How do you make a DIY Max costume?

You can easily make one using a white hooded sweatshirt and sweatpants. Attach large black felt circles down the front for buttons, pin on a grey faux fur tail, and top it off with a handmade gold felt crown.

What does Max wear in Where the Wild Things Are?

Max wears a white wolf suit (pajamas with buttons, a hood with ears, and a tail) and a simple gold crown.

Is this costume suitable for cold weather?

Yes, because the onesie is typically made of warm fleece and is loose enough to layer thermal underwear or regular clothes underneath.

AI-generated example

Where the Wild Things Are Costume

Let the wild rumpus begin in Max's iconic wolf suit.

Step into the pages of Maurice Sendak's beloved children's book with a classic Max costume. Perfect for book weeks, Halloween, or nostalgic group themes, this look is defined by a cozy white wolf onesie, a plush tail, and a regal gold crown. It is a comfortable, instantly recognizable outfit that appeals to fans of all ages.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~30 min
Budget: $25–60

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See yourself as Where the Wild Things Are

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Where the Wild Things Are costume — Example look · AI-generated

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What you need for a Where the Wild Things Are costume

Short on time? Buy it ready-made

Spirit Halloween sells the complete Where the Wild Things Are costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.

Shop Where the Wild Things Are at Spirit ↗

White hooded onesie
A soft fleece or cotton hooded jumpsuit with a zipper or button front.
DIY: Use a plain white oversized sweatshirt and sweatpants.
Amazon
Gold crown
A pointed crown made of gold felt, fabric, or shiny cardstock.
DIY: Cut a crown shape out of yellow or gold felt and fabric-glue it to a headband.
Amazon
Faux fur tail
A long, bushy grey or brown faux fur tail attached to the back of the onesie.
DIY: Sew a tube of grey faux fur fabric, stuff it with cotton batting, and safety-pin it to your pants.
Amazon
Large black buttons
Three or four oversized black buttons attached down the center chest.
DIY: Cut circles out of black felt and fabric-glue them to the front of the onesie.
Amazon
Wolf ears
White fabric ears attached to the hood of the onesie.
DIY: Cut ear shapes from white felt and sew or glue them directly onto the hood.
Amazon

Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Where the Wild Things Are costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗

How to put it together

1
Put on the white hooded onesie or matching white sweatsuit.
2
Attach the large black buttons down the center chest using fabric glue, safety pins, or thread.
3
Secure the grey faux fur tail to the lower back of the onesie using a safety pin.
4
If your hood does not have built-in ears, attach white felt ears to the top of the hood.
5
Place the gold crown securely on your head, wearing it over the hood if desired.
6
Use a black makeup pencil to draw simple whiskers and a small button nose on your face.

Makeup & hair

Keep hair simple or tucked into the hood. Use a black eyeliner pencil or face paint to draw three simple whiskers on each cheek and color the tip of the nose black.

Where the Wild Things Are for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: One person goes as Max in his wolf suit, and the other wears a furry monster suit with horns as a Wild Thing.
group: A group can feature Max leading several friends dressed as different Wild Things with horns, striped shirts, and clawed feet.
kids: This is an incredibly popular toddler look; use a soft, one-piece fleece sleeper with built-in mittens and a soft felt crown.
Plus size: An oversized white fleece union suit or matching white sweatpants and hoodie provide a comfortable, flexible fit.
pet: Dress your dog in a small gold crown and a white canine t-shirt.

Tips

Choose a lightweight onesie if you plan to wear this indoors, as fleece can get very warm.
Secure the tail firmly with multiple safety pins so it does not drag or pull down the back of your suit.
If trick-or-treating outdoors, wear warm layers underneath the roomy onesie.

Where the Wild Things Are costume FAQ

How do you make a DIY Max costume?: You can easily make one using a white hooded sweatshirt and sweatpants. Attach large black felt circles down the front for buttons, pin on a grey faux fur tail, and top it off with a handmade gold felt crown.
What does Max wear in Where the Wild Things Are?: Max wears a white wolf suit (pajamas with buttons, a hood with ears, and a tail) and a simple gold crown.
Is this costume suitable for cold weather?: Yes, because the onesie is typically made of warm fleece and is loose enough to layer thermal underwear or regular clothes underneath.

Did you know? Maurice Sendak's book was originally going to be called 'Where the Wild Horses Are,' but he changed it to 'Wild Things' because he felt he could not draw horses well.