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Cartoon & Movie CharactersNo. 1611 · The 2026 edition

How to Make a Kids Zombie Costume

Turn your kid into a creepy zombie with this easy DIY costume using coffee stains and torn clothing.

Easy

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finished childs zombie costume
PHOTO · THATMINIVANLIFE.COM

Create a convincing zombie costume by distressing an old white shirt and jeans with cuts and coffee ground stains. Use a foam brush to apply coffee water and fake blood for a dirty, bloody look. Finish with simple white and black face paint and messy hair.

You'll need

Directions

  1. Start by making four parallel cuts on the front of the white t-shirt to mimic claw marks. Gently pull the edges of each slit to make the fabric curl and fray. For the jeans, cut a few holes around the knees and snip off the bottom hem. To achieve a worn-out look, make small cuts along the edges of the shirt and pants, then tug on some loose threads.
  2. Mix used coffee grounds with a little water to create a muddy stain. Rub the coffee mixture directly onto areas you want extra dirty, or use a foam brush to paint on stains. For fake blood, thin down red paint or use costume blood from a makeup kit. Splatter additional coffee water all over the clothes by soaking the brush and flicking it. Let the outfit dry overnight.
  3. Apply zombie makeup using a basic Halloween kit. Spread a thin layer of white face paint over the entire face and neck. Darken around the eyes and hollows of the neck with black makeup. Add a drip of fake blood from the mouth. For the hair, use gel and mess it up for a disheveled effect.

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