Nun Costume
A timeless, instantly recognizable look that is simple to put together.
The classic nun costume is a staple of Halloween and theatrical productions, favored for its simplicity and instant recognition. This traditional ensemble represents a religious sister and is characterized by a modest, flowing silhouette. The complete look consists of a long black habit, a white collar or wimple, a matching black-and-white veil, and simple religious accessories.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $20–55
Try it on
See yourself as Nun
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 Nun costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Nun costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Black habit or long-sleeved dress
A loose-fitting, ankle-length black dress with long sleeves made from a lightweight polyester or cotton blend.
DIY: Use a black graduation gown or a long-sleeved black tunic over a long black skirt.
White collar or bib
A wide, rounded white fabric collar that sits flat over the shoulders and upper chest.
DIY: Cut a rounded collar shape out of a piece of white felt or a white pillowcase.
Nun veil and headpiece
A black veil attached to a white headband or hood that frames the face.
DIY: Drape a rectangular piece of black fabric over a white headband, securing it with bobby pins.
Cross necklace
A simple, large gold or silver-toned crucifix pendant on a long cord or chain.
DIY: Cut a cross shape out of thick cardboard and paint it metallic gold.
Rosary beads
A traditional beaded prayer rope with a small hanging cross, worn looped around the belt.
DIY: String dark wooden beads onto a cord and attach a small plastic cross.
Black shoes
Plain, comfortable black flats, loafers, or simple boots.
DIY: Any simple black closed-toe shoes you already own.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Nun costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the long-sleeved black dress or habit as your base layer.
- 2
Place the white collar bib over your neck, securing it flat against your chest and shoulders.
- 3
Tie or secure the white under-cap or headband snugly around your hairline to keep your hair back.
- 4
Drape the black veil over your head, aligning the white front band with your forehead, and secure it with bobby pins if needed.
- 5
Hang the large cross necklace around your neck so it rests visibly over the white collar.
- 6
Loop the rosary beads over your belt or hold them in your hands to complete the look.
Makeup & hair
Keep makeup minimal and natural, or skip it entirely to match the traditional look. Pull all hair back completely and secure it under the veil's headpiece so no strands are showing.
Nun for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up as a nun and a priest or monk for a classic religious duo.
- group
- Gather a group to go as a convent of sisters, or recreate the cast of Sister Act.
- kids
- A scaled-down version with a simple black tunic, white felt collar, and a basic fabric veil.
- Plus size
- Look for loose-fitting, A-line black maxi dresses or kaftans which offer a comfortable, authentic drape.
- pet
- A small black capelet with a white collar and a miniature black headpiece secured with a chin strap.
Tips
- Wear lightweight, breathable layers underneath the heavy black polyester dress to stay comfortable indoors.
- Use bobby pins that match your hair color to keep the veil from sliding back throughout the night.
- If you plan to walk a lot, choose supportive black flats or boots since the long dress will cover your feet anyway.
- Carry a small black book or Bible as a simple, thematic prop that also gives your hands something to do in photos.
Nun costume FAQ
- What is a nun's headpiece called?
- The headpiece is traditionally made of a few parts: a wimple (which covers the neck and cheeks), a cowl or cap, and the veil itself which drapes over the back.
- How do you make a DIY nun veil?
- You can easily make one by gluing a rectangular piece of black fabric to a wide white headband or a strip of white poster board measured to fit your head.
- What do nuns wear under their habit?
- For a costume, you can wear any comfortable, lightweight clothing like leggings and a t-shirt, as the long habit is completely opaque.
Did you know? The traditional clothing worn by nuns is called a 'habit,' and its design dates back to the Middle Ages when it was designed to mimic the simple, modest clothing of poor women of the era.