Scissors Costume
A sharp, creative look that is perfect for group or solo wear.
The scissors costume is a classic, lighthearted choice that works wonderfully as a standalone outfit or as part of a classic 'Rock, Paper, Scissors' group. This look typically features a wearable foam tunic shaped like a pair of giant scissors, with the handles framing your head or torso and the blades extending down. It is a highly recognizable, family-friendly option that is incredibly easy to wear over your everyday clothes.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $15–45
Try it on
See yourself as Scissors
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.
Your photo is sent to Google's Gemini API to make the render and isn't used for training. Renders are AI-generated and labelled.
Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a Scissors costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Scissors costume — one box instead of 4 pieces.
Scissors foam tunic
A lightweight, slip-on foam costume shaped like giant scissors, featuring silver blades and black or red handle loops.
DIY: Cut two large scissor blade shapes out of cardboard, paint them metallic silver, attach them to a grey shirt, and wear two black foam rings around your shoulders.
Black long-sleeve shirt
A simple, solid black crewneck shirt to wear underneath the tunic to make the scissor shape pop.
DIY: Use any solid dark grey or black t-shirt from your closet.
Black pants or leggings
Form-fitting black pants or leggings to keep the focus on the oversized scissor structure.
DIY: Wear any dark-colored pants you already own.
Oversized plastic scissors prop
A lightweight, giant plastic novelty scissor prop to carry for photos.
DIY: Cut a smaller pair of scissors out of cardboard and wrap the blades in aluminum foil.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Scissors costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the solid black long-sleeve shirt and black pants to create a neutral, dark background.
- 2
Unpack the foam scissors tunic and let it sit flat for an hour to remove any packaging creases.
- 3
Slip the tunic over your head, positioning your face through one of the handle loops or the designated head opening.
- 4
Secure any interior ties or shoulder straps at the waist and shoulders to keep the tunic centered.
- 5
Adjust the bottom 'blades' of the tunic so they hang straight down your legs.
- 6
Pick up your giant plastic scissors prop to complete the look.
Makeup & hair
Keep makeup simple and neutral. Pull hair back into a sleek ponytail or bun so it does not interfere with the head opening of the scissors tunic.
Scissors for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with a partner dressed as a rock or a sheet of lined paper.
- group
- Get three people together to go as the ultimate Rock, Paper, Scissors trio.
- kids
- A smaller foam sandwich-board style scissors tunic worn over a black tracksuit.
- Plus size
- Look for open-sided sandwich-board style tunics with adjustable side ties for a comfortable fit.
- pet
- A lightweight felt harness with small, soft silver felt 'blades' extending down the dog's back.
Tips
- If the foam tunic is wrinkled from shipping, hang it in a steamy bathroom or use a garment steamer on low heat.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the tunic is lightweight but can sway slightly as you walk.
- Keep your arms free by choosing a tunic design that sits entirely on your torso rather than restricting your arms.
- For outdoor events, the neutral black base layers are easy to swap for warmer thermal layers.
Scissors costume FAQ
- How do you sit down in a scissors costume?
- Most foam scissors tunics are flexible, but it is easiest to gently lift the bottom 'blades' up into your lap or slide the tunic slightly up your torso before sitting.
- What is the best way to make DIY cardboard scissors?
- Cut two identical blade shapes from thick cardboard, paint them with metallic silver spray paint, and hot glue them to a black poster board harness that slips over your shoulders.
- Can I wear this as a group costume?
- Yes, it is most famous as part of a 'Rock, Paper, Scissors' trio, which is a highly popular and easy DIY group theme.
Did you know? The classic game of Rock, Paper, Scissors dates back to the Chinese Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE), where it was known as 'shoushiling'.