What is the meaning of the blue stripes on Mother Teresa's sari?

The three blue stripes on the white habit of the Missionaries of Charity represent the religious vows of poverty, obedience, and chastity/service to the poorest of the poor.

How do you drape the Mother Teresa veil?

The veil is a simple rectangular white cloth with blue stripes at the edge. It is placed over the head, framing the face, and pinned under the chin or behind the ears to drape over the shoulders.

Can I make this costume without sewing?

Yes, you can easily make a no-sew version using a plain white bedsheet, blue fabric paint or blue electrical tape for the stripes, and safety pins to drape the fabric.

AI-generated example

Mother Teresa Costume

Recreate the iconic white and blue striped habit of the saint.

Mother Teresa is globally recognized for her humanitarian work and her distinctive white sari with blue stripes. This costume is a popular choice for school saint pageants, historical presentations, and religious events. The look is simple, respectful, and instantly recognizable by its draped blue-bordered veil.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~20 min
Budget: $15–50

See yourself as Mother Teresa →What you need Buy the Mother Teresa costume

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See yourself as Mother Teresa

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Mother Teresa costume — Example look · AI-generated

You as Mother Teresa

Result

What you need for a Mother Teresa costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Mother Teresa costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.

Shop Mother Teresa at Spirit ↗

White long-sleeved dress or tunic
A simple, loose-fitting white long-sleeved dress, robe, or mock-neck tunic that falls to the ankles.
DIY: Use an oversized white long-sleeved t-shirt or a plain white hospital gown.
Amazon
Blue-bordered white sari or fabric
A white cotton sheet or fabric panel featuring three blue stripes along the border, draped over the shoulder.
DIY: Take a twin-sized white bedsheet and paint or tape three blue stripes along one long edge.
Amazon
Matching blue-bordered veil
A white headpiece that covers the hair and drapes over the shoulders, featuring the same blue stripe border.
DIY: Cut a rectangular piece of white fabric, add blue fabric paint stripes to the front edge, and pin it to your hair.
Amazon
Small metal crucifix
A simple silver-colored Christian cross pinned to the left shoulder over the draped fabric.
DIY: Use a silver cross necklace and secure it to the shoulder with a safety pin.
Amazon
Simple sandals
Plain brown or black leather-look flat sandals with minimal straps.
DIY: Wear simple dark-colored flats or slip-on shoes.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Mother Teresa costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Put on the long-sleeved white dress or tunic as the base layer.
2
Drape the long white fabric panel over your left shoulder, letting it wrap around your waist and hang down like a traditional sari.
3
Secure the draped fabric at the shoulder and waist using safety pins hidden beneath the folds.
4
Place the white veil over your head, aligning the blue-striped border so it frames your face, and pin it in place behind your ears.
5
Pin the small silver crucifix to the left shoulder of the drape, just below the collarbone.
6
Put on the simple brown sandals to complete the humble, traditional look.

Makeup & hair

Keep makeup completely natural or bare-faced. Hair should be parted in the middle and pulled back flat under the veil so it is entirely covered.

Mother Teresa for couples, groups, kids & more

group: Pair with others dressed as Missionaries of Charity in matching white and blue striped saris.
kids: Use a white pillowcase with armholes cut out as the tunic, and a smaller white fabric scrap with blue marker stripes for the veil.
Plus size: Use a loose, flowing white kaftan or oversized tunic as the base layer for a comfortable fit.

Tips

Use safety pins generously to keep the draped fabric and headpiece secure throughout the day.
Opt for lightweight cotton fabrics to stay cool, especially if wearing the costume indoors or during warm weather.
Keep accessories minimal; only the simple crucifix pin is needed to maintain the authentic look.

Mother Teresa costume FAQ

What is the meaning of the blue stripes on Mother Teresa's sari?: The three blue stripes on the white habit of the Missionaries of Charity represent the religious vows of poverty, obedience, and chastity/service to the poorest of the poor.
How do you drape the Mother Teresa veil?: The veil is a simple rectangular white cloth with blue stripes at the edge. It is placed over the head, framing the face, and pinned under the chin or behind the ears to drape over the shoulders.
Can I make this costume without sewing?: Yes, you can easily make a no-sew version using a plain white bedsheet, blue fabric paint or blue electrical tape for the stripes, and safety pins to drape the fabric.

Did you know? The distinctive white sari with three blue borders was adopted by Mother Teresa in 1948 because it was the cheapest sari available and helped her identify with the poor people she served.