Designing a Rumi costume doesn’t have to break the bank. With some creativity, a few everyday items, a couple of secondhand wardrobe pieces, and some simple fabric techniques, you can create a costume that is flowing, elegant, and poised, all on a budget. Here’s a simple guide to making one.

Step 1. Purchase a Cheap Robe Substitute.

A robe or tunic is the main foundation to a Rumi costume. You don’t have to buy high-priced materials. Think about the ideas below:

Thrift store curtains. If you get the right fabric for the robe, find heavy, flowy curtains that are neutral or jewel tone and you have a good robe substitute.

Thrift stores are great for finding long-sleeved shirts or tunics and other oversized tops, plain is better.

An easy no-sew options for the base would be a bathrobe, jewel or neutral colored are the best.

👉 Quick hack: Curtain users can just cut a slit down the middle and wear it over a bottom layer as an open robe. No sewing necessary.

Step 2: Introduce Layers for Flowing Movement

Try putting on a bathrobe over loose bottoms like harem pants, yoga pants, or even pajama bottoms to create the signature flowing look.

To keep the robe on, wear a simple undershirt or tunic under the robe.

To create the illusion of depth, use different lengths of layers; shorter on the bottom and longer on the top.

Step 3: DIY Headwear (No Need for Fancy Hats)

One of the most striking parts of a Rumi costume is the headwear. However, these simpler options can easily swap a specially made turban:

Towel Turban: Roll a bath towel into a tube and wear it on your head like a crown. Secure it with pins and wear it like a crown. For a more polished look, top it off with a scarf.

Scarf Wrap: Grab a long scarf, hold it in the center, and wrap it around your head. Cross the ends in front and tuck them in at the back.

No-Sew Cap Base: Grab a beanie or skullcap and wrap a loose piece of fabric around it to add some volume and extra design.

Step 4: Adding Sashes and Belts
For your costume, don’t feel pressured to buy a costume belt. Instead, think of incorporating things you already have in your home. Rustic-looking belts can be made out of curtain ties and ropes. Long scarves you wear can be tied around your waist for an even better, colorful look. For a fun belt, take an old sheet or an old tablecloth, twist or braid it, or even make strips.

Step 5: Budget Friendly Accessories
You can keep it simple and quickly enhance your outfit for little to no cost. For example, you can use large beads and make your own wooden prayer beads. Or, you can make a bead button. To portray holding a book of poetry, you can use a small book or notepad. Either old simple sandals or bare feet will do, as well as plain sandals.

Costume Budget

Thrift Store Curtain (Robe) 5-5-10

Scarf (Turban/Sash) Free

Pajama Pants (Layer) Already in your Closet

Curtain Tie (Belt) Free

Notepad as Prop Already in Your Home

✨ Total: Under $15 for the Whole Costume

Final Thought

The Rumi costume does not have to be expensive. It just requires some thought and thrifted fabrics. No-sew head wraps and a few meaningful props can comfortably and affordably allow you to embody the spirit of Rumi and make it very personal to you.