What is the traditional Jewish costume called?

The traditional attire of Hasidic Jewish men typically includes a long black coat (kapote or rekel), a black hat (fedora or shtreimel), and a prayer shawl (tallit).

Is it appropriate to wear a Rabbi costume?

Wearing a Rabbi costume is highly common and traditional during the Jewish holiday of Purim, where dressing up in costume is a celebrated custom.

How do you make DIY payot sidecurls?

You can make them by wrapping dark brown yarn or synthetic hair around a curling iron or pencil, securing the shape with hairspray, and pinning them inside a black hat.

AI-generated example

Jewish Costume

Recreate a traditional Hasidic Rabbi look with classic garments and accessories.

The traditional Rabbi costume is modeled after historical and orthodox Hasidic attire, featuring a long black coat, a wide-brimmed hat, and symbolic accessories. It is frequently worn during the Jewish festival of Purim, where dressing up in costume is a central tradition, as well as for theatrical performances. This guide helps you assemble the classic look using simple, respectful components.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~15 min
Budget: $30–80

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What you need for a Jewish costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Jewish costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.

Shop Jewish at Spirit ↗

Long black coat or kapote
A knee-length or ankle-length black button-up coat or trench coat.
DIY: Use a long black bathrobe or an oversized black dress coat.
Amazon
Black wide-brimmed fedora hat
A structured black felt or wool hat with a wide brim.
DIY: Modify an existing black sun hat or fedora by stiffening the brim.
Amazon
Payot (sidecurls)
Two long, curled locks of dark hair attached to the hat or worn over the ears.
DIY: Curl brown or black yarn around a pencil, set with hairspray, and attach to the inside of the hat.
Amazon
White dress shirt
A standard white button-down collared shirt worn under the coat.
DIY: Use any plain white collared shirt from your closet.
Amazon
Tallit (prayer shawl) or white scarf
A white shawl with black or blue horizontal stripes and fringed edges, worn around the neck.
DIY: Take a long white fabric strip and draw black horizontal stripes near the ends with a fabric marker.
Amazon
Full dark beard
A synthetic brown or black costume beard that hooks behind the ears.
DIY: Use dark brown face paint to stipple a heavy beard look, or omit if you have natural facial hair.
Amazon

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

How to put it together

1
Put on the white collared dress shirt and a pair of dark trousers.
2
Layer the long black coat over the shirt and button it up.
3
Drape the striped white shawl or scarf evenly around your neck so it hangs down the front of the coat.
4
Secure the fake beard around your ears, adjusting it to fit comfortably over your chin.
5
Attach the payot sidecurls to the inside band of the black fedora, ensuring they hang down in front of your ears.
6
Place the black fedora firmly on your head and adjust the sidecurls so they frame your face.

Makeup & hair

Keep makeup natural. If not using a fake beard, natural facial hair is ideal. Ensure the payot sidecurls hang visibly in front of the ears, beneath the brim of the hat.

Jewish for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair with a traditional modest dress consisting of a long-sleeved maxi dress and a matching headscarf (tichel).
group: Assemble a group in matching black coats and hats to represent a traditional community gathering.
kids: Use a smaller black jacket, a felt fedora, and a simple striped scarf for a comfortable kids' Purim outfit.
Plus size: Opt for an open-front black duster cardigain or an unbuttoned trench coat for a comfortable, adjustable fit.

Tips

Choose lightweight fabrics for the black coat if you plan to wear the costume indoors or in warm weather.
Ensure the fake beard is secured with comfortable elastic to prevent it from slipping while talking.
For Purim celebrations, focus on bright, festive accessories to match the holiday spirit.

Jewish costume FAQ

What is the traditional Jewish costume called?: The traditional attire of Hasidic Jewish men typically includes a long black coat (kapote or rekel), a black hat (fedora or shtreimel), and a prayer shawl (tallit).
Is it appropriate to wear a Rabbi costume?: Wearing a Rabbi costume is highly common and traditional during the Jewish holiday of Purim, where dressing up in costume is a celebrated custom.
How do you make DIY payot sidecurls?: You can make them by wrapping dark brown yarn or synthetic hair around a curling iron or pencil, securing the shape with hairspray, and pinning them inside a black hat.

Did you know? Dressing up in costume is a central tradition of the Jewish holiday Purim, celebrating the saving of the Jewish people from a plot to destroy them in the ancient Persian Empire.