How do you make a DIY Rock Paper Scissors costume?

You can easily make this by cutting the shapes of a gray rock, lined notebook paper, and red scissors out of sturdy cardboard, painting them, and attaching shoulder straps to wear them like sandwich boards.

What should you wear under the Rock Paper Scissors tunics?

It is best to wear solid neutral colors, like all-black or all-white t-shirts and pants, so the colorful game pieces stand out.

Can this work as a couples costume?

Yes, a couple can choose two of the three elements, such as Rock and Paper, to create a fun, recognizable pairing.

AI-generated example

Rock Paper Scissors Costume

The ultimate three-person group costume that everyone knows how to play.

The Rock Paper Scissors costume is a classic, lighthearted choice for trios, families, or couples looking for an easy crowd-pleaser. Based on the ancient hand game, this look typically features three distinct, wearable foam tunics or custom graphic tees representing each element. It is highly recognizable, comfortable to wear, and perfect for socializing at parties.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~30 min
Budget: $15–60

See yourself as Rock Paper Scissors →What you need Buy the Rock Paper Scissors costume

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See yourself as Rock Paper Scissors

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Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.

Rock Paper Scissors costume — Example look · AI-generated

You as Rock Paper Scissors

Result

What you need for a Rock Paper Scissors costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Rock Paper Scissors costume — one box instead of 4 pieces.

Shop Rock Paper Scissors at Spirit ↗

Base clothing
Matching solid black or white t-shirts and pants to keep the focus on the game pieces.
DIY: Use any matching dark or neutral clothing already in your closet.
Amazon
Rock tunic or shirt
A gray foam sandwich-board tunic shaped like a textured boulder, or a gray t-shirt with a rock graphic.
DIY: Cut a large boulder shape out of gray cardboard or foam board and attach shoulder straps.
Amazon
Paper tunic or shirt
A white rectangular foam tunic printed with blue notebook lines and red margin lines.
DIY: Draw blue horizontal lines and a red vertical margin line on a large sheet of white poster board.
Amazon
Scissors tunic or shirt
A red and silver foam tunic shaped like a classic pair of craft scissors pointing downward.
DIY: Cut scissor blade and handle shapes out of cardboard, paint the blades silver and the handles red, and secure them together.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Rock Paper Scissors costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Coordinate with two friends or family members to decide who will be Rock, Paper, and Scissors.
2
Have all three participants put on matching neutral base layers, such as solid black t-shirts and black pants.
3
Slip the respective foam tunics over your heads, adjusting the shoulder straps so they sit comfortably at chest level.
4
If using the DIY cardboard method, secure the front and back panels over your shoulders using thick ribbon or elastic straps.
5
Ensure the graphics or shapes are facing forward and are clearly visible.
6
Practice your group poses, such as standing in the classic game order or playfully 'defeating' one another for photos.

Makeup & hair

Keep hair and makeup simple and natural, as the focus of this costume is entirely on the large, graphic game pieces.

Rock Paper Scissors for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Go as a duo representing your favorite matchup, like Rock and Paper (with Paper covering Rock).
group: The ideal setup is a trio with one person wearing each of the three game elements.
kids: Use smaller cardboard cutouts attached to kid-sized t-shirts for an easy school parade outfit.
Plus size: The loose, open-sided design of sandwich-board tunics makes this style highly adjustable and comfortable for all body types.
pet: Dress a small dog as the 'Rock' using a lightweight gray felt shell to join the human Paper and Scissors.

Tips

Wear comfortable shoes, as group costumes often involve walking around together to show off the theme.
If wearing foam tunics outdoors on a windy day, use safety pins to secure the sides of the tunics to your base shirt.
Take photos acting out the game's rules, such as Paper wrapping around Rock, or Scissors clipping Paper.

Rock Paper Scissors costume FAQ

How do you make a DIY Rock Paper Scissors costume?: You can easily make this by cutting the shapes of a gray rock, lined notebook paper, and red scissors out of sturdy cardboard, painting them, and attaching shoulder straps to wear them like sandwich boards.
What should you wear under the Rock Paper Scissors tunics?: It is best to wear solid neutral colors, like all-black or all-white t-shirts and pants, so the colorful game pieces stand out.
Can this work as a couples costume?: Yes, a couple can choose two of the three elements, such as Rock and Paper, to create a fun, recognizable pairing.

Did you know? The earliest version of this hand-game originated in China during the Han dynasty, where it was known as 'shoushiling' before evolving into the modern version we play today.