Mao Mao Costume
Bring the clever apothecary to life with her signature Hanfu style.
This guide focuses on Maomao from the hit anime series The Apothecary Diaries, as supported by popular cosplay trends. Her signature look features a traditional Chinese Hanfu with a distinctive green top and purple skirt. It is a favorite choice for anime fans who appreciate her sharp wit, practical nature, and elegant historical aesthetic.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $45–120
Try it on
See yourself as Mao Mao
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What you need for a Mao Mao costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Mao Mao costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Green Hanfu Top
A light green, wide-sleeved traditional Chinese Hanfu blouse with a cross-collar neckline.
DIY: Use a green wrap shirt or kimono-style top with wide sleeves.
Purple Pleated Skirt
A high-waisted, floor-length pleated skirt in a vibrant purple or magenta hue.
DIY: A long purple maxi skirt tied high above the waist.
White Under-robe
A simple white inner collar or undergarment visible at the neckline.
DIY: Wear a white V-neck t-shirt or wrap top underneath.
Pink Waist Sash
A wide pink or rose-colored sash tied around the high waist to secure the skirt.
DIY: Cut a strip of pink satin fabric and tie it neatly at the front.
Wooden Hairpin
A simple decorative wooden hairpin or a floral hair ornament to secure her half-up bun.
DIY: Use a polished wooden chopstick decorated with small faux flowers.
Dark Green Wig
A dark teal or deep green wig styled with short bangs and two small buns or a half-up ponytail.
DIY: Style dark hair into a half-up bun with straight-cut bangs.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Mao Mao costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the white under-robe or V-neck shirt to establish the base neckline.
- 2
Layer the green Hanfu top over the under-robe, crossing the left side over the right.
- 3
Step into the purple pleated skirt, pulling it up to your high waist just under the bust.
- 4
Wrap the pink sash around your waist over the skirt's waistband and tie it securely in a neat bow or knot.
- 5
Style your hair or wig into Maomao's signature look: straight bangs with a half-up bun secured by the hairpin.
- 6
Add simple flat shoes or traditional Chinese slippers to complete the outfit.
Makeup & hair
Keep makeup natural with a focus on a fresh complexion, subtle pink eyeshadow, and a light pink lip. Style dark teal-green hair with straight-cut bangs and a high, half-up bun held in place by a single decorative hairpin.
Mao Mao for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with Jinshi wearing a lavish purple and white imperial official's Hanfu.
- group
- Form an Apothecary Diaries group with characters like Jinshi, Gaoshun, and Gyokuyou.
- kids
- A miniature version using a simplified green and purple wrap dress for easy movement.
- Plus size
- Look for wrap-around Hanfu styles which offer highly adjustable waist ties for a comfortable fit.
Tips
- Secure the high-waisted skirt tightly with safety pins under the sash to prevent it from slipping down while walking.
- Opt for flat, comfortable Mary Jane shoes or traditional cloth slippers for convention floors.
- Carry a small prop basket with faux herbs or a small mortar and pestle for great photo poses.
Mao Mao costume FAQ
- What colors are Maomao's main outfit?
- Her classic daily outfit consists of a light green top, a vibrant purple or magenta skirt, and a pink waist sash.
- How do I style Maomao's hair?
- Her hair is dark teal-green, styled with straight-cut bangs, face-framing side strands, and a half-up bun secured with a wooden or floral hairpin.
- Is this costume comfortable for all-day wear?
- Yes, traditional Hanfu is loose-fitting and breathable, making it highly comfortable for conventions as long as the skirt length is hemmed to avoid tripping.
Did you know? Maomao's name translates to 'cat cat,' which perfectly matches her curious, independent, and sometimes feline-like reactions to poisons and mysteries.