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Most spider costumes fail for one reason. They go all black, add a web, and stop there.
The result? You look like you’re wearing a black outfit with a web on it.
The spider costumes that actually turn heads do one more thing. They pick a character.
A widow. A queen. A sorceress. A monster. Once you know who your spider is, every choice gets easy.
This list gives you 14 characters to choose from, each with a simple way to build it, a glam rating and a realistic budget.
If you’re short on time, jump to number 9. It’s the fastest one here. If you want to win a costume contest, number 1 is your best shot.
Grab your eyeliner. Let’s get creepy.
Spider costume shopping list
You’ll see these pieces again and again below, so it helps to know them up front.
- A black bodysuit or fitted black dress
- Sheer web-print tights or stretchy cobweb material
- A pack of small plastic spiders
- Black lace (a small piece goes a long way)
- A glitter or metallic eyeshadow
- Hot glue and safety pins
With these basics, you can build at least half the costumes on this list.
1. Steampunk spider mistress
This is the contest winner.
Build it: Start with a corset and a layered bustle skirt. Glue small brass gears along the corset edges. Then make the legs: bend eight lengths of thick wire, wrap them in black or bronze tape, and attach them to a harness or belt at your back.
Add black lace gloves and brass goggles on your head.
Glam level: high.
Difficulty: hard, but worth it.
Budget: $50 to $80.
2. Black widow assassin
Spy movie energy with a spider twist.
Build it: Wear a black bodysuit or leggings with a fitted black top. Add a utility belt, knee-high boots and one red hourglass. Cut the hourglass from red felt and pin it to your belt or chest.
Slick your hair back and go for sharp liner.
Glam level: medium.
Difficulty: easy.
Budget: $20 to $35.
3. Webbed masquerade gown
For the fancy party on your calendar.
Build it: Take a black tulle gown or long skirt and hot glue lines of black lace trim across it in a web pattern. Glue a few tiny glitter spiders onto a lace mask.
Long satin gloves and a bold necklace finish it.
Glam level: very high.
Difficulty: medium.
Budget: $40 to $70.
4. Phantom web spirit
For people who want eerie, not sexy.
Build it: Layer pale gray and white fabric. Tear strips of cheesecloth or gauze and drape them over your shoulders and arms like old cobwebs. Tuck in a few small spiders.
Pale makeup, dark eye sockets and silver hair spray complete the ghost.
Glam level: low, spooky high.
Difficulty: easy.
Budget: $15 to $25.
5. Glam rock spider star
Loud, proud and very sparkly.
Build it: Choose a sequined bodysuit or top, then add web lines with white fabric paint or rhinestones. Pair with thigh-high boots and oversized sunglasses.
Attach sparkly spider legs to your shoulders, and tease your hair as big as it will go.
Glam level: maxed out.
Difficulty: medium.
Budget: $30 to $50.
6. Silver web sorceress
Soft, magical and made for photos.
Build it: Wear flowing silver and black fabric. Make a pointed headpiece from cardstock and cover it with beaded web lines. Wrap a stick in silver cord and top it with a clear ornament ball for a staff.
Dust body shimmer on your shoulders and cheekbones.
Glam level: high.
Difficulty: medium.
Budget: $25 to $45.
7. Glittering web queen
Crown on, chin up.
Build it: Glue rhinestones in a web pattern across a long black or deep purple dress. Make a crown by bending thin wire into eight delicate legs and attaching them to a headband.
Carry a silver scepter and wear metallic eyeshadow.
Glam level: very high.
Difficulty: medium.
Budget: $35 to $60.
Halfway there. The fastest costume on this list, number 9, is coming up.
8. Midnight widow
Elegant, dark and a little dangerous.
Build it: Start with a lace-sleeved black dress. Pin a short veil to a clip or headband, and glue tiny spiders into the netting. Add a lace choker and a spider brooch.
Red lips are a must.
Glam level: high.
Difficulty: easy.
Budget: $25 to $40.
9. Gothic web bodysuit
Here’s the speed pick.
Build it: Buy a web-print bodysuit. Add boots and, if you like, a long black coat. That’s it.
Spend your extra time on the eyes: dark shadow, a sharp wing and a bit of glitter in the inner corners.
Glam level: medium.
Difficulty: very easy.
Budget: $20 to $30.
10. Forest spider spellcaster
A spider from a fairy tale forest.
Build it: Wear a flowing black or deep green gown. Wrap faux ivy and stretchy cobweb around your shoulders and skirt. Make a crown with twigs, faux leaves and a web pattern drawn in white paint.
Emerald eyeshadow ties it together.
Glam level: medium.
Difficulty: easy.
Budget: $25 to $40.
11. Tarantula diva
Big, fuzzy and bold.
Build it: Start with a fitted black jumpsuit. Add black faux fur to the shoulders, cuffs or boots. Glue black gems in a cluster on a belt for the “eyes.”
Keep the makeup smoky with a matte lip.
Glam level: medium to high.
Difficulty: easy.
Budget: $25 to $40.
12. Mutant spider monster
Forget cute. This one is for scaring people.
Build it: Use foam pipe insulation for jointed legs, and attach them to a backpack frame. Tear and distress a black bodysuit, then layer black netting over it. Add fangs, claw gloves and extra “eyes” made from glued gems or latex.
Glam level: zero, on purpose.
Difficulty: hard.
Budget: $40 to $70.
13. Mythical spider from folklore
Spider stories exist all over the world, and they make gorgeous costumes.
Build it: For Anansi, the trickster from West African folklore, use rich patterned fabric and gold jewelry. For Jorōgumo, the spider woman of Japanese legend, choose a flowing robe with a subtle web motif.
Do some reading before you choose, and treat the story with respect.
Glam level: high.
Difficulty: medium.
Budget: $30 to $60.
14. Cartoon spider hero
The friendliest spider around.
Build it: Pick a bright bodysuit and draw big web lines with fabric paint. Make padded legs from stuffed tights. Add a mask with huge, friendly eyes and chunky sneakers.
Perfect for trick-or-treating with the kids.
Glam level: low.
Difficulty: easy.
Budget: $20 to $30.
Frequently asked questions
What’s the cheapest spider costume to make?
The phantom web spirit. Gauze, pale fabric and a pack of plastic spiders cost very little.
How do I attach spider legs so they don’t flop?
Put a piece of wire inside each leg before you stuff it. Then attach the legs to a sturdy base, like a belt or a backpack harness, not to thin fabric.
Can I wear a spider costume if I don’t like black?
Yes. Try deep purple, silver, gray or even white. The web details and legs are what make it read as a spider.
What’s the easiest spider makeup?
Draw a web in the outer corner of one eye with black liquid liner. Add a tiny spider gem at the center. Takes about five minutes.
Pick your spider
The best spider costume starts with a character, not just a color.
Choose the one that fits your party and your budget, and build it one piece at a time.
You’ll look like you spent way more than you did.
Want even more ideas? These spider Halloween costumes that weave pure style take the theme in a new direction.
For more costume inspo, check out these black hair Halloween costumes for a fierce look. And finish your spider look with these spooky yet sweet Halloween nails.
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