How can I make a DIY kids clown costume last-minute?

Dress your child in bright, mismatched clothing, add suspenders, paint a red circle on their nose with lipstick, and make a quick collar out of coffee filters or tulle.

What is the best makeup to use for a child's clown costume?

Use water-based face paint instead of oil-based greasepaint. It dries quickly, doesn't smudge as easily, and washes off easily with warm water and soap.

Are foam clown noses safe for toddlers?

Foam noses are generally safe but can be a choking hazard if chewed on. For toddlers, it is safer to paint a red nose using hypoallergenic face paint.

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Kids Clown Costumes

Bring circus fun or spooky thrills to life with colorful clown styles.

Kids clown costumes are a timeless choice for Halloween, school plays, and dress-up parties because they can range from delightfully silly to spooky. Whether your child wants a classic, bright patchwork circus look or a vintage-inspired creepy aesthetic, this guide covers how to assemble the perfect outfit. The look typically centers on vibrant patterns, oversized collars, and playful accessories like red noses and floppy hats.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~30 min
Budget: $15–45

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40 Kids Clown costume ideas

Ranked by how many people are searching for them this season. Open any one for the full guide and to try it on.

What you need for a Kids Clown Costumes costume

Colorful jumpsuit or patterned set
A bright, oversized jumpsuit featuring polka dots, stripes, or patchwork patterns in primary colors.
DIY: Use an oversized brightly colored t-shirt and sweatpants, then fabric-glue large felt circles onto them as polka dots.
Amazon
Ruffled neck collar
A pleated white or striped neck ruff made of satin or mesh fabric that fastens at the back of the neck.
DIY: Pleat white coffee filters or tulle onto a ribbon and tie it gently around the collar.
Amazon
Red foam clown nose
A classic, soft red foam nose with a slit in the middle to fit comfortably over a child's nose.
DIY: Use red face paint to draw a perfect red circle on the tip of the nose.
Amazon
Miniature top hat or cone hat
A pointed party-style cone hat with pom-poms or a small, colorful top hat attached to a headband.
DIY: Roll cardstock into a cone, decorate it with markers, glue a yarn pom-pom to the top, and attach an elastic chin strap.
Amazon
Oversized shoes or shoe covers
Brightly colored, bulbous shoe covers that slip over regular sneakers to mimic giant clown shoes.
DIY: Wear bright, mismatched high-top sneakers with colorful neon laces.
Amazon

How to put it together

1
Put on the base outfit, ensuring the jumpsuit or patterned pants and shirt fit comfortably over regular undergarments.
2
Secure the ruffled neck collar around the neck, making sure it sits flat over the shoulders and is not too tight.
3
Put on the shoes or slip the oversized colorful shoe covers over your child's regular sneakers.
4
Place the clown hat headband or cone hat securely on the head, adjusting the elastic strap if needed.
5
Apply simple face paint and finish the look by gently placing the red foam nose on your child.

Makeup & hair

Keep it simple and skin-friendly with a painted red nose, rosy red cheeks, and blue triangles painted above and below the eyes. If using a wig, opt for a bright curly rainbow wig, or simply style their natural hair into high pigtails with colorful scrunchies.

Kids Clown Costumes for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair a classic colorful kid clown with a ringmaster costume for an adorable parent-child duo.
group: Create a full backyard circus troupe with a ringmaster, a strongman, a tightrope walker, and multiple clowns.
kids: This guide is tailored for kids; opt for soft fabrics and elastic waistbands to ensure all-day comfort.
Plus size: Choose loose-fitting, elastic-waist jumpsuits or oversized t-shirts with suspenders for an easy, adjustable fit.
pet: Dress a family dog in a simple ruffled collar and a miniature elastic-band clown hat to match.

Tips

Prioritize comfort by choosing soft foam noses over hard plastic ones, as kids are more likely to keep them on.
For cold trick-or-treating weather, layer thermal underwear or a solid-colored long-sleeve shirt underneath the jumpsuit.
Avoid heavy, full-face greasepaint for young children, as it easily smudges onto clothes and can irritate sensitive skin.

Kids Clown Costumes costume FAQ

How can I make a DIY kids clown costume last-minute?: Dress your child in bright, mismatched clothing, add suspenders, paint a red circle on their nose with lipstick, and make a quick collar out of coffee filters or tulle.
What is the best makeup to use for a child's clown costume?: Use water-based face paint instead of oil-based greasepaint. It dries quickly, doesn't smudge as easily, and washes off easily with warm water and soap.
Are foam clown noses safe for toddlers?: Foam noses are generally safe but can be a choking hazard if chewed on. For toddlers, it is safer to paint a red nose using hypoallergenic face paint.

Did you know? The classic red clown nose was popularized in the 19th century by Albert Fratellini, one of the famous Fratellini Brothers circus trio.