Best Turkey Costumes
![Margot Malverty]()
Written by Margot Malverty
Updated January 2023
A turkey costume is a fun way to surprise family and friends around Thanksgiving and bring laughs to any room. These eye-catching, festive outfits are also suitable for Thanksgiving races like the Turkey Trot. Many runners find them airy and comfortable enough to jog in. And don’t forget a turkey costume for baby’s first Thanksgiving photos or a November newborn photography session.
Turkey costumes come in different forms that work well for various purposes. Onesies are cozy and easy to wear for runs in cooler climates and at gatherings. Inflatable costumes are a hit at parties and have the hysterical illusion that you are riding a turkey. Turkey outfits for children come as full costumes or knit clothing that works well for photoshoots.
Who are you buying the costume for?
Who needs a turkey costume? Anyone who wants to dress like a turkey! Or, in the case of parents, any parent who wants to see their cute little one dressed up in a festive and funny costume for the holiday season.
Turkey costumes for babies
Turkey-themed onesies, bodysuits, and clothing sets with hats are available for infants. Look for hats and tops with turkey faces and bodysuits with turkey tail feathers. Many of these costumes have a “handmade” look and cute 3D features.
For an infant photo shoot, a crocheted turkey outfit or knit turkey costume is adorable. Think of newborns born in November and baby’s first Thanksgiving.
Turkey costumes for toddlers
Toddler turkey costumes range from the minimalistic to the realistic. A subtle costume may consist of a turkey hat and feathers. A more involved costume may consist of a turkey bodysuit or onesie. Some include turkey feet “booties.”
A bulkier costume might transform a toddler into a little Thanksgiving bird. Think of plush hooded bodysuits with filling for volume and large 3D feathers on the back.
Often, these costumes require you to supply additional layers, such as an undershirt, leggings, or pants. Keep this in mind, as you may decide to purchase matching garments, such as brown leggings or an undershirt with a fun Thanksgiving print.
Turkey costumes for older children
Turkey costumes for older children may closely resemble turkey costumes for adults. Think of fabric costumes and inflatable costumes. These costumes may appear “stuffed” and cover the entire body.
If you want something less bulky for your child, opt for a hat or shirt designed like a turkey or with a turkey face on it.
Turkey costumes for adults
If you want a subtle Thanksgiving-themed outfit, consider a turkey hat or shirt. If you want a full-body costume, your choices include turkey onesies for adults, bulky fabric costumes, and inflatable turkey costumes.
Onesies are quite easy to pull on. Standard turkey costumes are more challenging to put on, but they are lifelike and comprehensive. Most have Velcro closures. If you want to go all out, look for a turkey costume with a bodysuit, shoe covers or booties, plush wings, and headwear designed like a turkey head.
Inflatable costumes can be difficult to move in, but they are certainly engaging and humorous. Most adult turkey costumes that blow up give the appearance that the wearer is riding a turkey. These costumes tend to be made of polyester. Once you pull the costume on, a battery-powered fan inflates it.
Did You Know?
Turkeys run up to 25 miles per hour and fly up to 55 miles per hour.
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What event do you plan to attend in your turkey costume?
Social gathering
Let’s face it – most people don’t purchase a turkey costume for lounging around the house. The right costume for you depends on the occasion. Consider these factors: the weather, the activities you’ll be doing, and how realistic you want to seem.
Turkey Trot race
Some adults look for turkey costumes before an upcoming Turkey Trot. This race takes place around Thanksgiving in different locations across the U.S. First, note that jogging in a race requires movement, so it’s important to find a turkey costume that stays in place. There are different race lengths to consider, and different climates, too – a Turkey Trot in Florida may be too warm for a onesie, for example. In a hot climate, a costume consisting of a shirt or hat may be best. For a Turkey Trot in a cool climate, consider a long-sleeved costume that encourages air flow and warmth.
What are turkey costumes made of?
Material
Most turkey costumes are made of polyester. Onesies, full-body costumes, and hats are made with soft fabric. Inflatable costumes have a more water-resistant and smooth texture. Some costumes may have small felt details.
Closures
Note that some turkey costumes have closures made of Velcro or zippers. Velcro closures may gap, whereas zippers tend to be more secure and easier to use.
3D parts
The majority of turkey costumes have 3D parts, which means they are stuffed and attached to the body of the costume but take up their own space. The turkey’s head, neck, wings, feathers, and legs are often connected in this form.
Headwear
Full turkey costumes often come with a hood or a matching hat. Hats are separate pieces and cover the head, ears, and neck. Hoods are attached to onesies and pull up over the back of the head. Included costume headwear is designed like a turkey head.
Turkey Trots have been around for over 100 years.
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How do you accessorize a turkey costume?
Turkey calls
A turkey call is guaranteed to make your costume more realistic and amusing. These noisemakers are used to hunt turkeys by playing the sound a turkey makes. Turkey calls are compact and easy to keep in a pocket, and everyone will get a laugh out of this costume add-on.
Did You Know?
Adult turkeys have around 3,500 feathers.
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How much do turkey costumes cost?
Inexpensive
Hats and simple t-shirts are the least expensive forms of a turkey costume and cost up to $15.
Mid-range
Mid-range turkey costumes cost between $15 and $30. Many sets of hats, onesies, and shirts fall in this range.
Expensive
Expensive turkey costumes cost more than $30. Many hooded onesies cost between $30 and $40. Fabric and inflatable full-body costumes usually cost between $40 and $60.
Tips
- Keep a power bank or extra batteries on hand for inflatable turkey costumes. Depending on how long you plan to wear the costume, it could run out of power and need to be recharged. Extra batteries or a portable charger come in handy when wearing an inflatable turkey costume for a prolonged amount of time.
- Keep safety pins on hand for a Turkey Trot. Store a few safety pins in your pocket or bag while running in case a piece of your costume falls off.
FAQ
Q. Can I purchase turkey costumes in stores?
A. You may be able to find turkey costumes in some stores around Halloween and Thanksgiving, but there are plenty of online choices as well.
Q. Can I find a turkey costume for my dog?
A. Your furry friend is not left out when it comes to turkey costumes. Various online retailers offer turkey dog costumes, from headwear to full body costumes.
