Nani Pelekai Costume
Channel Disney's ultimate big sister with this easy, casual island look.
Nani Pelekai from Disney's Lilo & Stitch is a beloved character known for her fierce devotion to her little sister, Lilo, and her laid-back Hawaiian style. This costume is a popular choice for its comfort, simplicity, and instant recognizability. The look consists of a cropped red graphic tee with a single large heart, casual denim shorts, and simple sandals.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~20 min
- Budget
- $25–60
Try it on
See yourself as Nani Pelekai
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What you need for a Nani Pelekai costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Nani Pelekai costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Red Heart Crop Top
A short-sleeved, cropped red t-shirt featuring a single large, slightly abstract pinkish-orange or white heart printed on the front.
DIY: Buy a plain red crop top and paint a large heart on the front using pink or white fabric paint.
Denim Shorts
Casual, medium-wash blue denim shorts with a slightly rolled hem.
DIY: Cut an old pair of blue jeans into shorts and roll the cuffs up.
Platform Sandals or Flip-Flops
Simple black or brown platform flip-flops or slide sandals to match her casual beachside style.
Plumeria Hair Flower
A single white and yellow Hawaiian plumeria flower clip worn behind the ear.
DIY: Cut a plumeria shape out of white and yellow craft foam and glue it to a hair pin.
Stitch Plush Toy
A small plush toy of the blue alien Stitch to carry as a prop.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Nani Pelekai costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the red crop top with the large heart graphic on the front.
- 2
Slip into the medium-wash denim shorts, cuffing the bottom hem if they aren't already rolled.
- 3
Put on the black platform flip-flops or slide sandals.
- 4
Style your hair in loose, natural waves parted down the middle.
- 5
Clip the white and yellow plumeria flower into your hair on one side, just above the ear.
- 6
Carry the Stitch plush toy under your arm to complete the iconic Lilo & Stitch theme.
Makeup & hair
Keep makeup minimal and sun-kissed with a light bronzer and tinted lip balm. Wear your hair long, dark, and wavy, parted down the middle, with a single plumeria flower tucked behind one ear.
Nani Pelekai for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with someone dressed as David Kawena in a matching red-patterned Hawaiian shirt and board shorts, or Lilo in her red leaf-patterned dress.
- group
- Form a group with Lilo (in her red dress), Stitch (in a blue onesie), and David Kawena for a full cast ensemble.
- kids
- A comfortable option for kids using a red t-shirt with a hand-painted heart, denim shorts, and comfortable sandals.
- Plus size
- This look is highly adaptable; opt for a standard-length red t-shirt with a heart graphic and high-waisted denim shorts for a comfortable, flattering fit.
- pet
- Dress your dog in a blue Stitch hoodie or collar to act as your mischievous alien companion.
Tips
- This is an exceptionally comfortable and breathable costume, making it perfect for warm-weather outdoor events or crowded conventions.
- If you are attending a nighttime event, bring a casual zip-up hoodie or a denim jacket to stay warm without ruining the casual vibe.
- For photos, pose holding a surfboard or holding a Stitch plush close to capture Nani's protective big-sister energy.
Nani Pelekai costume FAQ
- What does Nani wear in Lilo & Stitch?
- Nani's most iconic outfit is a cropped red short-sleeve t-shirt with a large pinkish-orange heart on the front, paired with rolled-up blue denim shorts and platform sandals.
- How do I make Nani's heart shirt DIY?
- You can easily make the shirt by purchasing a plain red crop top and using a stencil with pink or white fabric paint to paint the large heart graphic on the chest.
- What kind of flower does Nani wear in her hair?
- Nani wears a classic Hawaiian plumeria flower, which is white with a yellow center, tucked behind her ear.
Did you know? Nani's voice actress, Tia Carrere, is a Hawaii native who actually sang on the film's soundtrack, bringing authentic Hawaiian representation to the character.