Princess and the Pea Costume
A cozy, fairy-tale look featuring a nightgown, tiara, and plush pea.
The Princess and the Pea is a classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale about a royal-to-be whose sensitivity is tested by a single pea hidden under twenty mattresses. This costume is a popular choice for those who want a comfortable, whimsical look that stands out from typical princess gowns. The ensemble combines sleepwear with royal accessories, making it both cozy and instantly recognizable.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~20 min
- Budget
- $25–65
Try it on
See yourself as Princess and the Pea
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
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What you need for a Princess and the Pea costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Princess and the Pea costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Vintage-Style Nightgown
A long-sleeved, flowing white or pastel pink cotton nightgown with lace trim.
DIY: Use an oversized white long-sleeved t-shirt or a simple light-colored maxi dress.
Gold Tiara
A small, delicate gold or silver princess tiara with faux jewels.
DIY: Cut a crown shape out of yellow cardstock, paint it gold, and glue it to a headband.
Satin Sleep Mask
A pastel pink or blue satin eye mask worn pushed up on the forehead.
DIY: Cut a mask shape out of felt, decorate it with fabric paint, and attach an elastic band.
Plush Green Pea
A small, round green plush toy or pillow to represent the famous pea.
DIY: Wrap a tennis ball or foam ball in green felt or fabric and secure it with a rubber band.
Slippers
Cozy, fluffy slip-on slippers in white, pink, or cream.
DIY: Wear simple white socks or any comfortable slip-on shoes you already own.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Princess and the Pea costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the vintage-style white or pastel nightgown.
- 2
Slip on the fluffy slippers to keep the sleepwear theme consistent.
- 3
Place the satin sleep mask on your head, resting it high on your forehead.
- 4
Secure the gold tiara on your head, positioning it just behind or nestled with the sleep mask.
- 5
Carry the plush green pea in your hand, or attach it to your nightgown with a safety pin so your hands remain free.
- 6
Optional: Carry a small, decorative throw pillow to represent the stack of mattresses.
Makeup & hair
Keep hair slightly messy or styled in loose, 'just-woke-up' waves. Apply minimal, fresh-faced makeup with soft pink blush and a swipe of tinted lip balm to look naturally rested.
Princess and the Pea for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- One person dresses as the Princess in a nightgown, and the other dresses as the Prince in a royal tunic, holding a stack of colorful foam 'mattresses'.
- group
- One person is the Princess, while others dress as mattresses by wearing rectangular cardboard boxes painted with mattress patterns.
- kids
- A sweet, comfortable option using a soft pajama set, a plastic tiara, and a small felt pea toy.
- Plus size
- A flowing, empire-waist nightgown or a soft jersey-knit sleep dress provides a comfortable, flattering fit.
- pet
- A small dog can wear a green pet sweater with a tiny felt crown attached to their collar.
Tips
- If trick-or-treating or attending an outdoor party, wear leggings and a thermal shirt underneath the nightgown for warmth.
- Choose a plush pea with a loop or strap so you can hang it from your wrist while socializing.
- For a fun photo prop, pose sitting on a tall stack of cushions or chairs to mimic the twenty mattresses.
Princess and the Pea costume FAQ
- What do you need for a Princess and the Pea costume?
- The essential items are a vintage-style nightgown, a princess tiara, a sleep mask, fluffy slippers, and a small green plush toy to represent the pea.
- How do you make a DIY Princess and the Pea costume?
- You can easily DIY this by wearing your favorite nightgown or pajamas, making a crown out of gold cardstock, and wrapping a tennis ball in green fabric to serve as the pea.
- Is this costume comfortable for cold weather?
- Yes, because it uses sleepwear, you can easily layer warm leggings, long underwear, and a long-sleeve undershirt beneath the nightgown without ruining the look.
Did you know? Hans Christian Andersen's 'The Princess and the Pea' was first published in 1835 in a cheap booklet alongside three other tales, including 'The Tinderbox'.