Last October I watched a very pregnant coworker spend an entire office party tugging at a store-bought costume that was clearly cut for someone with a flat stomach.
The zipper wouldn’t close, the sleeves rode up, and by 8 p.m. she had changed into her own sweatshirt.
That’s the trap with Halloween costumes for pregnant women: most costume aisles are built for a body you don’t currently have, and the “maternity” versions tend to be limited and pricey.
The good news is that pregnancy is one of the easiest times to look great in a costume. Your bump is a built-in prop, and half the best ideas below use it as the joke, the centerpiece, or the whole costume.
Others are polished character looks that happen to work with a growing belly, and a few take almost nothing beyond a dress you already own.
I’ve split these into three groups: bump-as-the-costume ideas, pop culture characters, and low-effort “wear it again” looks.
Then there’s a cost and comfort comparison, some practical advice on what to wear, and what I’d do first if I were starting from scratch.
What to Look for in a Maternity Halloween Costume
Before the ideas, a few rules I’d apply to any costume you’re considering. The costume that looks best in photos isn’t always the one you can survive in for four hours.
Stretch and room in the belly. Anything with a fixed waistband or a structured bodice will get uncomfortable fast, especially if you’re past the second trimester. Empire waists, wrap dresses, and stretchy jersey are your friends.
Temperature. Pregnancy runs warm for a lot of people, and a fuzzy full-body costume at an indoor party is a bad time. Layers you can remove beat one-piece commitments.
Shoes. Your feet may swell over the evening, so decide on comfortable shoes before you decide on the costume. I’ll come back to this.
Bathroom logistics. If it takes two people to get you out of it, skip it. Two-piece looks and dresses win.
A quick note: if you’re planning anything involving heavy face paint, tight wraps around your midsection, or a lot of standing, check with your OB or midwife about what feels right for your pregnancy. Comfort is the main filter, and your body will tell you when something’s off.
Part 1: Belly-Forward Costumes (The Bump Is the Star)
These are the ones that get the biggest reaction, and they’re also the easiest to make yourself.
1. Pumpkin
The classic for a reason. Wear an orange top or dress, paint or tape a jack-o’-lantern face on a fitted orange tee, and add a green headband or a small stem hat. The fastest version is a plain orange maternity tee with a face cut from black felt and stuck on with fabric tape.
Cost: roughly $10-25 if you already own black leggings.
Trade-off: it’s everywhere, so you’ll see two or three other pumpkin bumps at any party. Make yours stand out with a real detail, like a curly vine made from green pipe cleaners.
2. Crystal Ball Fortune Teller
This is one of my favorites because it looks styled rather than themed. Wear a flowy, jewel-toned outfit with layered necklaces and a scarf over your hair, then hold your belly like it’s a crystal ball. A sheer, shimmery overlay across the bump sells it. A small sign reading “Baby’s future: Coming Soon” or “Due in [month]” finishes the gag.
Cost: $15-40, mostly thrifted scarves and jewelry.
3. Disco Ball
A silver or metallic top with a mirrored-sequin panel across the belly turns you into the centerpiece of the room. I’d use a stretch sequin fabric panel rather than actual mirror tiles. It’s lighter, cheaper, and won’t scratch anyone who hugs you.
Pro tip: sequins catch light, which makes them great for photos but hot and scratchy in a warm room. Line the inside of any sequin panel with a soft jersey layer.
4. Bowling Ball
Black dress, three “finger holes” (felt circles) on the belly, and your partner in a white pin costume behind you. If you’re going solo, a bowling-alley shirt with a black bump works fine. It’s a couples costume that’s honestly funny in photos.
5. Witch’s Cauldron
A black dress or top, a bubbling green “potion” made from felt, ribbon, and a few glow sticks at the neckline, and a “Baby Brew” label across the belly. Add a witch hat and it’s a two-in-one. It’s inexpensive, and nothing about it is restrictive.
6. Planet Earth (or Any Planet)
Paint or applique blue and green continents on a fitted tee, or go with Saturn by adding a ring of foam or a pool-noodle halo hooked around your middle. Earth is the easiest, and it comes with a built-in joke about your world getting bigger.
7. Basketball
Orange fitted top, black tape lines across the belly, and a jersey layered over it. This is one of the cheapest costumes on the list, and if you’re a sports fan, it feels like you instead of a costume.
8. Dragon Egg / Mother of Dragons
Wear a long, gray-blue flowing dress with a braided or platinum wig, and turn your belly into a dragon egg with scale-textured fabric or painted cardboard-effect details. This is one of the more ambitious looks, and it’s also one of the best. It looks great in photos and doesn’t need to be tight anywhere.
Trade-off: the wig gets warm. Pin your natural hair flat and put on a lightweight one, or skip the wig and do a fishtail braid with a silver hairpiece.
9. UFO / Alien Abduction
Green face makeup (or just a green shirt), silver antennae on a headband, and a “beam” of gauzy silver fabric down from a tiny paper-plate UFO on your shoulder or belly. Signs like “Take me to your leader (I need a snack)” land well.
10. Bumblebee
Yellow-and-black striped leggings and a fitted yellow top, wings from a costume shop or a wire-and-tulle DIY, and an antenna headband. Bee stripes on a round belly are naturally cute, and it’s one of the most comfortable options if you choose stretch fabric.
11. The Very Hungry Caterpillar
A green fitted dress with a red headband and bump-length stripes, or a stack of felt circles pinned along your belly. Pair it with a tiny felt sign that says “On Friday, he ate through…” if you’re feeling playful. It’s cute enough that even people who don’t love Halloween will smile.
12. Pac-Man
A round yellow belly with a wedge cut out for the mouth, dark leggings, and a couple of your friends dressed as ghosts. It works best as a group costume, and it’s much easier to make than it looks.
13. Mama Kangaroo
A brown or tan outfit with a “pouch” pocket built into the front and a small stuffed joey peeking out. It’s lighthearted, and it’s very comfortable because the pouch is just a large pocket over your bump.
Part 2: Pop Culture and Character Costumes
These need a bit more shopping or DIY, but they photograph beautifully.
14. Elastigirl (Helen Parr)
The red suit is the whole costume, and the great thing is that it stretches. Look for a stretchy red long-sleeve top and leggings, a black belt worn above the bump, a black domino mask, and a hairstyle with a bob or a neat bun. It’s a classic power-mom look, and it works with a big bump.
15. A Sanderson Sister (Hocus Pocus)
This is the one I’d wear if I were expecting this October. Each sister has a distinct look, and the flowing dresses have plenty of room. Mary’s purple, Winifred’s rust-and-green, or Sarah’s blue-and-cream all work over a bump. A messy updo, dramatic makeup, and a broom prop are all you need.
Pro tip: thrift stores are your friend here. Look for long, layered dresses in the right colors and add a corset-style belt worn under the bust, not around the belly.
16. Morticia Addams
A long, black, form-fitting dress with a deep neckline. Morticia’s silhouette is naturally maternity-friendly since the look is sleek and drapey. Add long black hair, dramatic red lips, and a single flower for a look that’s both elegant and unexpectedly easy.
17. Glinda the Good Witch
A pink or pale pastel gown, a tiara, and a wand. Tulle skirts sit below the belly and look lovely with an empire-waist bodice. It’s very photogenic, and it’s a soft, sweet alternative to spooky costumes.
18. Rosie the Riveter
A blue denim shirt or coverall, a red polka-dot bandana in your hair, and a flexed bicep pose. You can build this from your closet in about ten minutes. It’s comfy, empowering, and every part of it is stretchy or loose.
19. Princess Fiona (Ogre Form)
Green face paint (or a lighter green makeup wash), a simple tan and green medieval-style dress, and a braided crown of hair. If you or your partner want a funny couples idea, add a Shrek. Fiona is a great option if you want something recognizable without a heavy costume.
20. Ghostbuster
A tan jumpsuit or a tan jacket and pants, a homemade proton pack made from a small backpack and painted paper towel tubes, and a “no ghost” patch. Don’t wear the pack across your belly. Keep it on your back and use a lightweight version.
21. Rosemary’s Baby (Dark Humor Pick)
A simple white or pale nightgown, tousled hair, and a slightly haunted expression. It’s a nod to the classic horror film, and it takes almost no effort. The humor lands best with a group of friends who know the reference.
22. Queen of Hearts
A red dress with heart appliques, a tall crown, and an exaggerated collar. A big red skirt hides a lot, and the look is bold in a way that draws attention to your face instead of your midsection if that’s what you want.
23. Ghost Bride
A white or ivory lace dress (thrift-shop wedding or bridesmaid dresses work great), a veil, and pale gray makeup with dark, hollow-looking eyes. It’s elegant and eerie, and it’s also comfortable because so many white dresses have stretch or an empire cut.
Comparing Your Options: Cost, Effort, and Comfort
| Approach | Typical cost | Time to prep | Comfort level | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY belly-prop costume (pumpkin, basketball, planet) | $10-30 | 30-60 minutes | High, since you use your own clothes | Budget-friendly, last-minute parties |
| Store-bought maternity costume | $40-90 | Minimal | Medium to high, depending on brand | People who want it done fast |
| Thrifted character look (Morticia, Glinda, Ghost Bride) | $15-50 | 1-2 hours of thrift shopping | High if you pick stretchy fabrics | Photo-heavy events |
| Partner or group costume (bowling, Pac-Man, Fiona and Shrek) | $30-100 combined | 1-3 hours | Depends on everyone’s costume | Couples and friend groups |
If you’re deciding on price, the DIY route wins by a lot. A pumpkin costume from a decent store can cost three times what you’d spend making one from a tee you already own.
Comfort Tips That Actually Matter
Choose your shoes first. Swelling can creep up over the course of an evening. If your costume needs boots, try them on with thick socks a few days ahead.
Wear breathable layers under any costume. A thin cotton tank or leggings under a sequined or synthetic outfit prevents itching and overheating.
Skip anything with a tight elastic band under the bump. Even a “stretchy” waistband can feel constricting after a few hours. If you do use one, choose a wide, soft band and place it above or below your belly.
Bring a bag with a change of clothes if you’re at a long event. I know it’s not glamorous, but a comfy sweatshirt in your bag is worth it.
Consider makeup carefully. If you’re using face paint, choose a brand that’s labeled skin-safe and patch test it on your arm before you apply it to your face, since skin can be more sensitive during pregnancy.
Couples and Family Costumes That Feature the Bump
If you’d like a costume that includes your partner or other kids, here are a few pairings that work well with the ideas above:
- Bowling ball and bowling pin (idea #4)
- Fortune teller and customer (idea #2), with your partner as a hopeful client holding a “Will it be a boy or girl?” sign
- Pac-Man and ghosts (idea #12), which is great with friends or older kids
- Fiona and Shrek (idea #19)
- Astronaut and alien (idea #9), where your partner is the astronaut and you’re the “abducted” alien bump
If you’re doing a gender reveal-style photo, orange and black pumpkin patches with a small sign work especially well.
What I’d Do First If I Were Starting Over
If I were pregnant this October, I’d skip the costume aisle entirely and go with a Sanderson sister from a thrifted dress, or the fortune teller if I wanted something faster. Both use fabrics I’d already be comfortable in, both photograph well, and neither requires anything that presses on my belly.
Whatever you choose, pick one thing you can wear comfortably for the whole night, keep it simple, and let the bump do a lot of the work. It’s the best accessory you’ll have all year.
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