Much more than poetry, the 13th century Persian poet Rumi, was a mystic whose life was depicted in art, dance, and even fashion due to his spirit, simplicity, and elegance. In school, many people wish to make a Rumi costume due to its simplicity, and people also wish to wear it during cultural events. While preparing, one challenge that a person would face would be wearing a costume at a very affordable price without the costume looking forced.
In this article, we will look at the elements that make a Rumi costume special, the optimum materials to build the costume, the colors that make it pop, completing the costume with meaningful accessories and doing all this at a budget price. If you want to make it from scratch or combine it with existing pieces from the closet, all the below tips will definitely make the piece authentic and at the same time make it comfortable to wear.
The benefits of wearing a Rumi inspired costume are quite interesting and I must mention a few.
Being a symbolic figure whose influence stretched from east to west, Rumi’s teachings of love and spirituality were universal. wearing a costume inspired by him serves as a tribute to the beauty of the teachings he left behind.
Visual Elegance – The use of layered fabrics and flowing robes creates a dramatic yet serene aesthetic that is visually appealing in any environment.
Accessibility – Unlike complex historical costumes, a Rumi costume can be created with a combination of everyday wear, upcycled items, or even DIY fabric modifications.
Key Elements of a Rumi Costume
A complete Rumi costume has flowing garments, meaningful accessories, and colors that go well together. All three components work in synergy.
- Flowing Garments
During Rumi’s time, clothing was loose and robes were long. To achieve this look:
Start with a robe, long outer garment, or a shirt. A curtain from a thrift store, a bathrobe, or a kimono-style cardigan can be great substitutes.
Underneath, add some: long tunics, loose pants, or long shirts. A combination of these pieces adds variety and movement.
The clothing that you wear should be comfortable and flow with your body and not stick to you.
- Accessories that Carry a Message
Transforming pieces of clothing to costumes can be done through skins or clothing intended to be worn underneath.
Headwear: Scarves, shawls or towels can be wrapped to form a turban type and cover the head.
Sashes and Belts: Shape can be created by tying long fabric strips, ropes, or scarf at the waist.
Symbolic Props: Adding authenticity and symbolism can be done with books of poetry, beads of prayer, or lanterns.
- Color Palette
Rumi’s aesthetic is often associated with balance—earthy tones mixed with rich accents.
Neutrals (ivory, beige, taupe, grey) signify true heart and modesty.
Jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, ruby, gold) signify wealth and significance.
Tip: Effortlessly blends when paired with a necklace or a neutral robe and a jewel toned scarf.
Choosing the Suitable Fabrics
The fabric you choose has a significant impact on the appearance and comfort of your costume. These are the various types:
Cotton: Cheap, breathable, and easy to find. Ideal for base layers.
Linen: Thin and silky, great for robes or tunics, but creases with ease.
Velvet: Dramatic and rich, is best for the top layers at a festival or on stage.
Wool: True to history, warm and best suited to colder climates.
Silk or Satin: Beautifully glistening, perfect for sashes, scarves, or headwraps.
👉Made for a budget: These are often found and much cheaper at a thrift store as curtains or table clothes.
Step-by-Step Guide To Making a Rumi Costume
Prepared to piece it all together? Here’s a practical aussi approach.
Step 1: Create the Base
Start with a neutral and/or jewel toned bathrobe, and you’re all set to create your base layer.
If none are available, try a long cardigan, oversized shirt, or a trench coat.
Step 2: Putting on Additional Layers
Loose-fitting pants include pajamas, yoga pants, or harem-style pants.
Also, put a tunic or long-sleeved shirt on for some added layers.
Step 3: Putting on the Headwear
Take a scarf or towel and fold it longways, and place it on your head.
Cross the ends of the scarf/towel at the front of the head, go around the head and tuck the ends in the back.
For added volume, put a beanie on.
Step 4: The Belt or Sash
Take a long scarf, curtain tie, or any long piece of fabric. This will be the waist sash.
Wrap it around the waist 2 times, tie it off center in a bow, and allow the ends to flow freely.
Step 5: Putting on the Mardi Gras Beads.
Hold a book of poetry or journal in one hand and put on a prayer bead bracelet in the other.
Wear simple sandals or go barefoot if the situation is fitting.
Last Minute Fixes
Sometimes, there isn’t any time for a true DIY. Here are some go-to hacks:
Bathrobe + Scarf = Instant Costume: Put a scarf as a belt, and wrap another scarf on the head.
Curtain: Just drape a curtain around the shoulders like a robe.
Headwear: Roll a towel into a band and wrap it like a crown. Put on a scarf, and you are covered.
Modern Alternatives and Accessibility
Due to economic and socio-geographical conditions some people may not have access to historically accurate fabrics or dyes. In each of these cases though, a modern alternative works beautifully:
Polyester or cotton blends simulate the flow of linen or silk drapery for a fraction of the cost.
Jewel-toned scarves available at any fast-fashion emporium capture the richness of traditional and modern dyes.
Even neutral shades of loungewear can be reimagined and transformed into a chic and minimalist Rumi costume.
The point is not historical accuracy, but the essence of Rumi’s perpetual simplicity and profundity.
Where to Source Your Costume
If you wish to make it cost efficient:
Thrift Stores: Curtains, robes, scarves and belts can be used and transformed into works of art.
Around the House: Old bath robes, shawls and even bed sheets can be repurposed.
Craft Stores: There is inexpensive fabric available for remnant sashes and headwraps.
Online: Search queries such as “boho robes”, “Sufi clothing”, or “poet costumes” can render a variety of ready made options.
First and Foremost, the Spirit of the Costume
More than an assemblage of fabric and accessories, a Rumi costume is an expression and a means of embodying the teachings of Rumi - Simplicity, reflection and love. Control and calmness should be practiced in the body as one thoughtfully carries a book or beads. Your costume should serve as a form for living poetry.
Concluding Remarks
Rumi costumes are relatively easy to make and do not require an individual to spend a lot of money. Smooth and flowing clothes made out of natural materials, complemented by symbolic accessories and an intentional, balanced color scheme, can produce an outfit that looks and feels realistic and useful. The outfit can be made from a collection of items bought in thrift shops, household materials that are not being used, or any last minute hacks. In any of these cases, the outfit is only as good as the soul and spirit that is poured into it.
✨ There is a saying by Rumi that states, ‘The beautiful comes from the only and the only comes from the beautiful.’