Maomao Costume
Step into the Imperial Court as the brilliant apothecary, Maomao.
Maomao is the clever, poison-testing protagonist of the hit anime and light novel series The Apothecary Diaries. Fans love her sharp wit, practical nature, and distinctive Tang-dynasty-inspired look. Her signature outfit is a traditional green and purple hanfu, paired with her recognizable teal twin-tail hairstyle.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $40–90
Try it on
See yourself as Maomao
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.
Your photo is sent to Google's Gemini API to make the render and isn't used for training. Renders are AI-generated and labelled.
Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a Maomao costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Maomao costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Green Hanfu Top
A light green or teal-green long-sleeved, cross-collar blouse in a traditional Chinese wrap style.
DIY: Use a light green wrap shirt or kimono-style top with wide sleeves.
Purple Pleated Skirt
A high-waisted, ankle-length pleated maxi skirt in a rich purple or violet shade.
DIY: Use a long purple fabric panel wrapped and pleated at the waist, secured with pins.
Pink Waist Sash
A wide pink or magenta fabric ribbon tied around the waist where the top and skirt meet.
DIY: Cut a strip of pink satin fabric and tie it in a neat bow at the back or side.
Teal Cosplay Wig
A dark teal or deep forest green wig with straight-cut bangs and two low twin-tails.
DIY: Dye a dark green wig, cut straight bangs, and tie the lower sections into two low pigtails.
Wooden Hairpin
A simple carved wooden or metallic hairpin to slide into the hair.
DIY: Carve a wooden chopstick or paint a plastic hair stick brown.
Apothecary Basket
A small, woven bamboo or rattan basket with a handle, used for gathering herbs.
DIY: Use any small wicker basket and fill it with faux green leaves and herbs.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Maomao costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the light green cross-collar hanfu top, securing the inner ties so the left side crosses over the right side.
- 2
Step into the high-waisted purple pleated skirt, pulling the waistband up over the bottom hem of the green top.
- 3
Wrap the pink sash tightly around your waist over the skirt's waistband, tying it securely to hold the layers in place.
- 4
Put on a wig cap, then secure the styled teal wig using bobby pins to keep it from shifting.
- 5
Slide the wooden hairpin into one of the hair ties or buns at the base of the twin-tails.
- 6
Wrap a small white bandage around your left forearm to reference Maomao's habit of testing poisons on herself.
- 7
Pick up your apothecary basket or a prop mortar and pestle to complete the look.
Makeup & hair
Keep makeup minimal and natural with a clear complexion and soft pink lip color. For the hair, wear a dark teal wig styled with straight-cut bangs, face-framing side strands, and two low twin-tails or buns secured with simple hair ties.
Maomao for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with Jinshi dressed in his elegant purple and gold Imperial court robes.
- group
- Gather a group featuring Jinshi, Gaoshun, and palace consorts like Gyokuyou in their elaborate gowns.
- kids
- A simplified green wrap top and purple maxi skirt makes a comfortable, kid-friendly version.
- Plus size
- Look for wrap-style hanfu tops and elastic-waist pleated skirts for an adjustable, comfortable fit.
Tips
- Always cross the left side of the hanfu top over the right; crossing right-over-left is traditionally associated with funerals.
- If you plan to wear this to a convention, wear comfortable flats or traditional Chinese cloth shoes.
- Add a few faux medicinal herbs or silk flowers to your basket for a realistic apothecary touch.
Maomao costume FAQ
- What kind of dress does Maomao wear?
- Maomao wears a traditional Chinese hanfu, specifically a Tang-dynasty-inspired style featuring a cross-collar green top, a high-waisted purple pleated skirt, and a pink sash.
- How do you style Maomao's hair?
- Her hair is dark teal or deep forest green, styled with straight-cut bangs, face-framing side pieces, and two low twin-tails or buns.
- What props are best for a Maomao costume?
- A small woven apothecary basket, a wooden hairpin, a prop mortar and pestle, or a faux bandage wrapped around your left forearm are perfect character-specific props.
Did you know? Maomao's signature wooden hairpin is a crucial plot device in the series, serving as an invitation to the outer court garden party.