This costume is made out of a heavy cotton material.  It is not soft, and the color is a little yellowish (gives it an aged look).  My son has worn this costume for three consecutive Halloweens (he's 8 now, and I had to buy the 10-12 size this year), so it does run a little small.  Every year kids and adults marvel at this costume.  It looks homemade.  I (try to) copy the face painting of the child pictured, and when you add the hood, it's really an eerie look.  I've even had moms ask to take a picture of the costume because it's so cool.  Plus, in three years, I've never seen any other child with this costume.  If your child wants a classic scary Halloween costume, look no further.