DIY Referee Costume: Easy 20-Min Build
Pictured: the head referee with a penalty flag.
Time20 minEffortEasy
⏱️ We timed it, but results may vary.
Plan this costume →No signup · 2 minutes.
Stripes, a whistle, and a yellow penalty flag. The flag is the prop that gets used all night. Twenty minutes, easy: a plain black t-shirt, black pants or shorts, and white athletic tape. The stripes go horizontal; vertical stripes read as prisoner.
2 of 5 things covered, counting basics we assume you have.
Tap a supply to tick what you own.
Still need:
Tip: add a black wristband on one wrist and keep the yellow flag in a back pocket.
Steps
- Tear strips of white athletic tape across the front and back of the black shirt.
- Space them about 2 inches apart.
- Press firmly so they stay.
- Fold the yellow fabric square in half.
- Tie it in a knot around the whistle lanyard.
- Or tape it to the whistle so it waves when you blow.
- Wear the black outfit with the striped shirt.
- Put the whistle around your neck.
- Tuck the yellow flag in a pocket.
- Optional pro finish: add a black wristband on one wrist and keep the yellow flag in a back pocket.
Start this costume in the planner
Common questions
Will the athletic tape stay on the shirt all night?
Press each strip firmly onto a clean, dry shirt and the tape holds for the evening. It peels off after, though it can pull lint on fuzzy fabrics, so test a hidden spot first.
What can I use instead of a real whistle?
A toy whistle from a party favor pack works, or just mime blowing it. Skip loud metal whistles around small kids.
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