Referee Costume
Make the right call with a classic black-and-white sports official look.
The Referee costume is a timeless, highly recognizable look that puts you in charge of any party. Perfect for sports fans, couples, or group themes, this outfit is incredibly easy to assemble using simple athletic wear. The classic look centers around a bold black-and-white striped shirt, a whistle, and a yellow penalty flag.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $20–50
Try it on
See yourself as Referee
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.
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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 Referee costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Referee costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Black and white striped shirt
A short-sleeve polyester shirt featuring bold, vertical black and white stripes with a collar or V-neck.
DIY: Use fabric paint or black duct tape to create vertical stripes on a plain white t-shirt.
Black athletic pants or shorts
Solid black track pants, athletic shorts, or a black pleated skirt for a sporty look.
DIY: Use any solid black pants, leggings, or shorts you already own.
Metal whistle on a lanyard
A classic silver metal whistle attached to a black or white woven lanyard.
DIY: Use a plastic whistle or draw one on cardstock and hang it from a piece of yarn.
Yellow penalty flag
A small square of bright yellow fabric weighted in the center to look like an official penalty flag.
DIY: Wrap a coin or a few dried beans in a yellow bandana or yellow tissue paper and secure it with a rubber band.
Black baseball cap
A plain black baseball cap, optionally featuring white piping along the seams.
DIY: Use any dark baseball cap you have, or wear your hair in a neat ponytail.
Black athletic shoes
Clean black sneakers, running shoes, or turf shoes with black laces.
DIY: Any dark-colored tennis shoes or sneakers will work.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Referee costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the black-and-white striped referee shirt and tuck it in for a neat, professional look.
- 2
Pair the shirt with your choice of solid black athletic pants, shorts, or a skirt.
- 3
Place the lanyard around your neck so the silver whistle rests flat against your chest.
- 4
Fold the yellow penalty flag and tuck it into your waistband or back pocket, leaving the yellow fabric visible.
- 5
Put on the black baseball cap, adjusting it so it sits straight and faces forward.
- 6
Lace up your black athletic sneakers to complete the sporty, on-field aesthetic.
Makeup & hair
Keep your hair neat and practical, such as pulled back into a ponytail or low bun under the cap. For a fun stadium touch, apply two swipes of black greasepaint or cosmetic face paint under your eyes.
Referee for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with a football player, basketball player, or cheerleader for a classic sports duo.
- group
- Have one person dress as the referee while the rest of the group wears jerseys from opposing sports teams.
- kids
- An adorable option for toddlers and kids, easily made with a striped tee, black sweatpants, and a plastic whistle.
- Plus size
- A loose-fitting striped referee polo paired with comfortable black track pants offers an easy, highly adjustable fit.
- pet
- Dress your dog in a miniature striped shirt with a tiny plush whistle attached to their collar.
Tips
- Bring the yellow penalty flag to throw at friends who 'violate' party rules as a fun icebreaker.
- Wear comfortable athletic sneakers, as this costume is built for standing and moving around all night.
- If dressing up for cold weather, layer a black long-sleeve compression shirt underneath your striped referee shirt.
Referee costume FAQ
- What does a basic referee costume require?
- You only need a black-and-white vertically striped shirt, black pants or shorts, a whistle on a lanyard, and a yellow penalty flag.
- How do you make a DIY penalty flag?
- Wrap a small weight like a coin or a few dried beans in a square of yellow fabric or a yellow bandana, then tie it with a rubber band.
- Is a referee costume comfortable for Halloween?
- Yes, because it uses standard athletic wear, it is one of the most comfortable, breathable, and easy-to-move-in costumes you can wear.
Did you know? The iconic black-and-white striped referee shirt was invented in 1920 by Lloyd Olds, a college referee who wanted to avoid being confused with the players on the field.