The Little Mermaid Costumes

Characters for children

• Ariel: the most popular choice. Look for a green mermaid tail or skirt, a shell top and long red hair. A wig or a red hair band with a ponytail does the job.
• Flounder: a bright yellow and blue fish. A yellow top with blue stripes and a fin headband is enough.
• Sebastian: the red crab. A red outfit, claw mittens and antennae on a headband make him easy to spot.

Characters for adults

• Ariel: a mermaid dress or tail with a shell top and red hair works well for parties and Halloween. Some people choose the pink dress or the blue dress from the film instead.
• Ursula: the sea witch. Think purple skin, white hair, black dress and a dramatic necklace. The tentacles can be done with a long skirt or extra fabric.
• Prince Eric: a white shirt, a sash and dark trousers. It is a simple look for a group or couples costume.

Finishing touches to make at home

A few small extras make a big difference and cost very little.

• Shell hair clips: glue small shells or craft shells onto plain clips. Let the glue dry fully before wearing.
• A seaweed scarf or sash: cut strips of green fabric and tie them together. It works for Ariel or as a sea creature accessory.

Choosing the right size

Measure height and chest, then check the size chart for the costume you like. Tails and fitted skirts can limit movement, so children who will be running around may be more comfortable in a looser fit or a size up. Check the label for care instructions, and do a small skin test before using any face paint.