Fasching is the lively German carnival season, filled with parades, parties, and, of course, lots of creative costumes! Also called Karneval or Fastnacht in different areas, this event is a time for fun, music, and dressing up. Right before Lent, everyone gets a chance to forget about daily life and enjoy pretending to be someone (or something) else. If you’re looking for ideas on what to wear, there’s no shortage-everything from classic costumes to the latest trends, whether you’re going solo or planning a group outfit.
Whether you’re joining a huge parade in Cologne or just celebrating at home with friends, choosing your Fasching costume is one of the highlights. It’s a chance to show who you are and be as bold or creative as you want. This guide has lots of ideas, so you can find just the right look to help you make the most of Germany’s “fifth season.”
Favorite Fasching Costume Choices for Everyone
Fasching is for people of all ages, so there’s a costume for every taste and size. One of the best things about this carnival is that it welcomes everyone. You can pick anything from costumes that remind you of old favorites to outfits inspired by new trends. Group costumes can also be a lot of fun and really stand out at any party or parade.
The main point of Fasching is to let go and enjoy yourself. Try out different colors, fabrics, and themes that make you happy. The most important thing is to have fun and add to the cheerful mood that makes Fasching special.
Classic Fasching Costumes
Some costumes never go out of style and fit perfectly with Fasching traditions. These outfits are always recognized and loved, helping create the right festive atmosphere. Classic choices often have deep roots in German carnival history and culture.
- Jesters, clowns, and harlequins – Bright colors, fun patterns, and silly hats are all part of Fasching’s traditional characters.
- Pirates – With swords, eye patches, and striped shirts, pirates always bring a playful spirit.
- Fairytale characters – Think Cinderella, Snow White, or Little Red Riding Hood for a magical touch everyone recognizes.
Current Fasching Costume Trends
If you want to dress up like someone from a popular movie, TV show, or even what’s trending online, Fasching is a good time. Every year brings new ideas from pop culture, and fun costumes can start conversations and get laughs.
- Superheroes – Classic heroes or the newest ones from recent movies always work well.
- Food costumes – Dress as a cupcake, pizza slice, or even a bunch of grapes for a funny and creative look.
- Characters from streaming series or internet memes – Always timely and often easy to recognize.
Group & Family Fasching Costumes
Dressing up as a group makes Fasching even more exciting and helps people feel more connected. From simple shared colors to full themes, group costumes are memorable and fun.
| Group Type | Costume Ideas |
|---|---|
| Families | Fairytales (each person a different character), animals (zoo or farm), storybook squads |
| Friends | Disco dancers, space visitors, hippies, rainbow colors, circus crew |
The best themes let everyone put their own spin on things while keeping a shared look.
Fasching Costumes for Kids
For children, Fasching is an exciting adventure and a chance to bring their favorite stories to life. Their costumes should be comfortable and safe as well as fun, as they’ll likely run, dance, and play for hours. Letting kids help choose their outfits makes the process even better for them!
Popular Costumes for Boys
- Superheroes like Superman or Spider-Man
- Knights or pirates
- Doctors (easy with an old shirt)
- Animals (lions, bears, dogs)
- DIY ideas like a snail costume made with cardboard
Popular Costumes for Girls
- Princesses (Cinderella, Belle, Snow White)
- Fairytale characters (Little Red Riding Hood)
- Unicorns or dragons
- Superheroines or strong female characters from movies
- Creative ideas – artist with a paint palette, or a flower
Gender-Neutral Fasching Costumes for Kids
Lots of costumes can be enjoyed by any child, no matter what. Gender-neutral options celebrate fun and imagination for everyone.
- Animal costumes (caterpillars, elephants, frogs)
- Food costumes (cupcake, banana, carrot)
- Book characters (like the Hungry Caterpillar)
- Creative ideas (artist, superhero, their own monster creation)
Creative Fasching costumes for Grown-Ups
For adults, Fasching is a great chance to be silly, clever, or even stylish. Costumes can be funny, elegant, or make a point about something in the news or pop culture. Friends and couples often plan costumes together for double the impact.
Funny and Satirical Costumes
- Clever puns or costumes that poke fun at current events
- Food and drink costumes (fortune cookie, champagne bottle)
- Abstract or “art” costumes for a creative twist
Costumes for Couples and Friends
- Classic pairs: Bonnie and Clyde, salt & pepper, plug & socket
- Groups: deck of cards, colors of the rainbow, TV show characters
- Shared themes: group of clowns, hippie friends, disco squad
Elegant & Historical Fasching Costumes
- Historical eras: medieval knights, ladies of the court, disco ’70s, 1920s flappers
- Book or historical characters
- Masquerade ball: fancy gowns, suits, and masks
These often need more care with details and accessories but look great.
How to Make Your Own Fasching Costume
Making your own costume can be lots of fun and lets you be as creative as you want. DIY costumes are often cheaper and one-of-a-kind. You can use old clothes or things around the house. Plus, it feels good to wear something you made!
DIY Costume Tips and Materials
- Felt is easy to work with and you can glue or cut it (great for animal ears or tunics)
- Old shirts can be changed into doctor’s coats or superhero capes
- Cardboard turns into robots, cars, or signs
- Fabric glue, scissors, hot glue gun, and paint add detail
- Pinterest has lots of DIY Fasching ideas if you want more inspiration
Quick, Last-Minute Fasching Costumes
- Black clothes + homemade wings = bat costume
- Wear lots of colors = rainbow outfit
- Use hats, glasses, boas, or capes from around the house
- Face paint makes any outfit more festive
Have a box of funny accessories ready in case guests need a fast costume fix.
Accessories and Makeup for Fasching
Small details make a huge difference. The right makeup, wigs, hats, and props bring your costume to life. Accessories help you stand out and really get into character.
Makeup and Face Paint Ideas
- Clowns and jesters: white face, bright lips, and bold eye colors
- Animals: use face paint for whiskers, noses, or spots
- Fairies and princesses: sparkly makeup, glitter, and gems
- Always pick skin-friendly, easy-to-remove paints (especially for kids)
Wigs, Hats, and Props
- Wigs: bright and silly for clowns, themed for historical looks
- Hats: pirate hats, princess crowns, animal ears, pointy witch hats
- Props: magic wands, swords, paint palettes, matching items for group costumes
Staying Safe and Comfortable in Your Fasching Costume
Looking good is important, but your costume should also be comfortable and safe. You’ll likely be wearing it for a long time and moving around a lot.
Choosing Comfortable Fabrics and Fit
- Pick soft and breathable fabrics like cotton or blends
- Avoid materials that are itchy, stiff, or too hot
- Check that you have enough room to move around and dance
- For children: make sure the costume is not too tight or too loose and doesn’t drag on the ground
How to Stay Warm Outside
- Wear thermal layers under your costume
- Choose warm materials (fleece, thick cloth)
- Add gloves, scarves, or a matching coat/poncho
- Wear warm shoes, even if you cover them or decorate them to match your costume
Where to Get Fasching Costumes and Supplies
Once you know what you want to wear, you have a few ways to find costumes-either buying ready-made or putting together a DIY outfit. You can shop online or in stores, depending on your budget and how much time you have.
Top Places to Buy Fasching Costumes Online
- Large websites (like Amazon or eBay) offer a big selection and often have discounts
- Special costume sites have unique or higher-quality items
- Check reviews and sizes, and order early for delivery before Fasching
Shops and Rentals in Germany
- Local costume shops: try on different options, feel fabrics, get advice
- Some shops rent costumes, which is good for expensive or detailed outfits
- During Fasching season, party supply stores and special pop-up shops sell lots of accessories and makeup
Fasching Costume FAQs
People often have questions as Fasching approaches-especially about reusing costumes, following party themes, or what’s expected. Here are some quick answers to help you prepare:
Can I Reuse My Halloween Costume?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that Fasching costumes are usually bright, fun, and silly, while Halloween ones are sometimes a bit scary. If your costume is a superhero, animal, or fairytale character, it works for both. For spooky costumes, add colorful accessories or face paint to make them better for Fasching.
Should My Costume Match the Party Theme?
If the host has picked a theme, it’s a good idea to match it. This adds to the fun and shows you care about the party. Themes might be “Circus,” “Disco Fever,” “Zoo Animals,” or anything else. If there’s no theme, feel free to be as creative as you want!
Leave a comment