Three Last-Minute T-Shirt Halloween Costume Ideas

Keep it casual this Halloween with these three easy-to-DIY T-shirt Halloween costumes.

Easy T-Shirt Costume Ideas for Halloween
Loading Video...
Show: HGTV Happy

For some, DIYing a Halloween costume for you or your child can be a daunting task, especially when you're short on time. Some ideas are just too involved and time-consuming, while most "last-minute" options seem too basic and uninspiring. These three super-cute Halloween costumes can be made quickly using T-shirts and basic crafting skills.

Color Me Spooky

Three Children in DIY Crayon Halloween Costumes

Three Crayon Halloween Costumes Made From T-Shirts

These three crayon Halloween costumes have been made using brightly colored t-shirts. Felt has been cut and glued to the shirts while card stock has been cut and glued to make crayon tip hats. The homemade costumes are the perfect last minute solution for Halloween.

Photo by: Yasmin Murphy

Yasmin Murphy

To make this colorful ensemble, start with a brightly colored T-shirt and some thick black craft felt. Cut an oval out of the black felt, then cut the word “Crayon” out of craft felt similar to your T-shirt’s color and hot glue to the black oval (Images 1 & 2). Once dry, hot glue the oval to the center of the T-shirt. Next, cut wavy strips out of the black felt and glue across the chest area of the shirt. To create a crayon-shaped hat, draw out an unfurled conical shape on a piece of brightly colored card stock, then cut it out using scissors. Roll up the cone and hot glue it in place. Trim with scissors if necessary, then place the large end of the cone on another piece of card stock (Image 3). Mark a circle that is slightly larger than the cone and cut it out using scissors (Image 4). Glue the circle to the bottom of the cone, then glue another strip of card stock around the rim (Image 5). To finish up, glue some brightly colored ribbon to fasten on the hat.

Perfect Pineapple

Girl in DIY Pineapple Halloween Costume

DIY Pineapple Halloween Costume Made From a T-Shirt

This DIY halloween costume is made from a yellow t-shirt that looks like a pineapple. The hat is made out of rolled up pieces of green felt and resembles the top of a pineapple. The last-minute homemade costume is the perfect solution for Halloween on a budget.

Photo by: Yasmin Murphy

Yasmin Murphy

On a bright yellow T-shirt, draw several upside-down “V” shapes using a black magic marker (Image 1). Next, cut a spikey collar out of dark green felt and hot glue below the collar of the shirt. Set the shirt aside and pull out a few pieces of felt in various shades of green. Cut several strips out of the felt with one straight side and one jagged side (Image 2). Glue the strips together in a circle, layering the jagged edges at the top, to resemble the top of a pineapple (Image 3). To add a little realistic detail, use a pencil to curl the spikes. Paint a small disposable plate yellow and glue the felt pineapple top to it (Image 4). As a last step, glue the paper plate to a black headband and hold in place until dry (Image 5). Now you’ve got yourself the perfect pineapple costume.

You Grow Girl

A Girl in a Houseplant Halloween Costume

Houseplant Halloween Costume Made From a T-Shirt

This girl is wearing a houseplant Halloween costume made from an orange t-shirt. The shirt has been adorned with a clever saying on the front. The saying is made using iron-on letters. The costume is made complete with a leaf boa and a houseplant at the girl's side.

Photo by: Yasmin Murphy

Yasmin Murphy

Lay a terra-cotta-colored T-shirt out on a flat, protected surface. Spell out the words “YOU GROW GIRL” in iron-on letters, place an old towel over top and use an iron to apply (Images 1 & 2). Once the letters cool completely, remove the paper backing (Images 3 & 4). This look is sure to flourish if you add a leaf boa and your favorite potted plant.

Next Up

The 56 Best Halloween Costumes You Can Order Online

Check out these cute costume ideas for the whole family.

23 Best Pop Culture Halloween Costume Ideas for 2025

Make an entrance (and earn a lot of laughs) with these Halloween costumes inspired by trending moments in TV, music, movies and more in 2025.

PSA: Target's Hyde & EEK! Boutique Is Back, and We Want Everything

Halloween decorations have officially hit the shelves at Target! See their 2026 collection and snag our top picks while supplies last.

40+ Last-Minute Halloween Costumes You Can Order Online

Are the holidays sneaking up on you? We've got you covered for the first one to hit the scene — Halloween — with costumes you can get delivered to your home in a matter of days.

20 Best Halloween Countdown Calendars

The countdown to Halloween is on! Start a fun new tradition with these festive calendars.

Make This Easy-to-Sew Spider Hand Puppet for Halloween

No sewing machine is required for this darling spider hand puppet!

New Shows on HGTV and DIY Network to Watch in October

Count on new episodes of Property Brothers, Rehab Addict and more when spooky Halloween watches get to be too much.

This Year's Best HGTV Halloween Costumes

Are y'all ready to see some awesomely creative Fixer Upper and Property Brothers Halloween costumes?

Sweet and Salty Halloween Snack Mix

Halloween guests big and small will love this crunchy snack mix that combines everyone's favorite flavors and textures. Package the mix in small paper bags to give away as party favors or as a treat for your favorite door-to-door ghosties.

Marshmallow Jack-o'-Lantern Cookies

These little jack-o'-lanterns are as cute as they are tasty. Placed on a chocolate wafer for crunch, these soft marshmallows can be made several days ahead of your Halloween party. But they're so irresistible, you'll need to hide them.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

About HGTV

HGTV’s expert editors and writers share home decorating, garden and home improvement ideas, inspiration and advice based on our brand’s 30+ years of expertise and experience. We also give you the latest updates on HGTV shows and stars, cleaning tips and shopping recommendations. Learn more about us and our editorial standards.