Pope Costume
Command holy respect in a classic white robe and golden mitre.
The Pope costume is an instantly recognizable choice for Halloween, theatrical performances, or themed parties. Representing the leader of the Catholic Church, this outfit combines traditional religious vestments with striking gold accents. The complete look consists of a long white robe, a matching shoulder capelet, a waist sash, and the iconic tall mitre hat.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $25–75
Try it on
See yourself as Pope
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What you need for a Pope costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Pope costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
White cassock or robe
An ankle-length, long-sleeved white robe made of lightweight polyester.
DIY: Use a long-sleeved white maxi dress or a plain white bedsheet draped as a tunic.
White shoulder capelet
A short, elbow-length white capelet that sits over the shoulders, often trimmed with gold ribbon.
DIY: Cut a circle out of white fabric with a hole in the center for your neck, then trim the edge with gold fabric paint.
White waist sash
A wide white fabric belt or sash, sometimes finished with gold fringe at the ends.
DIY: Cut a strip of white fabric or use a wide white ribbon tied around the waist.
Mitre hat
A tall, pointed ceremonial hat in white with gold cross detailing and gold trim.
DIY: Cut two identical pointed arches out of stiff white felt or poster board, decorate them with gold ribbon, and glue the sides together.
Pectoral cross necklace
A large, ornate gold cross necklace that hangs low on the chest.
DIY: Cut a cross shape out of cardboard, wrap it in gold foil, and hang it from a gold cord.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Pope costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the long white robe, ensuring it fits comfortably and reaches your ankles.
- 2
Tie the white sash around your waist, letting the fringed ends hang down along your left side.
- 3
Drape the white shoulder capelet over your head so it rests evenly on your shoulders.
- 4
Place the large gold pectoral cross necklace over your neck so it sits visibly on your chest.
- 5
Place the tall mitre hat on your head, adjusting it so it sits straight and secure.
Makeup & hair
Keep hair neat and clean-shaven, or pair the outfit with a short white wig and matching white eyebrows to portray an elderly pope.
Pope for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with a nun, a cardinal, or a Swiss Guard costume.
- group
- One person dresses as the Pope, while others dress as cardinals, nuns, and Swiss Guards to form a papal entourage.
- kids
- A miniature white robe, a simple white sash, and a lightweight felt mitre hat make a comfortable kid-friendly version.
- Plus size
- Look for loose-fitting, A-line white robes with adjustable tie sashes for a comfortable, accommodating fit.
- pet
- A white dog coat paired with a small, lightweight felt mitre hat secured with an elastic chin strap.
More ways people search for this costume
The most-searched variations of “Pope costume”, and how this look adapts to each.
Pope costume for dogs
- A white dog coat paired with a small, lightweight felt mitre hat secured with an elastic chin strap.
Tips
- Wear light-colored clothing underneath the white robe, as thin costume fabrics can be semi-sheer.
- Use bobby pins to secure the tall mitre hat to your hair so it does not tilt or fall off when you move.
- Practice a gentle, two-finger papal blessing wave to stay in character for photos.
Pope costume FAQ
- What is the Pope's hat called?
- The tall, pointed hat worn by the Pope is called a mitre (or miter), which represents spiritual authority.
- What do you wear under a Pope costume?
- It is best to wear plain white or light-colored t-shirts and pants underneath, as white costume robes are often thin and slightly see-through.
- How can I make a DIY Pope hat?
- You can make a DIY mitre hat by cutting two identical pointed arches out of white poster board or stiff felt, decorating them with gold ribbon, and gluing the sides together.
Did you know? The Pope's traditional white vestments were popularized in the 16th century by Pope Pius V, who was a Dominican friar and chose to keep wearing his order's white habit.