Princess Mononoke Costume
Channel the fierce forest protector with this iconic Studio Ghibli look.
Princess Mononoke, also known as San, is a beloved Studio Ghibli character raised by wolves in the forest. Fans choose this costume to embody her fierce, independent spirit and striking, primal aesthetic. The look is defined by a dark blue dress, a white fur cape, a red clay mask, and distinct red face paint.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~120 min
- Budget
- $45–120
Try it on
See yourself as Princess Mononoke
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
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Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a Princess Mononoke costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Princess Mononoke costume — one box instead of 7 pieces.
Dark blue or black apron dress
A simple, sleeveless dark blue or charcoal grey tunic or apron dress that falls mid-thigh.
DIY: Cut the sleeves off a long, oversized dark blue t-shirt and hem the bottom jaggedly.
White undershirt
A lightweight, sleeveless white crop top or tank top worn underneath the dark dress.
DIY: Cut the sleeves and collar off a plain white t-shirt.
Faux fur cape
A draped white faux fur mantle that covers the shoulders and hangs down the back.
DIY: Drape a yard of white faux fur fabric over your shoulders, securing it with safety pins under the collar.
Red face mask
A circular red mask with white wavy details, yellow eye holes, and attached white ears.
DIY: Paint a circular paper plate or plastic pot lid red, cut out eye holes, and hot glue white craft foam ears to the top.
Crystal dagger necklace
A necklace featuring a large, pointed white or silver tooth/crystal pendant on a brown cord.
DIY: Sculpt a large tooth shape out of white polymer clay, bake it, and string it onto a brown leather cord.
Arm bands and headband
Thick white bands worn around both upper arms and a matching white headband.
DIY: Cut strips of white felt or stretch fabric and fabric-glue them into loops that fit snugly.
Soft brown boots
Simple, flat brown leather or suede boots, or matching fabric boot covers.
DIY: Wrap brown felt or fabric around your existing flat shoes and secure with brown twine.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Princess Mononoke costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the white sleeveless undershirt first, followed by the dark blue sleeveless tunic dress.
- 2
Wrap the white headband around your forehead, positioning it just above your eyebrows.
- 3
Slide the white fabric bands onto your upper arms, ensuring they sit comfortably without slipping.
- 4
Drape the white faux fur cape over your shoulders, pinning it securely to the shoulders of your blue dress.
- 5
Put on the crystal dagger necklace so it sits prominently over the front of your dress.
- 6
Apply the red triangle face paint to your cheeks and forehead using skin-safe cosmetic paint.
- 7
Put on your brown boots, and carry the red mask in your hand or wear it pushed up on your head for photos.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair into a messy, short dark brown bob with choppy bangs. Use red face paint to draw three distinct shapes on your face: a red triangle pointing down on your forehead, and a red triangle pointing outward on each cheek.
Princess Mononoke for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with Ashitaka wearing his blue tunic, red hood, and carrying a prop bow.
- group
- Add characters like Lady Eboshi, or friends dressed as Kodama (forest spirits) using white morph suits.
- kids
- Use a soft white fleece blanket for the cape and felt for the mask to keep it lightweight and comfortable.
- Plus size
- Opt for a stretchy A-line navy jersey dress for a comfortable, flexible fit.
- pet
- Dress a white dog as Moro, the giant wolf god, using a simple red collar.
Tips
- If wearing the mask on your face, ensure you cut the eye holes wide enough for safe peripheral vision.
- Use safety pins to anchor the heavy faux fur cape to your dress straps so it doesn't pull backward on your neck.
- Set your red face paint with a translucent setting powder so it doesn't smudge onto your white fur cape.
- For outdoor events, wear skin-toned leggings underneath the short blue tunic dress to stay warm.
Princess Mononoke costume FAQ
- What is Princess Mononoke's actual name?
- Her name is San. 'Mononoke' is a Japanese term for a spirit or monster, so 'Princess Mononoke' translates to 'Princess of the Spirits/Monsters,' which is what the humans call her.
- How do I make her mask easily?
- You can paint a lightweight plastic pot lid or a sturdy paper plate red. Cut out two circular eye holes, paint the white and yellow details around them, and hot glue white felt ears to the top rim.
- What face paint should I use for San?
- Use a high-quality, water-activated red face paint. Apply a triangle on your forehead pointing down, and a triangle on each cheek pointing outward toward your ears.
Did you know? Director Hayao Miyazaki originally wanted to title the film 'The Legend of Ashitaka,' but producer Toshio Suzuki insisted on 'Princess Mononoke' because he believed the striking title would draw a larger audience.