Crafting a Nun Costume

Explore the variety of nun attire. The classic nun garb is typically black, although certain orders opt for different hues. For instance, some prefer dark blue, gray, or even light blue. There are also orders that favor skirts and blouses over dresses.

• This guide will concentrate on the classic black nun's dress. However, if you're emulating a specific order, adhere to their designated colors.

Find a loose-fitting ankle-length black dress with long sleeves. A black graduation gown is an excellent choice, although any suitable dress will suffice. Opt for a design with clean lines and minimal seams.

• Consider borrowing from friends or neighbors, or explore thrift stores for similar options.

Opt for a combination of skirt and blouse. Some nuns pair long skirts with long-sleeved shirts. Depending on the order, the shirt may be white or match the skirt's color. Ensure the skirt is long and not overly tight. Unless specified otherwise, opt for a black skirt.

• A turtleneck or button-up blouse would be suitable, depending on the order's requirements.
• Choose a skirt style between pencil and A-line, avoiding full-circle skirts.

Create your own dress for a DIY approach. Luckily, nun attire is simple, making it an achievable project even for beginners. Visit a fabric store to procure a pattern for a basic long-sleeved dress; patterns for Biblical costumes may also serve well.

Opt for plain, unembellished fabrics. Cotton, linen, or polyester are ideal choices. Avoid shiny materials like satin or silk, as well as ornate fabrics such as brocade or velvet. Stick to solid colors without any patterns, ensuring the fabric is clean; while nuns favor simplicity, cleanliness is equally important.

• This applies to both store-bought and homemade costumes.

Acquire a white fabric headband. These are available online or in beauty supply outlets; some clothing stores might also carry them in their accessories section. Ensure the headband is approximately 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) wide.

Create your own headband if purchasing isn't an option. Cut a strip of white jersey fabric measuring 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) wide and long enough to encircle your head. Fold it in half lengthwise, sew along the long edge, then invert it. Finally, stitch the narrow ends together to form the headband.

• Alternatively, fashion a headband from white poster paper by cutting a 2 to 3-inch (5.1 to 6 cm) strip and stapling it into a sizeable headband capable of fitting over your head.

Slide the headband onto your head. Position the headband around your neck and then draw it up over your head. Arrange your hair over the headband, ensuring it rests against the nape of your neck. Gently pull the headband back over your head, ensuring the sides cover your ears' tips and the front aligns with your hairline.

• In some orders, the hairline is partially exposed by approximately ¹⁄₂ to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm), while others prefer full coverage.

Source plain black fabric for the habit. A black pillowcase is a suitable choice, particularly if you can slit the bottom open, though it's acceptable if you cannot.

• If your nun attire deviates from black, match the habit to its color.
• Alternatively, utilize a plain T-shirt, slip, or even a pencil skirt.
• If you've fashioned your own dress, cut a fabric piece wide enough to encase your head and long enough to reach your shoulder blades.

Secure long hair in place. Position the habit against your forehead and drape it over the rear of your head. Assess your appearance in the mirror; if any hair protrudes from beneath the habit, fashion it into a ponytail or braid.

Position the habit over your head, 1 inch (2.5 cm) past the white headband. Simply slide the habit over your head akin to wearing a headband. Ensure the front edge sits approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) behind the front edge of the white headband, ensuring your hair is enclosed within the habit.

• If utilizing a pillowcase, gather the excess fabric at the nape and secure it with a safety pin.
• If employing a T-shirt, ensure the sleeves are tucked into the shirt to prevent protrusion.
• If using plain fabric, drape it over your head, then draw the 2 front corners beneath your hair at the nape, securing them with a safety pin.

Employ bobby pins for additional habit security, if necessary. While this may not be requisite for skirt or T-shirt usage, it's indispensable for pillowcases and fabric. Pull the fabric taut over the top and sides of your head, then affix it at the nape with bobby pins. Additional pins may be necessary for the sides.

Create a doughnut-shaped template on white paper matching your shoulder width. Determine your shoulder width, then sketch a large circle on poster paper using this measurement as the diameter. Measure your neck circumference, then draw a smaller circle within the larger one accordingly.

• Not all nun attire includes collars; refer to images of your chosen order for guidance.
• You can also utilize white fabric or felt; if opting for fabric, consider stiffening it with starch beforehand.

Trim out the circles and add a slit to the collar. Begin by cutting out the larger circle, fold it in half, then make a slit toward the smaller circle. Unfold the collar, then proceed to cut out the smaller circle as well.

• If crafting a fabric circle, hemming the raw edges is advisable.

Mold paper collars into a gentle curve. Unlike neck ruffs, nun collars lay flat across the chest and back. Position the collar so the slit is at the rear, then identify where your shoulders align. Shape the paper to gently curve along your shoulders, resting flat against your chest and back.

Don the collar and seal the back slit with tape. For a reusable option, affix self-adhesive Velcro strips to either side of the collar strip. Put on the collar and close the slit. Adjust so the slit is positioned at the back.

Secure a belt, cord, or cincture around your waist. The choice of color and style should align with the specific order you're representing. Some nuns opt for a simple cord, while others prefer a coordinating belt.

• Stick to simplicity. Opt for plain belts, cords, or cinctures devoid of embellishments.

Opt for understated, black footwear. The selection depends on the order, but most nuns prefer plain, black shoes without heels. Lace-up uniform shoes or oxfords are commonly seen. Alternatively, some orders favor simple leather sandals.

• Avoid ballet flats, as they are typically not part of nun attire.

Forego makeup. Nuns embrace simplicity, refraining from wearing any makeup. If makeup is indispensable for photographic purposes, opt for a natural appearance, sticking to basic foundation and earthy eyeshadows. Your makeup should be subtle and imperceptible.

Add an accessory to enhance your portrayal. A rosary or prayer book complements a traditional nun ensemble splendidly. Alternatively, for a modern twist, don a pair of black sunglasses for a 'cool' nun look. You could also adopt a ninja nun persona by wielding a pair of nun-chucks.

• Exercise caution as some individuals might find a 'cool nun' or 'ninja nun' depiction offensive.

Embrace your character, if inclined. For children's costumes, consider incorporating educational elements by teaching a simple prayer like the Hail Mary. Alternatively, portray a stern nun persona, using a ruler to measure spacing between individuals while emphasizing 'Leave room for the Holy Spirit!'

• Refrain from overdoing the nun persona; not everyone may appreciate or wish to engage in such portrayals.
• Maintain respectfulness, especially in unfamiliar company, as religious costumes can be sensitive subjects for some.
• While it's just a costume, avoid ridicule and ensure not to overstep boundaries.

• Plain black dress
• Plain black shoes
• Plain black belt
• White cloth headband
• Black cloth or pillowcase
• Rosary (optional)