How do you make a shark bite shirt?

Take a plain white t-shirt, cut jagged triangular chunks out of the side or hem to mimic teeth marks, and stain the edges with red fabric paint or fake blood.

How do I attach the plush shark to my body?

You can sew a simple elastic belt to the shark's body to buckle around your waist, or use several large safety pins to attach it directly to your shirt and shorts.

Is this costume comfortable for a long night?

Yes, as long as the shark prop is lightweight. Opting for a hollow foam or inflatable shark keeps the costume light and easy to wear.

Shark Attack

Shark Attack Costume

Make a splash with a hilarious, high-impact shark survivor look.

The Shark Attack costume is a classic, humorous choice for Halloween that combines a touch of horror with beachside comedy. Perfect for parties or group themes, this look typically features a shredded t-shirt, fake blood, beach accessories, and a plush shark prop biting your torso. It is highly customizable, easy to put together, and guaranteed to get a laugh.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~30 min
Budget: $20–60

See yourself as Shark Attack →What you need Buy the Shark Attack costume

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What you need for a Shark Attack costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Shark Attack costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.

Shop Shark Attack at Spirit ↗

Plush shark toy or wearable puppet
A medium-to-large gray plush shark with a wide open mouth, ideally modified to attach to your waist or shoulder.
DIY: Cut a gray foam board into a shark silhouette with a large bite-shaped cutout to fit around your waist.
Amazon
Shredded white t-shirt
A plain white cotton t-shirt with jagged scissor cuts, tears, and bite marks around the midsection.
DIY: Take an old white t-shirt and use fabric scissors to cut jagged, triangular teeth-like rips along the hem and sides.
Amazon
Board shorts or swimsuit
Brightly colored, tropical-patterned board shorts or a swim trunks to establish the beachgoer aesthetic.
DIY: Use any old swim trunks or summer shorts you already own.
Amazon
Fake blood
Thick, realistic red stage blood to smear around the torn fabric edges and on your skin.
DIY: Mix corn syrup, red food coloring, and a tiny drop of blue food coloring to create a thick, dark red gel.
Amazon
Swim goggles or snorkel mask
Plastic swim goggles worn around your neck or pushed up on your forehead to complete the diver look.
Amazon
Safety pins or elastic straps
Heavy-duty safety pins or black elastic bands to secure the plush shark tightly to your clothing.
DIY: Tie a rope or belt around your waist and tuck the shark securely into it.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Shark Attack costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Put on the tropical board shorts or swimsuit.
2
Use scissors to cut jagged, bite-shaped rips into the sides and hem of the white t-shirt, then put it on.
3
Position the plush shark's mouth over one of the large ripped areas on your t-shirt.
4
Secure the shark to your shirt or waistband from the inside using heavy-duty safety pins or an elastic strap.
5
Apply generous amounts of fake blood around the torn fabric edges where the shark is 'biting' you.
6
Smear a small amount of fake blood onto your skin near the bite marks for a realistic wounded effect.
7
Slip the swim goggles around your neck or push them up onto your head as a final touch.

Makeup & hair

Keep your hair messy, damp, or styled with gel to look like you just emerged from the ocean. Apply a bit of fake blood to your collarbone or arms for added dramatic effect.

Shark Attack for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: One person dresses as the shark attack survivor, and the other wears a full shark mascot jumpsuit.
group: One person is the shark survivor, another is a lifeguard with a megaphone, and others wear shark fins.
kids: A gray hooded sweatshirt with white felt teeth glued around the hood rim, paired with a torn red shirt underneath.
Plus size: Use an oversized white t-shirt and loose-fitting swim trunks, securing the plush shark with a sturdy wide belt.
pet: A small plush shark fin strap-on harness for a dog to run alongside the 'survivor'.

Tips

Use coagulated blood gel instead of liquid blood so it stays in place and doesn't drip onto floors during your party.
If you are walking around a lot, use a lightweight foam or inflatable shark rather than a heavy plush toy to keep the costume comfortable.
Wear a nude-colored undershirt beneath the ripped t-shirt if you want more coverage or warmth.
Carry a pool noodle or a plastic lifesaver ring as an extra prop that doubles as a fun photo accessory.

Shark Attack costume FAQ

How do you make a shark bite shirt?: Take a plain white t-shirt, cut jagged triangular chunks out of the side or hem to mimic teeth marks, and stain the edges with red fabric paint or fake blood.
How do I attach the plush shark to my body?: You can sew a simple elastic belt to the shark's body to buckle around your waist, or use several large safety pins to attach it directly to your shirt and shorts.
Is this costume comfortable for a long night?: Yes, as long as the shark prop is lightweight. Opting for a hollow foam or inflatable shark keeps the costume light and easy to wear.

Did you know? The fear of shark attacks surged globally after the 1975 release of Steven Spielberg's blockbuster film 'Jaws', which turned the shark attack survivor into an instant pop-culture costume staple.