Max Costume
Let the wild rumpus start in this classic white wolf suit.
Max from Maurice Sendak's classic book 'Where the Wild Things Are' is a beloved, nostalgic costume choice for all ages. The look is instantly recognizable, featuring a cozy white wolf jumpsuit with whiskers, large buttons, a long tail, and a golden crown. It is a warm, playful outfit that is perfect for chilly Halloween nights or school book character days.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $25–75
Try it on
See yourself as Max
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.
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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 Max costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Max costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
White hooded jumpsuit
A plush, white fleece or faux-fur one-piece pajama suit with an attached hood.
DIY: Use oversized white footie pajamas or a matching white hooded sweatshirt and sweatpants.
Golden crown
A soft felt or shiny gold cardstock crown with pointed peaks.
DIY: Cut a classic crown shape out of yellow felt or gold poster board and staple or sew the ends together.
Grey wolf tail
A long, bushy grey faux-fur tail attached to the back of the jumpsuit.
DIY: Sew a tube of grey faux fur fabric, stuff it with cotton batting, and safety pin it to the back of the suit.
Black buttons
Three large black decorative buttons sewn or glued down the front center of the jumpsuit.
DIY: Cut three large circles out of black felt and fabric glue them down the chest.
Whiskers and ears
White felt ears attached to the hood, with thin black wire or pipe cleaner whiskers on the sides.
DIY: Sew white felt triangles onto the hood and attach black pipe cleaners to the sides of the hood for whiskers.
Scepter
A simple gold toy scepter to represent his role as King of the Wild Things.
DIY: Wrap a wooden dowel in gold foil and top it with a yellow construction paper star.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Max costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the white hooded jumpsuit or matching white sweat suit base.
- 2
Attach the three large black felt circles or buttons down the front center of the torso using fabric glue or safety pins.
- 3
Secure the grey faux-fur tail to the lower back of the jumpsuit.
- 4
If not already built into the hood, sew or pin the white felt ears to the top of the hood.
- 5
Thread black pipe cleaners through the cheeks of the hood to create whiskers.
- 6
Place the golden crown securely on top of the hood or directly on your head.
- 7
Carry the gold scepter to complete the King of the Wild Things look.
Makeup & hair
No complex makeup is needed. You can draw a few light black whisker lines and a small black nose on the face using eyeliner or face paint.
Max for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair Max with one of the Wild Things (like Carol) wearing a striped shirt, horns, and a shaggy headpiece.
- group
- One person goes as Max, while others dress up as different Wild Things using oversized masks and shaggy faux-fur suits.
- kids
- This is an incredibly popular and comfortable costume for toddlers and kids; use soft fleece pajamas for warmth.
- Plus size
- Use an oversized white fleece union suit or adult onesie for a comfortable, roomy fit.
- pet
- A small white dog sweater paired with a tiny felt gold crown strap-on hat.
Tips
- If trick-or-treating outdoors in cold weather, the fleece jumpsuit naturally keeps you warm without needing a jacket over the costume.
- Keep the tail short enough that it doesn't drag on the ground and get dirty or tripped on.
- For photos, strike a playful roaring pose or hold a copy of the classic picture book.
Max costume FAQ
- What does Max wear in Where the Wild Things Are?
- Max wears a white wolf suit (a hooded one-piece with ears, whiskers, a grey tail, and large black buttons) and a gold crown.
- How do you make a DIY Max costume?
- Start with a white hooded sweatshirt and sweatpants. Glue three large black felt circles down the front, safety pin a grey faux-fur tail to the back, and make a crown out of gold poster board.
- What kind of crown does Max wear?
- Max wears a simple, classic golden crown with pointed peaks, representing his title as King of all Wild Things.
Did you know? Maurice Sendak's book was published in 1963, and Max's iconic wolf suit was inspired by Sendak's own childhood memories of his boisterous relatives.