Paper Bag Costume
The ultimate low-budget, high-concept DIY costume classic.
The paper bag costume is a classic, humorous, and incredibly budget-friendly choice for Halloween or spirit days. Whether you are going as a mysterious 'paper bag head' character or crafting a wearable grocery bag dress, this look relies on simple household materials. It is a favorite for those seeking a last-minute, funny, and highly customizable outfit.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $5–20
Try it on
See yourself as Paper Bag
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 Paper Bag costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Paper Bag costume — one box instead of 4 pieces.
Large brown paper grocery bag
A standard, clean, heavy-duty brown kraft paper shopping bag large enough to fit over your head or torso.
DIY: Ask for an extra large paper bag at a local grocery store.
Black marker or paint
A thick permanent marker or acrylic paint to draw eye holes, funny faces, or grocery logos.
DIY: Use leftover black paint or charcoal.
Scissors
A sharp pair of scissors to cut out eye holes, armholes, or neck openings safely.
Neutral base clothing
A simple black long-sleeve shirt and matching pants to keep the focus on the paper bag.
DIY: Use any solid-colored t-shirt and jeans from your closet.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Paper Bag costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Find a large, clean brown paper bag that fits comfortably over your head without tearing.
- 2
Place the bag gently over your head to carefully mark where your eyes are with a pencil.
- 3
Remove the bag and use scissors to cut out two circular eye holes at the marked spots.
- 4
Use a thick black marker to draw a funny expression, a sad face, or decorative details around the eye holes.
- 5
If making a body costume instead, cut a large hole in the bottom of a larger bag for your head, and two holes on the sides for your arms.
- 6
Put on your neutral base clothing, then carefully slip the prepared paper bag over your head or torso.
Makeup & hair
No makeup or hairstyling is required if you are wearing the bag over your head, making this perfect for a low-effort look.
Paper Bag for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- One person wears a paper bag head with a happy face, and the other wears one with a sad or confused face.
- group
- A group can dress as a 'grocery delivery' team, each wearing paper bags decorated with different food drawings.
- kids
- Cut arm and head holes in a large grocery bag to make a simple, decorated vest for a toddler.
- Plus size
- Use extra-large commercial lawn clipping bags or heavy-duty shipping sacks for a comfortable torso fit.
- pet
- This costume is not recommended for pets as paper bags can block their vision and cause stress.
Tips
- Ensure the eye holes are cut wide enough so your peripheral vision is not completely blocked while walking.
- If wearing the bag on your head, punch a few small, discreet ventilation holes near the mouth area for easy breathing.
- Keep the costume dry, as paper bags will tear easily and lose their shape if they get wet in the rain.
Paper Bag costume FAQ
- How do you make a paper bag head costume safe?
- Always cut large, clear eye holes and add extra ventilation holes around the nose and mouth area so you can breathe and see easily.
- What is the Paper Bag Princess costume?
- Based on the classic children's book, this variant involves cutting armholes in a large paper bag to wear as a dress, paired with a simple gold crown.
- Can I paint on the paper bag?
- Yes, but use acrylic paint sparingly so the paper does not get too wet, warp, or tear as it dries.
Did you know? The paper bag head has been used for decades in pop culture, sports, and comics to represent anonymous fans, mysterious characters, or comedic embarrassment.