Outhouse Costume
Flush away the competition with this hilarious, classic DIY novelty costume.
The outhouse costume is a beloved, humorous novelty choice for Halloween and costume parties. Perfect for those who love DIY projects and making people laugh, this look transforms you into a rustic wooden privy. The costume features a wearable cardboard structure complete with a crescent moon cutout and funny bathroom props.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~120 min
- Budget
- $15–45
Try it on
See yourself as Outhouse
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 Outhouse costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Outhouse costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Large cardboard box
A tall, rectangular appliance or shipping box that comfortably covers your torso down to your thighs.
DIY: Source a free refrigerator or large appliance box from a local appliance store.
Acrylic paint set
Brown, black, and gray acrylic paints to create a weathered, rustic wood grain texture on the cardboard.
Heavy-duty shoulder straps
Thick nylon webbing or a pair of adjustable tool belt suspenders to hold the box up on your shoulders.
DIY: Use old backpack straps or thick rope secured inside the box.
Toilet paper roll
A standard, real roll of white toilet paper to hang from the side of the outhouse.
Flannel shirt
A classic red and black plaid flannel shirt to wear underneath for a rustic, outdoorsy look.
DIY: Use any plaid or checkered button-down shirt from your closet.
Straw hat
A simple, rustic straw hat or trucker cap to complete the country aesthetic.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Outhouse costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Cut out a large hole in the top of the cardboard box for your head, and two holes on the sides for your arms.
- 2
Paint the entire exterior of the box with a base coat of medium brown paint, then use a dry brush with dark brown and black paint to create vertical wood grain lines.
- 3
Carefully draw and cut out a classic crescent moon shape on the upper front panel of the box to act as the viewing window.
- 4
Securely attach the shoulder straps or suspenders to the inside of the box so that the top of the box rests comfortably at shoulder level.
- 5
Bend a wire coat hanger or use a small wooden dowel to create a toilet paper holder, mount it to the side of the box, and slide on the toilet paper roll.
- 6
Put on your flannel shirt, jeans, and straw hat, then carefully slip the outhouse box over your head and rest the straps on your shoulders.
Makeup & hair
Keep your hair messy or tucked under the straw hat. No special makeup is required, though a bit of brown face paint can be smudged on your cheeks to look like dirt.
Outhouse for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with someone dressed as a giant roll of toilet paper, a plunger, or a hillbilly character.
- group
- Create a backyard scene with multiple outhouses, a gardener, and someone dressed as a giant fly.
- kids
- Use a smaller shipping box and lightweight straps so it is easy for a child to carry and walk in.
- Plus size
- Select an extra-large appliance box (like a washing machine box) to ensure a comfortable, roomy fit.
- pet
- A small cardboard box painted like wood can be fitted over a dog's harness, complete with a tiny crescent moon.
Tips
- Make sure the armholes are cut wide enough so you can easily reach for drinks or shake hands.
- Keep the bottom of the box high enough above your knees so you can walk and climb stairs safely.
- Use lightweight corrugated cardboard to keep the costume comfortable for long periods of wear.
- Bring an extra roll of toilet paper, as people will inevitably try to unravel your prop roll.
Outhouse costume FAQ
- How do you make the wood grain texture on the cardboard?
- Paint the box a base light brown, then use a dry brush with dark brown and black paint to drag long, vertical lines and knots down the sides.
- Is it hard to walk around in an outhouse costume?
- It can be slightly awkward, so ensure the box ends above your thighs and the shoulder straps are securely fastened to prevent shifting.
- What should I wear underneath the outhouse box?
- A simple flannel shirt, blue jeans, and work boots complete the rustic, outdoor theme perfectly.
Did you know? The iconic crescent moon cutout on outhouse doors dates back to the 19th century as a symbol for women's privies, while a sun or star symbol was used for men's.