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10 Halloween Costume Ideas that Work with COVID-19 Masks

A boy wearing a skeleton costume and matching face mask, holding a jack-'o-lantern.
esthermm/Shutterstock

Looking for Halloween costumes that incorporate a face mask? We’ve rounded up some great ideas that will take the fuss out of masking up this Halloween.

Your child might love wearing his mask/costume combo so much, he’ll ask to wear it everywhere. Why can’t he go to the doctor dressed as an astronaut?

Many of our suggestions include novelty masks, so if you want to play it extra safe, slip a regular medical mask underneath.

Not up for going out this year? We get it—the pandemic is scary enough. Check out these not-so-scary Halloween movies to watch at home with your kids.

Superheroes and Villains

Plenty of superheroes and villains wear face masks while battling and saving the world (or, you know, holding it for ransom with a space laser). Not only does this protect their identity, but it also keeps them safe from unknown viruses and pandemics. Think about it: Have you ever seen a superhero succumb to illness?

Countless fictional characters wear masks, including Bane, Spiderman, Iron Man, Deadpool, and Black Panther. You can also include generic characters, like a ninja.

You can start by ordering a premade mask or searching for material online and whipping up one yourself. You can even draw the pattern with some fabric markers.

Don’t know how to sew? No problem! Check out these nine ways to make a simple mask.

Star Wars

Three kids in "Star Wars" costumes.
Chekyravaa/Shutterstock

Embrace the force and fight back against this pandemic with a powerful Stars Wars costume—and don’t forget your lightsaber! It’s not only the coolest costume prop ever, but also a pretty handy safety precaution on Halloween night, as it makes your kiddo highly visible.

Your child will be the envy of the block in this awesome Darth Vader mask, or the full costume. Pop a black face mask under the helmet and you’re in business!

And you don’t have to limit yourself to Darth Vader. Stormtroopers? Kylo Ren? C-3PO? Chewbacca? So many great characters in the Star Wars universe can provide a full-mask Halloween experience.

This Etsy seller offers multiple Star Wars masks in all sizes. They’re bound to sell out, so it’s probably best to grab one now! This adorable baby Yoda mask even says “too close you are,” which is pretty on point as far as 2020 messaging goes.

Monsters

There are tons of possibilities when it comes to a monster theme. You can go for cute and fuzzy, like Monsters, Inc. or create your own! These silly monster mouths are all printed on child-size masks.

Looking for something a bit more intense for yourself? Try this gory zombie mask. Simply add the rest of your costume and head out into the night. Just remember to scare people from afar.

Ghosts

Did you leave your Halloween costume for the last minute? Have no fear! You can throw together a ghost costume in less than 10 minutes.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • A white sheet
  • A light-colored baseball cap
  • Scissors
  • A pen or pencil
  • 4 Safety pins
  • A black marker
  • A white face mask

Follow the instructions in the video above and make sure you wear your white face mask underneath. You can also cut a mouth hole in the sheet and draw some teeth on the outside of your mask for a scarier effect. Boo!

Skeletons

Ah, such an iconic Halloween costume. There’s no need to bare your actual teeth—this skeleton face mask does it for you. Pair it with this awesome glow-in-the-dark bodysuit for women, this jumpsuit with a hood for men, or this costume for the kids.

Alternatively, you can make your own skeleton costume with some black clothes, white fabric paint, and freezer paper.

Lions, Tigers, and Bears . . . Oh My!

Really, any animal costume will work this Halloween. Just draw your favorite animal’s nose, mouth, and whiskers on a plain face mask, and you’re ready to growl off into the night!

Here are some ideas if you need some inspiration:

Don’t forget about black cats! An iconic symbol of Halloween, kitty face masks are so cute, your child will probably beg to wear it long after Halloween.

They’re also available in adult size if you want to do mommy-and-me cat costumes. Add a black bodysuit, ears, and a tail, and you’ll look purrfect!

Glowing Jellyfish

Halloween safety is important, especially during a pandemic. No one wants to end the night in the ER. You’ll definitely stand out from the crowd in the dark in a glowing jellyfish costume!

First, check out these cool glowing LED face masks. They come in a variety of vibrant colors. We suggest going with blue, pink, or purple for an authentic jellyfish look. Next, dress from head to toe in a matching color. Remember, bright colors help with nighttime visibility.

Finish it all off with a glowing jellyfish umbrella, as shown in the video above. Not only will it sparkle in the dark, it’ll help with social distancing, as you or your kid wander around the neighborhood.

Scarecrows

A scarecrow is the perfect Halloween costume for COVID-19 safety. This scary version comes with a full-face cover. Alternatively, you can get a face mask and pair it with a straw hat, overalls, and some straw.

If you’re feeling extra creative, you can make your own burlap face covering, as shown in the video above. It’s a bit of work, but it’s worth it!  Just make sure you wear a medical-grade mask underneath.

Professional Masks

Think about the many professions for which masks are part of the uniform. Chances are you can find a ready-made costume or easily make one. Then, just add the mask, and you’re all set!

Here are some ideas:

  • Astronaut: The ultimate face protection! Check out the video above to create your own helmet, or buy this costume. Of course, you still need to wear a face mask for extra protection.
  • Surgeon: Buy some scrubs, rubber gloves, and a white face mask. Talk about simple! Add some fake blood to the scrubs or gloves for a gorier effect.
  • Firefighter: This costume set comes with everything your young firefighter will need, including a hat, with a short face shield. Alternatively, you can make a hat with a child-size face shield. Pair it with a red cloth mask, and your kid is ready to brave Halloween.

Unicorns and Princesses

Does your child dream of being a unicorn or a princess? These custom-made face shields are painted in gorgeous patterns to make your child’s dream come true. You can also create your own design and paint a child-size face shield.

Pair it with a dress or this adorable unicorn onesie, and your kid will be ready to enchant the whole neighborhood. You don’t have to limit this idea to unicorns and princesses, either. Paint a prince’s crown, a dragon, or whatever your child wants to be.


Sadly, this pandemic will put a damper on the usual Halloween shenanigans and festivities. That doesn’t mean you have to forgo the holiday altogether, though! These costume ideas can ensure everyone stays safe and still has fun this year.

Jill A. Chafin Jill A. Chafin
Jill A. Chafin is a freelance writer, aerialist, dancer, food enthusiast, outdoor adventurer, and mama, based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Read Full Bio »
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