Every bat costume I make starts with the same question: where do the wings attach? Get that right and the rest is styling. The ideas below run from plain closet versions to dressier gothic, glam and colorful takes, for parties, the office, outdoor nights and the last-minute rush. Most begin with black basics, then add fabric wings, pointed ears and a little bat makeup. Velvet, lace, sequins and brighter colors come in once you know how much fuss you want. Each one covers the base outfit, hair, makeup, accessories, wings and shoes you can actually walk in.
Cutting a Bat Wing That Opens When You Lift Your Arms
Most of the wings in this list share one basic shape: a quarter-circle of fabric running from the wrist to the waist, scalloped along the outer edge. Here's how I draft one without a pattern.
- Put on the top you'll wear and stretch one arm straight out. Measure from the wrist, along the arm, to the side seam at your waist. That length is the top edge of the wing.
- On paper, draw that line, then sweep a curve from the wrist end down to the waist end, like a quarter of a circle. That curve becomes the outer edge.
- Divide the curve into four or five sections and draw a shallow scoop inward on each. The points between the scoops are the bat's finger bones, and deeper scoops look more dramatic.
- Fold your fabric in half, pin the paper on and cut both wings at once so they match.
- Attach along the sleeve seam and the side seam, with a loop or snap at the wrist. Lift your arms before you stitch everything down; if the top pulls, add a little width at the underarm.
If you'll be sitting most of the night, end the wing a little above the waist. For a packed room, a wing that stops at the elbow is much easier to live with.
1. Classic Black Bat Costume With Cape Wings
This is the version I'd sew first. A fitted black long-sleeve bodysuit or mock-neck top tucked into leggings, then light wings attached from wrist to waist so they spread when you lift your arms. I hand-stitch the wing to the sleeve seam with a loose stitch rather than gluing it, because a glued wing tears away the first time you reach for something. A pointed ear headband, black ankle boots and a crossbody bag that leaves both hands free. A smooth high ponytail, smoky gray shadow, winged liner and a berry lip. A few silver bat clips on the wings add detail without weight.
2. DIY Umbrella Wing Bat Costume
A broken black umbrella makes surprisingly good structured wings, since the panels are already scalloped between the ribs. Take out the handle and center shaft, then secure the remaining fabric and ribs to a black jacket or harness. The rib tips are sharp metal, so I cap every one with felt and strong tape before anyone puts it on. Keep the base plain: a black turtleneck, fitted pants and lace-up combat boots. A low bun stops hair catching in the frame. Subtle ears, charcoal eyes, black nails and a slim belt bag. Test your arm movement at home, because umbrella ribs only fold one way.
3. Little Black Dress Bat Costume
A little black dress you already own does most of the work here. Pick a mini, midi or knee-length one you can sit and walk in, then add detachable chiffon wings that loop over your fingers and drape behind the arms. Chiffon frays badly, so if you're cutting your own, I'd finish the scalloped edge with a narrow rolled hem or a thin line of fray stopper. Sheer black tights and block-heel ankle boots, soft waves and a small velvet ear headband near the crown. Defined liner, silvery inner-corner shimmer and a muted plum lip, plus a moon-shaped clutch and a delicate bat pendant. It moves easily from dinner to photos to the party.
4. Glam Sequin Bat Costume
Black sequins catch the light every time the wings move, and that is the whole point. A sequin jumpsuit, or a sparkling top with high-waisted black trousers, makes the base. I keep the wings sheer with a thin silver trim; solid sequin wings get heavy and drag the shoulders down. Sequined fabric is also miserable to sew, since the needle keeps hitting sequins, so buy that piece ready-made and save your effort for the wings. Pointed pumps, block heels or glittery flats. A sleek ponytail with rhinestone ear clips, metallic charcoal shadow, sharp liner and a deep rose lip. A small silver clutch and crystal drops, and nothing more.
5. Gothic Victorian Bat Costume
Texture carries the Victorian version. A high-neck black blouse with lace or small ruffles, a long velvet skirt and a fitted waistcoat. A floor-skimming wing cape gives the bat outline without a harness, though I'd hem it an inch or two off the floor so you aren't stepping on it all night. Pointed lace-up boots should show under the skirt. A braided updo or loose curls held with black combs. Pale matte foundation, smoky eyes and a dark berry lip, with a cameo-style brooch, lace gloves and a small structured bag. Oversized accessories tangle in the cape, so leave them home. It suits formal parties and anyone who wants full coverage.
6. Cute Tulle Bat Costume
The tulle version is the cute one. A fitted black top with a layered tulle skirt that reaches at least mid-thigh, and opaque tights or fitted shorts underneath. Small wings across the shoulders keep the proportions right, since big wings swamp a short skirt. Glittery sneakers or low ankle boots. Two high space buns can stand in for ears, but a padded ear headband reads more clearly. Rosy cheeks, rounded liner, a few painted freckles and a soft pink lip. A fuzzy collar, star earrings and a pumpkin bag if you like. Friendly rather than frightening, so it's good for handing out candy or a family event.
7. Cozy Hooded Bat Costume
For a cold night, I build the bat on fleece. A black hooded onesie, fleece jumpsuit or oversized sweatshirt over thermal leggings, with soft triangle ears sewn onto the hood. Fleece is the easiest wing fabric there is: it doesn't fray, so you can cut the scallops and leave the edges raw. Attach the wings along the sleeves and side seams and stop them above the knee so they don't drag. Thick socks, weather-resistant boots, and braids or a low ponytail under the hood. Gray shadow, waterproof mascara, tinted balm, fingerless gloves and a belt bag. Warm enough for trick-or-treating and still clearly a bat.
8. Plus Size Velvet Bat Costume
Stretch velvet gives softness, coverage and movement, which is why I like it for a plus size bat. Choose a wrap dress or wide-leg jumpsuit that fits comfortably through the waist and shoulders, plus a light wing cape fastened at the neckline so it comes off easily when you sit. Velvet has a nap, so cut every piece in the same direction or the color looks patchy in photos. Supportive block-heel boots or cushioned flats. Defined curls, a high puff, braids or an updo under a comfortable ear headband. Blended charcoal shadow and a rich berry lipstick. A wide belt if you want waist definition, silver earrings and a wristlet.
9. Maternity Bat Costume With Soft Wings
A stretchy black maxi dress is the easiest base for a maternity bat, with room through the waist and a cropped cardigan for cool weather. Fasten light chiffon wings at the shoulders and wrists only; nothing should wrap around the torso. Supportive sneakers, flats or low boots with nonslip soles. A padded ear headband keeps it light on the head. A low ponytail or loose waves, gentle smoky eyes, rosy blush and a moisturizing plum lip, with a soft moon-shaped bag for the essentials. I'd put snaps or hook-and-loop tabs on the wings so they come off in seconds when you need to sit or move through a crowd.
10. Work Friendly Bat Costume With Blazer
At the office, the bat has to survive meetings and desk chairs. A fitted black blazer over a mock-neck top and tailored ankle pants, with small removable wings clipped to the back of the blazer. Use fabric-safe clips or a couple of safety pins inside the back seam; I'd never glue anything to a blazer you want to keep. Black loafers for the day. A neat bun or low ponytail with small bat clips instead of tall ears. Soft gray shadow, clean liner and a muted berry lip. A silver bat brooch on the lapel keeps the theme visible once the wings come off at your desk, and your usual tote is fine.
11. Last Minute Leggings Bat Costume
No time? Black basics plus two pieces of fabric will do it. A long-sleeve black tee, opaque leggings, and sneakers or ankle boots. Cut two scalloped wing shapes from felt, light fabric or an old dark tablecloth. Fold the fabric in half first and cut both wings at once so they match. Fix them between the sleeves and sides with safety pins or fabric tape. Black cardstock ears on a plain headband, a high ponytail so they show, lifted liner at the outer corners, mascara and tinted balm. A belt bag for your phone and keys, and you're out the door.
12. Lace Wing Bat Costume
Lace makes a lighter, finer bat wing, but it needs help to hold its shape. A black camisole or fitted long-sleeve top with a flowing midi skirt and opaque tights. Attach scalloped lace panels from wrist to waist and stitch ribbon along the edges; without that ribbon, lace sags into a limp curtain once you move. Pointed flats or low boots. A loose braid suits the texture, with a slim lace-covered ear headband. Black and mauve shadow, lengthening mascara and a blackberry lip. Lace gloves, a vintage-style pendant and a small velvet bag. Best saved for indoor parties and dinners, where people see the detail up close.
13. Silver Moon Bat Costume
Black and silver give a night-sky bat that shines without fuss. A black jumpsuit or fitted top with wide-leg pants, silver piping along the seams, and a wing cape scattered with small fabric stars and crescent moons. Space those decorations evenly and keep them light, since clustered appliques make one wing hang lower than the other. Metallic sneakers or silver ankle boots carry the palette to the feet. A sleek low ponytail woven with silver ribbon, cool silver shadow, black winged liner and a touch of shimmer. A crescent headpiece with small ears, silver cuffs and a star bag. Silver reads well in both bright and dim rooms.
14. Purple Bat Costume
Purple is the easy answer for anyone tired of all-black. A deep violet dress or jumpsuit, or a purple top with black pants. Black-and-purple wings with bold scallops, plum ankle boots or black sneakers with purple laces. Big curls or a high ponytail under a purple velvet ear headband. Lavender and charcoal shadow, crisp liner and a berry lip, with a black belt, purple gloves and a little moon bag. I keep the wings mostly black with purple as the accent. When everything is the same violet, the wing shape disappears against the dress.
15. Red Velvet Bat Costume
Deep red velvet makes a dramatic bat that still looks tasteful. A burgundy velvet dress or jumpsuit with black tights and pointed ankle boots. The trick is a black wing cape lined in red, so the color flashes only when you spread your arms. Line it with something slippery, satin or a plain lining fabric, so it slides over the velvet instead of clinging to it. Polished waves or a high bun with small black ears. Smoky brown shadow, strong black liner and classic red lips. Black gloves, a narrow velvet choker and a structured red clutch. Skip chunky jewelry; the fabric already carries enough.
16. White Albino Bat Costume
An all-white bat is unexpected, and it needs crisp edges to work. A white long-sleeve jumpsuit, knit dress, or top with leggings, plus ivory wings with clearly cut scallops. Shallow scallops vanish against white clothing, so I'd cut them deeper than on a black wing. White boots or clean sneakers, and a white faux-fur collar for texture. Pale waves, a smooth bun or your natural texture under an ivory ear headband. Pearly shadow, white graphic liner, rosy cheeks and a pink lip instead of stark theatrical makeup. Clear crystal earrings and a small silver bag. White shows every mark, so a stain pen in that bag is worth it.
17. Brown Fruit Bat Costume
Fruit bats are brown and furry with rounded ears, which gives you a softer kind of bat. A chocolate jumpsuit, sweater dress, or fitted top with matching trousers. Wide wings in cocoa and caramel, with rounded ears on a soft headband in place of the pointed kind. Brown hiking-style or cushioned ankle boots for walking. Loose waves or a relaxed braid, leaving the crown clear for the ears. Bronze shadow, brown liner, peach blush and a warm rose lip. A small bag of light faux fruit or a few fabric leaves on the belt, and a fuzzy collar to suggest the coat. All of it comes from neutral wardrobe pieces.
18. Strawberry Fruit Bat Costume
This takes the fruit bat somewhere sweeter. A red dress or red overalls over a fitted black top, with black wings dotted with small red felt berries and green fabric leaves. Felt berries are quick to cut and stitch on, and they weigh almost nothing, so the wings still hang properly. Opaque tights with red sneakers or black ankle boots. Two low buns and a headband with ears and a little leafy crown. Soft black liner, rosy cheeks, painted freckles and a strawberry-pink lip. A small basket of fake strawberries, kept light, and black gloves or wrist cuffs to link the colorful base to the wings.
19. Golden Bat Costume
Metallic gold turns a bat into a party outfit. A gold jumpsuit, pleated dress or shimmering top with black tailored pants. Black wings edged in gold ribbon, and I'd keep that ribbon narrow; wide metallic trim is stiff and stops the wing folding. Gold ankle boots or black shoes with metal details. A high braided ponytail with a sleek black-and-gold ear headband. Bronze and gold shadow, sharp liner, warm highlighter and a neutral lip, plus cuff bracelets and a black clutch with a gold moon. Don't cover every surface in glitter. A few reflective accents look cleaner and still carry across a crowded room.
20. Neon Bat Costume
Neon suits the party where you'll be dancing. A black bodysuit or fitted athletic top with leggings, and light black wings outlined in neon green, pink or electric blue fabric tape. Tape is quicker than sewing on trim, but it lifts on tight curves, so I snip tiny notches on the inner side of each scallop to help it lie flat. Matching sneakers, fingerless gloves and a bright belt bag. A high ponytail with temporary neon extensions, graphic liner in the accent color and a glossy neutral lip. Reflective ears keep the shape visible in photos. Stick to one or two neon shades or it turns into clutter.
21. Disco Bat Costume
A disco bat mixes sparkle with that dramatic wing outline. A silver or black sequin jumpsuit with a flared leg, and a light black wing cape over the shoulders. Platform-style boots with a stable sole give the retro shape and are easier to walk in than narrow heels. Bouncy curls or a high ponytail. Silver shadow, bold liner, glowing cheeks and a glossy berry lip, with mirrored earrings, a glitter ear headband and a small metallic bag. Little reflective squares can trim the wing edges, but I keep them away from the folds, where they crack or pop off the first time the wing closes.
22. 1920s Flapper Bat Costume
A fringed black dress already moves like a bat, so this one needs only small additions. Choose a knee-length dress and a short wing cape that sits above the fringe; if the cape falls over it, it flattens the swing you chose the dress for. Opaque tights with low T-strap heels or supportive flats. Finger waves, a faux bob or a low bun under a beaded headband with small ears. Smoky shadow, defined lashes, softly rounded brows and deep berry lipstick. Long costume pearls, black gloves and a small beaded bag. Leave behind anything long that could tangle with the fringe or wings.
23. 1950s Bat Costume With Full Skirt
A full black circle skirt gives this bat a 1950s outline. Pair it with a fitted mock-neck top and a wide belt with a small bat-shaped buckle. Keep the wings compact and fixed to the upper back so they don't hide the skirt. A petticoat underneath is what builds that silhouette, and it's worth borrowing one if you don't own it. Saddle shoes, ballet flats or low pumps. A high ponytail tied with a purple scarf and small ear clips. Winged liner, flushed cheeks and red or berry lipstick, with a structured mini bag and studs. A felt bat applique near the hem makes the theme clear from any angle.
24. 1980s Bat Costume
The 1980s bat is all about big shoulders. A black unitard, or an oversized sweatshirt cinched over leggings, with structured wings across the shoulders and arms, purple leg warmers and high-top sneakers. I fuse a strip of lightweight interfacing inside the top edge of each wing so it stands up at the shoulder instead of drooping. Teased hair in a big ponytail, or a curly wig with a sparkly bat headband. Vivid purple shadow, strong blush, black liner and a glossy pink lip. Chunky earrings, fingerless gloves and a belt bag. Keep the wings light enough to dance in, because this is a costume people move in.
25. Y2K Bat Costume
The Y2K bat borrows early-2000s pieces. A black baby tee with a small bat graphic, a pleated mini skirt over fitted shorts or opaque tights, compact iridescent wings, chunky platform sneakers and a mini shoulder bag. Two high ponytails with tiny bat clips standing in for the old butterfly clips. Frosted silver shadow, thin liner, glossy lips and a few face gems, plus striped arm warmers and a rhinestone ear headband. Iridescent organza frays fast, so I'd glue the wing to a felt backing rather than hemming it. Pick platforms with a wide, stable sole if you'll be walking.
26. Punk Bat Costume
The punk bat swaps velvet for black denim and hardware. A graphic tee under a cropped denim jacket, ripped-look leggings with solid fabric underneath, sturdy combat boots and a wide belt. Asymmetrical wings attach to the jacket with removable fasteners. Denim is thick and hard to hand-sew through, so on a thrifted jacket I set a few snaps instead. A textured high ponytail, short spikes, braids or temporary colored streaks. Smudged black liner, strong brows, matte skin and a deep plum lip. Ear cuffs, a studded wristband, a bat-ear headband and a small chain-trimmed bag. Comfortable enough for concerts and outdoor nights.
27. Steampunk Bat Costume
Steampunk gives the bat a mechanical frame. A brown or black blouse, a fitted waistcoat, and high-waisted trousers or a long layered skirt. The fabric wings get light supports cut from cardboard and painted bronze so they look like metal struts. Sand or tape every cut edge, because rough cardboard scratches arms and snags tights. Lace-up ankle boots and a braided updo, with goggles pushed up on the head beside small leather-look ears. Bronze shadow, dark brown liner and brick lipstick. Fingerless gloves, a pocket-watch-style necklace and a compact satchel. Keep the gears to a few spots so the wing outline stays clear.
28. Forest Bat Costume
Earthy greens make a woodland bat. A dark green velvet dress, jumpsuit or tunic with brown leggings, and deep brown wings trimmed sparingly with fabric leaves and moss-colored ribbon. Brown lace-up boots work indoors or out. Loose braids threaded with green ribbon, with rounded ears tucked beneath a leafy headband. Olive and bronze shadow, defined lashes and a natural berry lip, plus a small acorn bag or woven pouch. I stitch each artificial leaf at its base rather than gluing it flat, so it moves a little and doesn't peel off. A softer option for women who'd rather skip the usual black.
29. Ice Bat Costume
Pale blue and silver make an ice bat. A pale blue jumpsuit, a silver dress, or a blue top with white fitted pants. Sheer, translucent-looking wings with silver scalloped edging, and white ankle boots or silver sneakers. A sleek braid woven with pale blue ribbon, or soft waves under an icy ear headband. Blue-gray shadow, white liner, cool highlighter and a soft mauve lip, with crystal-style earrings, silver gloves and a frosted clutch. Rigid plastic icicles crack and catch on clothing, so leave them out. Sheer fabric can look washed out against pale clothes, so I'd choose a slightly deeper blue for the wings than for the outfit.
30. Celestial Bat Costume
Navy and silver turn the bat celestial. A navy velvet jumpsuit or long dress, midnight-blue wings covered with small silver star appliques, and silver ankle boots or navy flats with metallic trim. A loose updo with star pins and a slim ear headband near the crown. Navy shadow, silver liner, luminous cheeks and a soft plum lip, plus a crescent necklace, constellation cuffs and a round moon bag. Leave the fold line of each wing free of stars; stiff appliques sitting there stop the wing closing. It's one of the dressier choices here, best for indoor parties.
31. Vampire Bat Costume
Two Halloween classics in one outfit, and it stays dramatic without anything graphic. A high-neck black dress, fitted trousers with a velvet blouse, or a dark red jumpsuit. A structured black cape with scalloped edges and a burgundy lining, and pointed ankle boots. If the cape needs to hold crisp scallops, I'd fuse interfacing to the outer layer before cutting. Glossy waves, a slicked-back ponytail or an updo under small ears. Pale luminous foundation, smoky eyes and deep red lipstick. Fangs are optional; try them at home first, since some make talking awkward. A jeweled collar, black gloves and a small velvet bag.
32. Bat Queen Costume
The crown and cape make the queen. A long black or deep purple gown you can walk in, a structured shoulder cape shaped like folded wings, and a light black crown with pointed bat shapes. I cut that crown from craft foam and line it with felt so it doesn't dig in, because cardstock crowns crumple by the end of the night. Low block heels or embellished flats under the skirt. A smooth updo or long waves so the crown sits securely. Smoky violet eyes, precise liner, soft contour and berry lipstick. Long gloves, a jeweled belt, a foam scepter with no sharp points, and a wristlet tucked inside the cape.
33. Bat Ballerina Costume
A black leotard and a layered tutu make a bat that moves. A long-sleeve leotard or fitted top with secure coverage, a knee-length tulle skirt and opaque tights. Small chiffon wings at the shoulders and wrists float as you turn. Outdoors, wear ballet flats with supportive soles rather than real performance slippers, which have almost no sole at all. A neat bun circled by a small ear headband. Soft gray shadow, lifted liner, rosy blush and a muted pink lip, with ribbon wrist cuffs and a tiny moon pendant. Keep the wings and the tutu from piling up at the back, or it looks bulky from behind.
34. Athletic Bat Costume
For a costume walk or a fitness class, the athletic bat gives the most freedom. A fitted zip-up jacket or moisture-wicking top with leggings and cushioned running shoes. Short wings in stretch fabric from the upper arm to the waist, leaving the wrists free. I sew those with a stretch stitch or a narrow zigzag, because a straight stitch on knit snaps the first time you swing your arms. A black cap with small soft ears, a practical ponytail or braid, waterproof liner and mascara, and berry lip balm. Reflective silver piping, running gloves and a light belt bag. Skip long capes and anything that drags.
35. Elegant Masquerade Bat Costume
The masquerade bat is the most formal of the lot. A black jumpsuit or flowing evening dress, a fitted cape with scalloped edges, and an eye mask shaped with subtle bat points. Block-heel pumps or embellished flats. A low chignon, side-swept waves or a polished ponytail. Silver-gray shadow, defined lashes, luminous skin and deep rose lipstick, with crystal earrings, satin gloves and a jeweled clutch. Choose a mask that leaves your vision clear and ties with soft ribbon; thin elastic digs in behind the ears within an hour. Hem the cape above the floor so nobody treads on it.
Wing Fabrics, From Chiffon to Fleece
The fabric decides how a wing hangs and how much finishing it needs. These are the ones that turn up again and again in the costumes above.
- Chiffon and georgette drape best and float when you move, but they fray. Roll-hem the edge or run a thin line of fray stopper along it.
- Felt never frays and cuts quickly, but it is stiff, so it holds a shape rather than moving. Good for kids and last-minute wings.
- Fleece is warm and soft with raw edges that stay tidy. It is thick, so keep fleece wings smaller or they bunch under a coat.
- Lace looks fine but hangs limp on its own. Back it with tulle or stitch ribbon to the edge to keep the scallops crisp.
- Umbrella nylon is already scalloped and shrugs off rain. The ribs need capping, and it rustles as you walk.
- Stretch knit moves with you for active costumes. Sew it with a stretch stitch so the seams don't pop.
Bat Ears That Stay Up Past Nine
Flopping ears are the other common failure. Felt ears on their own bend over by mid-evening, especially in a warm room. I cut each ear twice, sandwich a piece of thin craft foam or stiff interfacing between the layers and stitch around the edge.
Wrap the base of each ear around the headband and glue it underneath as well as on top, so it can't hinge backward. Keep the ears to about the height of your palm. Taller ones catch on doorframes and lean every time you turn your head.
A Bat Is Mostly Wings and Ears
A good bat costume suits the place you're wearing it, your own style and how comfortable you want to be. A black dress with simple wings can do as much as a velvet gown. Start with a base you can live in, then add the bat through the wings, the ears, the makeup and a few matching accessories. Comfortable shoes and light materials mean you won't spend the night adjusting. Color, vintage shapes, stars or sportswear can make it yours. Quick closet bat or sewn showpiece, the wing attachment is still where I'd spend my time.
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