How do you make the Spy vs. Spy beak mask?

You can sew a cone shape out of stiff white or black felt, attach it to a matching balaclava, and use black fabric marker or felt cutouts to create the large, expressive cartoon eyes.

What do you wear under the trench coat?

Wear lightweight, breathable clothing in the same color (black or white) as your spy, as the trench coat and mask can get warm.

Can this be a solo costume?

Yes, you can easily go as either the Black Spy or the White Spy individually, but carrying a classic prop like a cartoon bomb helps people instantly recognize the character.

AI-generated example

Spy vs. Spy Costume

Choose your side: Black Spy or White Spy in monochrome style.

Originating from Mad Magazine, Spy vs. Spy is a classic comic strip featuring two identical secret agents locked in endless, comical warfare. This costume is a popular choice for couples or duos who want a highly recognizable, graphic, and nostalgic look. The outfit consists of a pointed wide-brimmed hat, a matching long trench coat, and a distinctive pointed-beak mask.

Difficulty: Medium
Time: ~60 min
Budget: $40–100

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Spy vs. Spy costume — Example look · AI-generated

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What you need for a Spy vs. Spy costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Spy vs. Spy costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.

Shop Spy vs. Spy at Spirit ↗

Pointed Wide-Brimmed Hat
A wide-brimmed fedora or custom pointed hat in solid black or solid white.
DIY: Attach a cone of black or white poster board to a standard wide-brimmed hat to create the pointed crown.
Amazon
Long Trench Coat
A long, double-breasted trench coat or duster jacket in solid black or solid white.
Amazon
Beak Mask
A white or black fabric mask featuring a long, pointed bird-like beak and large cartoonish eyes.
DIY: Construct a beak shape out of stiff fusible interfacing or felt, attach it to a matching balaclava, and draw on large black-and-white eyes.
Amazon
Matching Pants
Solid black or solid white trousers to match your chosen spy color.
Amazon
Gloves
Simple fabric gloves in solid black or solid white.
Amazon
Prop Bomb
A classic round black cartoon bomb prop with a white fuse.
DIY: Paint a foam ball black, insert a piece of thick white rope for the fuse, and paint 'BOMB' on the side.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Spy vs. Spy costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Choose your color scheme: either entirely black (Black Spy) or entirely white (White Spy).
2
Put on the matching trousers and a simple t-shirt of the same color as your base layer.
3
Don the long trench coat, buttoning it up to create a clean, uniform silhouette.
4
Pull on the matching fabric gloves to cover your hands completely.
5
Slip on the pointed-beak mask, adjusting the eye holes so you can see clearly.
6
Place the pointed wide-brimmed hat securely on your head, tilting it slightly forward.
7
Carry your prop cartoon bomb or dynamite stick to complete the classic saboteur look.

Makeup & hair

No hair or makeup is needed, as the full-head mask and hat completely cover your head, face, and neck for a perfect cartoon silhouette.

Spy vs. Spy for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: One person dresses as the Black Spy and the other dresses as the White Spy, carrying opposing cartoon props.
group: A larger group can split into teams of Black Spies and White Spies, carrying various comical spy gadgets.
kids: Use a black or white oversized raincoat and a felt beak attached to a matching beanie for a comfortable kids' version.
Plus size: Look for oversized, loose-fitting duster coats or trench coats to easily achieve the draped, cartoonish silhouette.
pet: A simple black or white pet cape with a miniature matching pointed hat secured with an elastic band.

Tips

Ensure your mask has breathable fabric or mesh over the eye holes, as visibility and ventilation can be limited.
Stick to absolute solids; avoid any patterns, logos, or off-color buttons to maintain the stark, high-contrast comic strip aesthetic.
Wear comfortable black or white shoes that match your character's color to keep the monochrome illusion seamless.

Spy vs. Spy costume FAQ

How do you make the Spy vs. Spy beak mask?: You can sew a cone shape out of stiff white or black felt, attach it to a matching balaclava, and use black fabric marker or felt cutouts to create the large, expressive cartoon eyes.
What do you wear under the trench coat?: Wear lightweight, breathable clothing in the same color (black or white) as your spy, as the trench coat and mask can get warm.
Can this be a solo costume?: Yes, you can easily go as either the Black Spy or the White Spy individually, but carrying a classic prop like a cartoon bomb helps people instantly recognize the character.

Did you know? Created by Cuban cartoonist Antonio Prohías, Spy vs. Spy first appeared in Mad Magazine in 1961 as a wordless satirical commentary on the Cold War.