A monkey costume is one of the friendliest things you can wear to a Halloween party. It can be cozy, glamorous or a pure pun, and nobody needs it explained. The ideas below run from classic brown jumpsuits and sock monkeys to circus and disco looks, real species like the capuchin and the howler, and a few jokes such as monkey business and a barrel of monkeys. For each one I've listed the clothing, ears, tail, makeup, shoes and prop. Most start from basics you can sew onto or thrift, and the two parts I'd spend real care on are the tail and the ears, because those fail first.
A Tail That Stays Up and Ears That Stay On
Every monkey costume below depends on two small pieces, and they're the two that fail first. A tail that drags gets stepped on, and a tail held by one safety pin swings around to the front by the end of the night. Ears on a thin plastic headband slide backward and give you a headache.
Making the tail
- Sew a tube from fleece or felt about a hand-width wide and long enough to reach the back of your knee. Fleece doesn't fray, so the raw edges can stay inside unfinished.
- Push a length of armature wire or thick craft wire through the middle, and bend each end back on itself so it can't poke through the fabric.
- Stuff lightly around the wire with polyester filling, then close the top.
- Sew the top to a strip of wide elastic or a loop that sits under your waistband, instead of pinning it to your clothes. Two attachment points stop it swinging.
- Bend the end up into a curl. It looks livelier and keeps the tip off the floor.
Fixing the ears
I cut each ear twice in felt, stitch the pair together around a piece of craft foam, and sew them to a wide fabric-covered headband. If headbands pinch you, sew the ears to two small hair combs instead and slide them into a bun or ponytail. Either way, wear them around the house for twenty minutes before the party; that's when a pressure point shows up.
1. Classic Brown Monkey Costume
If you've never made an animal costume, build this one first, because nearly every later idea borrows from it. Start with a brown fleece jumpsuit, or a fitted brown sweatshirt with matching leggings, and add a tan felt belly panel with removable fabric tape so the sweatshirt survives. A hood or headband with round ears gives the shape, and a lightweight fabric tail pins securely at the waist. A low bun keeps the ears visible. Draw a small rounded nose, soft cheek contours and a curved mouth with brown eyeliner, wear brown sneakers or flat ankle boots, and carry a plush banana or a bunch of artificial ones.
2. Cute Monkey Hoodie Costume
This is the version for anyone who'll be outside for hours. A brown zip-up hoodie with felt ears, matching joggers and cushioned sneakers is warm and familiar, and a tan oval on the front plus a softly stuffed tail at the waistband turns it into a monkey. Two small pink bows near the ears add a playful note. Wear braids or a ponytail, then add peach blush, a rounded brown nose and short liner strokes above the brows. Hoodie ears flop unless they're stiffened, so I cut a second felt layer or slip in a piece of craft foam before stitching them to the hood. A banana-shaped crossbody bag carries your phone and keys.
3. Glam Monkey Costume With Gold Dress
Sequins and faux fur together sound like too much, but a gold dress under a cropped brown jacket reads as a party monkey rather than a sports mascot. Choose a gold sequin mini or midi dress, layer the faux-fur jacket over it, and add a gold and brown ear headband, a slim curled tail and metallic tights if it's cool. A high ponytail or smooth bun leaves space for the ears. Bronze shadow, defined lashes, a small brown nose and glossy neutral lipstick keep the face polished. Sequins scratch the inside of the arms, so check the dress's lining before committing to a long night. Wear gold flats, low heels or platform sneakers, and carry a glittery banana clutch or a gold bag with a removable banana charm.
4. DIY Sock Monkey Costume
Sock monkeys are the most fun to sew, because the red heel that forms the toy's mouth translates straight into makeup. Start with a heather-gray sweater dress or a gray sweatshirt and leggings, sew white felt panels onto the chest, and add red cuffs at the wrists and ankles. Round gray ears with white centers go on a knit cap, and a braided gray fabric tail gives it that handmade look. Wear a short gray wig or tuck your hair under the hat. Paint the wide mouth in white around the lips, outline it lightly in black and add a red smile. Red sneakers, striped socks, white gloves and a small sock-monkey plush round it off. On a knit sweater, stitch the felt rather than taping it, since knits stretch and tape lets go.
5. Pink Sock Monkey Costume
Pink, cream and red make a softer sock monkey, and a dusty-pink sweater dress with cream tights and pink high-tops is an easy base. Add cream felt to the belly, palms and rounded ears. The tail is a stuffed pink tube sock, which is my favorite shortcut on this whole list; stuff it lightly and stitch it high on the waist so it doesn't drag. Wear two low buns under a pink knit cap, then outline a cream mouth shape and add a small red smile, rosy cheeks and fluttery lashes. Red wrist cuffs and a red pom-pom on the hat carry the sock-monkey cues. A mini plush banana or a small cream backpack is all you need to carry.
6. Cozy Monkey Onesie Costume
A onesie is the easiest wear on this list and the one most likely to overheat you at an indoor party. Pick a loose brown fleece onesie with a tan belly, hood, round ears and a soft tail, and wear a breathable T-shirt and leggings underneath so you can unzip and tie the top half at the waist when the room warms up. If the onesie is plain, add the features in felt with washable fabric glue, or better, a few stitches. Braids or a low ponytail fit under the hood. Keep makeup to warm shadow, a brown button nose, peach blush and a smile line. Choose brown slip-on sneakers over novelty slippers if you're walking outside.
7. Plus Size Monkey Jumpsuit Costume
Fit is the whole job on a plus size jumpsuit, and torso length is where most ready-made ones fall short, pulling at the crotch when you sit. Look for a stretchy brown style with a front zipper, roomy sleeves and a long enough body, then add a tan belly panel and an adjustable belt that holds a light curled tail. Plush ears on a wide headband are kinder than a tight hood. Natural curls, braids, a ponytail or a short wig all suit it. Bronze shadow, soft cheek shading, a rounded nose and a neutral lip keep the makeup clean. Supportive brown sneakers or cushioned boots handle a long event, and gold hoops with a banana-shaped handbag bring the fun.
8. Monkey Dress Costume With Tutu
A tutu gives a monkey costume movement, and brown and tan tulle layered together looks richer than one flat brown. Start with a long-sleeve brown leotard or fitted top, add the layered skirt over opaque leggings, and attach a soft tail under the waistband with a matching ear headband. A high bun, sleek ponytail or curly half-up style keeps the silhouette neat. Warm brown shadow, a small nose, rosy cheeks and fine lines around the mouth do the face. Brown ballet flats suit indoor parties, and flat boots give more support outside. Tulle snags on bracelets and rings, so I'd keep jewelry minimal. Faux-fur wrist cuffs and a plush banana tied with matching ribbon pull it together.
9. Ballerina Monkey Costume
The ballerina version takes the tutu idea to its neatest form. Wear a brown dance leotard with tan tights and a soft brown wrap skirt or structured tutu, add a tan chest panel and small plush ears, and curl a thin tail against the back of the skirt. A classic ballet bun with an ear sitting on each side is the right hair. Makeup is bronze lids, long lashes, peach blush, a petite brown nose and a soft pink lip. Brown ballet flats with ribbons wrapped at the ankle look right; tie them loosely, because tight ankle ribbons dig in after an hour. A toy banana tied with satin ribbon, carried like a recital bouquet, is the joke that makes it.
10. Circus Monkey Costume With Red Jacket
The red jacket does almost all the work here. Layer a short red ringmaster-style jacket with gold trim over a brown bodysuit or fitted shirt and leggings, add a tan belly panel and round ears, and secure a curved tail under the jacket hem. A tiny red pillbox hat between the ears adds theatre; I pin it with two bobby pins crossed in an X so it stays level. Wear a low bun or defined curls, with brown liner, warm shadow, a button nose and rosy cheeks. Black flat boots or red lace-ups suit it. Carry a light gold hoop or a decorated toy drum, and skip anything bulky in a crowded room.
11. Flying Monkey Costume With Blue Vest
Wings are where flying monkey costumes go wrong, usually by being too wide. Make them from lightweight fabric on elastic shoulder straps, narrow enough for doorways, and run a length of millinery wire along the top edge so they don't droop by midnight. Underneath, start with a gray or brown long-sleeve jumpsuit and layer a structured blue vest over it, with red piping, gold buttons, a small cap, monkey ears and a flexible tail. A low braided bun sits under the cap. Gray-brown shadow, a rounded nose, defined brows and gentle contour give the face without covering it. Black ankle boots add stability, and gold cuffs with a compact blue pouch keep your things close.
12. Banana Lover Monkey Costume
The banana is the punchline here, so let it show. Wear a brown sweatshirt and matching leggings with a tan felt belly, plush ears, a curled tail and a yellow belt or banana-print scarf. A high ponytail keeps it lively, while brown eye makeup, a small nose and golden cheek shimmer keep the face playful. Brown sneakers with yellow laces are a small detail people notice. Carry a few artificial bananas in a basket or wear a banana-shaped crossbody bag. For an extra joke, felt bananas can go on the sleeves and tail; I'd stitch them, because glued felt pops off anything that bends.
13. Barrel Of Monkeys Costume
Foam board is the right material for the barrel: light, stiff, easy to cut and much kinder in a crowd than corrugated cardboard. Paint it red, leave generous openings for your arms and legs, and hang it from wide shoulder straps so your hands are free. Underneath, wear a fitted red top, brown leggings, a monkey ear headband and brown sneakers. Attach small plastic or felt monkey shapes around the rim, checking for sharp edges. A curly ponytail, a brown nose, rosy cheeks and defined lashes do the face, and a slim tail can show at the back without touching the ground. Red gloves and a game-piece necklace finish the joke. Try sitting down in it at home; most barrels have to come off for that.
14. Monkey Business Office Costume
Office clothes make the easiest pun on the list, and you probably own most of them already. Pair a brown blazer with a tan blouse, tailored brown trousers and polished loafers, then add a monkey ear headband and a slim tail that clips under the blazer. Carry a briefcase or structured tote full of artificial bananas instead of paperwork. A neat bun or sleek ponytail suits the theme. Keep makeup refined: neutral shadow, clean liner, a small brown nose and softly defined cheeks. A banana-print tie or scarf adds a second laugh. Because it's modest and comfortable, this is the one I'd wear to a workplace party, and the ears come off for the drive home.
15. Disco Monkey Costume
Hem length decides whether you can dance in this one. Start with a brown or bronze flared jumpsuit and add a tan sequin chest panel, then wear platform shoes with stable soles, a glittery ear headband and a curled metallic-brown tail. A large curly wig or your own big curls give the dance-floor shape. Gold shadow, winged liner, peach blush and a small brown nose do the face. Oversized round sunglasses and a mini mirror-ball purse add to the theme without hiding the monkey, and gold cuffs with a bright neck scarf add color. Hem the flares so they clear the floor in your platforms, not in bare feet; I always pin a hem while wearing the actual shoes.
16. Neon Monkey Costume
Neon is a good route if brown feels too costume-shop. Wear a bright green, pink or electric-blue bodysuit with matching leggings and a contrasting belly panel, oversized round ears, a light curled tail and colorful faux-fur cuffs. Clip in temporary colored extensions that match and pull them into a high ponytail. Vivid shadow, graphic liner, cheek glitter and a small dark-brown nose leave your own skin visible. White platform sneakers make the colors look brighter, and stacked plastic bangles with a mini neon banana bag add the fun. Reflective piping around the ears and tail outlines the shape without any electronics. Bright synthetic fur sheds dyed fibers, so I shake the cuffs outdoors before wearing them.
17. Rainbow Monkey Costume
A rainbow monkey looks coordinated only if each color appears at least twice; otherwise it reads as random. Choose a brown dress or jumpsuit as the base, then add a rainbow faux-fur vest, multicolored cuffs and a striped tail. Brown ears with rainbow centers tie the colors back to the animal. Wear two buns with colored strands or ribbon woven through. Pastel shadow, a small brown nose, rosy blush and tiny colored dots at the outer eye corners do the face. White sneakers stop the outfit getting too busy. Carry a rainbow-striped banana prop or a bright mini backpack. A striped tail is easy to sew from strips of fleece joined into a tube before stuffing.
18. White Snow Monkey Costume
The snow monkey is the one I'd suggest for a properly cold night, since the costume is a coat. Wear a white or pale-gray faux-fur coat over a fitted thermal top and matching leggings, and add a light tan belly panel, fuzzy round ears and a thick curled tail. White hair, a silver wig or your own hair in a windswept ponytail all suit it. Cool taupe shadow, rosy cheeks, white lashes and a soft gray nose give an icy effect. White winter boots keep you warm, and silver gloves with a crystal-look banana charm on a small crossbody bag add sparkle. White fur grays quickly with handling, so keep a lint roller and wipes in that bag.
19. Golden Monkey Costume
Several shades of gold, not one, are what keep this from looking flat in photos. Choose a gold jumpsuit, or a satin blouse with tapered metallic pants, and layer a short golden faux-fur vest over it, with round ears with tan centers and a braided gold tail. Braiding three strips of gold fabric gives the tail weight and shape without any stuffing. A smooth high ponytail or wavy honey-blonde wig suits it. Bronze shadow, gold highlighter, defined lashes and a warm-brown nose do the face. Metallic flats or low block heels keep it practical. Layered gold bangles and a glitter-covered banana are the last touches.
20. Orangutan Costume With Orange Fur
An orangutan is technically an ape, so I'd leave the tail off unless you want a looser monkey look; the long orange fur is what people recognize. Start with a rust-colored sweater and wide-leg pants or a loose jumpsuit, and attach strips of orange faux fur along the sleeves and outer legs, stopping short of your hands and shoes. Add round ears and a long rust wig. Copper shadow, defined brows, a brown nose and peach contouring do the face. Dark-brown sneakers or hiking-style boots balance the bright fur. Carry a large green fabric leaf or plush fruit. It's a warm costume, which helps at an outdoor event and works against you in a crowded room.
21. Chimp Costume With Black Jumpsuit
Matte fabric is the detail I'd insist on. A shiny black jumpsuit catches every light and looks like a catsuit; matte reads as a chimp. Add a charcoal or tan chest panel, round ears on a padded headband and a short black faux-fur vest for texture. Wear a low bun or a cropped black wig. Charcoal shadow, a small brown-black nose and a gently outlined mouth keep your skin tone visible. Black sneakers or flat combat-style boots are easy to walk in. Charcoal gloves, a plush banana and a leaf-shaped bag are plenty, and slightly padded shoulders give structure without weight.
22. Capuchin Monkey Costume
Capuchins are all about the contrast between the cream face and shoulders and the dark body, so the color blocking does the work. Wear a dark-brown fitted jumpsuit or top and pants, then add a cream faux-fur hood, shoulder panel, chest patch and cuffs. A slim brown tail should curve upward and fasten firmly at the waist; a strip of wire inside holds the curve. Keep dark hair away from your face or use a short brown wig under the hood. Taupe shadow, cream liner, a small dark nose and softly rounded cheek makeup suit it. Dark-brown ankle boots keep the colors smooth, and a small fruit basket or plush banana is enough of a prop.
23. Spider Monkey Costume
Long lines are the spider monkey's look, so keep it slim and resist padding. Begin with a slim black or deep-brown jumpsuit and add extra-long faux-fur cuffs that stop before your fingers. The tail should be long: a stuffed fabric tube, with part of it curled and pinned against your back so the end never drags. Small round ears and a high, slightly messy ponytail suit it. Smoky brown shadow, long liner, a petite nose and warm blush give an animated face. Black high-tops keep the silhouette narrow and practical. A vine of green fabric across one shoulder and a soft fruit prop bring in the jungle.
24. Howler Monkey Costume
Howler monkeys are famous for their voice, which is a fun joke for a costume you'll be talking in all night, so keep the fur clear of your mouth. Wear a dark-brown jumpsuit with a thick faux-fur collar that frames your face, matching cuffs, round ears and a long tail. A voluminous brown wig or teased ponytail gives the bold shape. Bronze shadow, strong brows, a rounded nose and gentle contour around the mouth do the face. Flat brown boots keep loose fur off the ground. A small cardboard speech bubble reading “Howl” is funny if text props are allowed, or carry a plush leaf instead. Heavy fur collars get hot and itchy, so I line mine with thin cotton where it touches the neck.
25. Marmoset Monkey Costume
Tufted white ears make the marmoset, so put your effort into the headpiece and keep the rest simple. Wear a charcoal-gray dress with opaque tights or a fitted gray jumpsuit, a pale chest panel and a striped tail, and fix fluffy white tufts to a secure headband. I glue the tufts onto felt bases first and then stitch the felt to the band, which holds far better than gluing fur straight onto plastic. A short dark bob, tucked bun or cropped wig leaves the tufts clear. Silver-gray shadow, precise liner, a small charcoal nose and soft pink cheeks suit it. Gray sneakers or ankle boots, fingerless gray gloves and a tiny fruit basket or leafy bag keep it streamlined.
26. Lion Tamarin Monkey Costume
The orange mane is the lion tamarin's entire signature, and it needs trimming. Choose a black or deep-brown base with long sleeves and fitted pants, frame your face with an orange faux-fur hood or mane, and add small round ears, orange cuffs and a dark curled tail. Tuck your hair inside the hood, or wear a short orange wig with volume. Copper shadow, defined lashes, a small brown nose and warm highlights pull attention to the face. Black ankle boots keep it balanced, and a green leaf bag with artificial fruit is enough to carry. Long-pile fur falls into your eyes once it's on your head, so I trim the front edge shorter after a fitting in the mirror.
27. Red Face Monkey Costume
Placement is everything with the red face. Apply red only in a stylized oval around the cheeks and nose, soften the edges, and leave the eyes and mouth comfortable, then add gray shadow, defined lashes and a neutral lip. The body is a thick gray faux-fur vest over a charcoal long-sleeve top and pants, with gray ears, cuffs, a short tail and a fluffy silver wig. Dark-gray winter boots suit the heavy texture and keep you warm, and a silver scarf with a fabric leaf rounds it off. Red cream makeup is the color most likely to tint skin briefly and transfer to a collar, so patch-test it a day before and set it with translucent powder.
28. Baboon Costume With Colorful Makeup
A baboon can look theatrical without becoming a mask, and small symmetrical lines are the way to do it. Start with a brown or charcoal jumpsuit and a shaggy faux-fur vest, with round ears, a slim tail and a voluminous brown wig. Paint blue and red in short matching lines along the nose and upper cheeks rather than over the whole face, blend neutral brown shadow around the eyes and add a dark round nose. Brown boots with textured cuffs ground the outfit, and blue and red fabric bands at the wrists repeat the makeup colors. Carry a leafy green bag or artificial fruit. I map the lines with a soft eyeliner pencil first and then fill with cream color, so both sides match.
29. Steampunk Monkey Costume
Steampunk is the one where I'd raid a thrift shop for real garments: a brown ruffled blouse, high-waisted trousers, a fitted brocade vest and lace-up ankle boots. Add a faux-fur shoulder piece, round ears and a tail decorated with light gears cut from craft foam and painted bronze. Wear the goggles above the ears, never over your eyes. A braided updo with a few loose curls suits the era. Copper shadow, precise liner, bronze shimmer and a small brown nose do the face. Fingerless gloves and a compact satchel are practical as well as in character. Foam gears stuck on with hot glue snap off in the cold, so I use a flexible fabric glue and let it cure overnight.
30. Space Monkey Costume
Silver and a pun make the space monkey, and reflective details make it shine under a camera flash. Wear a silver jumpsuit, or a metallic jacket with matching leggings, a white chest panel, round silver ears and a curled tail wrapped in reflective ribbon. A clear visor headband stands in for the helmet and leaves you room to breathe. Pull your hair into a sleek ponytail or wear a short silver wig, with icy shadow, graphic white liner, a tiny gray nose and star face gems. White platform sneakers and metallic gloves suit it, along with a small rocket-shaped backpack or a silver banana. Metallic fabric doesn't breathe, so I'd wear a thin cotton layer underneath.
31. Sea Monkey Costume
The sea monkey is a pun that rewards color more than construction. Wear an aqua jumpsuit or fitted top with shimmering blue leggings, then add brown or teal monkey ears, a curled tail and a translucent fin-shaped back piece in lightweight fabric. Beachy waves or a long turquoise wig suit it. Blue-green shadow, pearl face gems, a petite brown nose and glossy coral lipstick do the face. Aqua sneakers or flat iridescent boots are comfortable. A clear handbag filled with blue tissue and artificial bubbles is the cleverest prop here. Small shell clips can decorate the ears and tail, but skip anything fragile that will crack in a crowd.
32. Skeleton Monkey Costume
Spooky without being gory, this is an easy party pick. Start with a black jumpsuit and attach white fabric bones across the torso, arms and legs, then add a black ear headband, a thin curled tail with white bone markings and a short black faux-fur vest. Fabric paint cracks on stretch fabric at the knees and elbows, while iron-on felt or white vinyl bones flex with you. Wear a sleek bun or tuck your hair under a fitted hood. Draw white lines around the eyes and cheeks, a small monkey nose and a round mouth shape. Black sneakers with removable white toe markings, white wrist cuffs and a plush banana painted in black and white stripes carry the theme down to the feet. Reflective white trim helps outside after dark.
33. Monkey Queen Costume
Velvet is what makes this one look royal rather than playful, and it photographs richer than any brown fleece. Wear a long brown velvet dress with a tan chest panel and a short faux-fur cape, with round ears under a lightweight gold crown and a curled tail at the back. Soft waves, a braided updo or a high ponytail all work. Bronze shadow, gold liner, peach blush, a small brown nose and a glossy neutral lip suit it. Gold flats or low block heels keep you comfortable. Carry a banana scepter made from painted foam, never a heavy prop, and add gold cuffs and a jewel-toned belt. Velvet hems collect dust and leaves, so take the hem up to the ankle if you'll be walking.
34. See No Evil Monkey Costume
The see-no-evil pose gives you something to do in every photo, which is half the fun. Wear a brown sweater dress with leggings, a tan belly panel, round ears and a soft tail, plus oversized brown gloves you can hold over your eyes for the camera. Two low buns or a relaxed ponytail suit it. Warm shadow, defined lashes, rosy cheeks and a tiny brown nose keep it simple, and brown sneakers or flat boots keep it casual. A small crossbody bag leaves both hands free for the pose. With two friends you can make the full hear-no-evil and speak-no-evil trio, but it reads well as a solo costume too. Oversized gloves make it hard to hold a drink, so choose a pair that slips off easily.
35. Last Minute Monkey Costume
Short on time? This is the one. Wear a brown sweatshirt, black or brown leggings and matching sneakers, then cut round ears and a tan belly from felt and attach them with safety pins, removable tape or fabric glue. Safety pins are my pick when time is tight, because they hold on a stretchy sweatshirt and come out without a mark. Roll a brown scarf into a tail and tie or pin it firmly at the waistband. Put your hair in a high bun between the ears. Use brown eyeliner for a button nose, short mouth lines and soft shading around the eyes. A real or artificial banana makes the theme obvious, and brown gloves with a plain backpack keep it practical for school, work or a casual party.
Faux Fur Sheds, Fleece Runs Hot
Most of these costumes use fleece or faux fur, and each has a habit worth knowing. Faux fur sheds wherever the pile is cut, so cut it from the back with small snips through the backing only, then give each piece a good shake outdoors before you sew it. Fleece is warm, forgiving and doesn't fray, which is why it's my default for tails and belly panels, but a full fleece jumpsuit gets hot in a crowded room within an hour.
For an indoor party, pick a costume with a lighter base and fur only at the cuffs or collar, or wear a thin cotton tank under a jumpsuit so you can unzip. For an outdoor event, the snow monkey coat, the orangutan and the hoodie version will keep you warm without extra layers showing.
A Monkey Face Drawn in Brown Liner
Nearly every look here uses the same small kit: a brown eyeliner pencil, a warm brown or bronze shadow, blush and a setting powder. Draw the nose as a rounded shape on the tip of your own nose, add two small nostril dots, and sketch a soft curve out from the corners of the mouth. A light dust of translucent powder over the top keeps it from smudging onto your collar. Patch-test any colored cream makeup on the inside of your wrist the day before, and take everything off at the end of the night with an oil-based cleanser before washing your face.
Brown Fleece, Gold Sequins or a Pun?
If you've never made an animal costume, start with the classic brown base and borrow from it. If you want to be the best dressed in the room, the velvet queen or the gold sequins will do it, and if you want a laugh, go for monkey business or the barrel. Whichever you pick, round ears, a tail fixed firmly at the waist, a little brown makeup and a banana make even a simple outfit read as a monkey. Wear shoes you can stand in for hours, layer breathable clothes, and keep accessories light if you'll be walking or dancing. Every idea here can be resized and recolored to suit you, so choose the one that makes you smile.
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