using foam or hollow PVC pipe so it is easy to carry around all night.
- Wear comfortable black boots or sneakers, as they will blend perfectly into the black base layer.
Hornet costume FAQ
- What is Hornet's weapon called?
- Hornet wields a large, needle-like sword simply referred to as her 'Needle', which she uses in combat alongside silk thread.
- How do you make Hornet's mask?
- You can easily make her mask using white EVA foam sheets, cutting out the two-horned shape, sanding the edges, and adding black mesh over the eye holes.
- Is Hornet's cloak red or pink?
- In Hollow Knight, her cloak is a vibrant, slightly cool-toned red that can sometimes appear magenta or deep pink depending on the game's atmospheric lighting.
Did you know? Hornet is the protagonist of the highly anticipated sequel, Hollow Knight: Silksong, making her one of the indie gaming community's most beloved figures.