Master Splinter Costume
Channel the wisdom of the sewers with this classic TMNT sensei look.
Master Splinter is the beloved mutant rat sensei and adoptive father of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Fans choose this costume to bring a touch of nostalgic martial arts wisdom to group themes and conventions. The look is defined by a tattered maroon martial arts robe, grey or brown rat fur details, and his signature wooden walking staff.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $40–120
Try it on
See yourself as Master Splinter
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 Master Splinter costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Master Splinter costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Maroon or Brown Robe
A loose-fitting, floor-length kimono or martial arts style robe in tattered maroon, dark red, or brown fabric.
DIY: Use an old oversized bathrobe and dye it dark red or brown, then fray the hem and sleeves.
Rope Belt
A simple, thick white or off-white cotton rope tied around the waist to secure the robe.
DIY: Cut a length of thick clothesline rope from a hardware store.
Rat Mask or Face Paint
A realistic latex rat mask with a long snout and whiskers, or grey and pink face paint.
DIY: Apply grey face paint across your face, paint a pink nose, and use white eyeliner to draw long whiskers.
Faux Fur Gloves and Shoe Covers
Grey or brown faux fur gloves and matching shoe covers to mimic rat paws.
DIY: Hot glue patches of grey faux fur onto an old pair of gloves and slip-on shoes.
Wooden Walking Staff
A rustic, gnarled wooden walking stick or cane, representing Splinter's signature weapon and support.
DIY: Find a sturdy, curved tree branch, strip the bark, sand it down, and seal it.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Master Splinter costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on a base layer of comfortable dark pants and a t-shirt.
- 2
Slip on the grey faux fur pants or leg covers, followed by the matching fur gloves and shoe covers.
- 3
Put on the oversized maroon martial arts robe, wrapping it left-over-right.
- 4
Tie the thick white rope belt securely around your waist, letting the ends hang down.
- 5
Carefully put on the rat mask, ensuring the eyeholes align for clear visibility.
- 6
Grip the wooden walking staff in one hand, adopting a slightly hunched, wise posture.
Makeup & hair
If you are not using a full mask, apply grey face paint to your face and neck, paint the tip of your nose pink, and use liquid eyeliner to draw long whiskers on your cheeks. Slick your hair back or cover it with a grey hood.
Master Splinter for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with Shredder for an epic hero-versus-villain dynamic.
- group
- The ultimate leader for a group of four friends dressed as Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo.
- kids
- A cozy brown or grey fleece onesie paired with a small red bathrobe and a felt rat hood.
- Plus size
- The loose, flowing nature of the martial arts robe makes this exceptionally comfortable and easy to fit for all body types.
- pet
- A small red fabric wrap secured around a grey cat or dog.
Tips
- Ensure your mask has adequate ventilation and visibility, especially if wearing it to a crowded party or trick-or-treating.
- Fray the edges of the robe's sleeves and hem with scissors to give it a weathered, sewer-dwelling look.
- Practice a wise, slightly hunched stance and slow, deliberate movements to stay in character for photos.
Master Splinter costume FAQ
- What kind of robe does Master Splinter wear?
- He wears a tattered, Japanese-style kimono or martial arts robe, typically in maroon, dark red, or brown, secured with a simple rope belt.
- How can I make a DIY Splinter cane?
- You can find a thick, gnarled tree branch in your yard, trim it to height, sand off any sharp splinters, and wrap the handle area in simple twine.
- Is Splinter a rat or a human?
- Depending on the TMNT origin story, he is either a mutant rat who learned ninjutsu from his master Hamato Yoshi, or Hamato Yoshi himself mutated into a rat.
Did you know? In the original 1984 Mirage Studios comics, Splinter was a parody of Marvel's Daredevil mentor, 'Stick'—hence the name 'Splinter'.