How to Make an Original Superhero Costume

Anyone can be a superhero for a night with a little fabric dye and felt cut-outs.

When you’re a superhero, you don’t want anyone stealing your thunder by showing up for a party in the same boring, store-bought costume. Create your own superhero costume to avoid such fashion calamities. Brainstorm superhero concepts that reflect elements of your personality and incorporate this theme into your costume's color scheme and logo design. Even if you’re high on concept and low on crafting skills, it doesn’t take extraordinary powers to make an original superhero costume; with fabric dye, some old clothes and scissors, you can save the day.

Things You'll Need

• Tights, sweatpants or leggings
• Tank top, tight T-shirt or sweatshirt
• Running shorts, bikini bottom or leotard (optional)
• Flat sheet or large piece of fabric (to make a cape)
• Old sweatshirt (to make into a belt and mask)
• Fabric dye (optional)
• Spray paint (optional)
• Rain boots or tennis shoes
• Felt squares in various colors
• Fabric glue
• Hook-and-loop tape with self-adhesive backing
• Reflective tape (optional)

Instructions

1. Dye the tights, sweatpants or leggings and the tank top, t-shirt or sweatshirt the same color according to the directions on the box of dye. Cotton fabric is easiest to dye. Bright primary colors stand out in a crowd, while lighter colors enable you to be seen better at night.

2. Cut a strip of fabric about 2 to 3 inches wide from the old sweatshirt to create a belt. Add 8 inches to your waist measurement to determine the correct length. Cut a second strip about 2.5 inches wide to use as a mask. Position this strip across the eyes to determine where to cut eye holes; make sure the mask does not reduce your field of vision or interfere with breathing.

3. Cut a rectangle from a sheet or piece of fabric; choose a length that does not fall below the knees to avoid tripping. Make sure the short end is long enough that it can fit around the neck comfortably. Attach hook-and-loop tape to secure the cape around the neck.

4. Dye the running shorts, bikini bottom or leotard, cape, belt and mask a contrasting color.

5. Create an emblem or symbol from the felt squares and glue it to the chest of your costume. Choose an emblem that reflects your original superhero's powers; for example, a lighting bolt for speed, a book for a super reader, a remote control for a super couch potato or a fist for strength.

6. Spray paint the boots or shoes to match the costume if you choose. Alternately, wear brightly colored sneakers.

7. Assemble the costume. Put the tights, leggings or sweatpants on first, followed by the top or the leotard. Wear the shorts or trunks over the pants. Wrap the belt around the waist and tie in back. Tuck the ends under the belt. Attach the cape at the neck with the hook-and-loop tape. Tie the mask around the head.

Tips & Warnings

• Use reflective tape to make the emblem instead of the felt squares. The tape can also be used to decorate the shoes and outline the cape for added safety outdoors.

• Accessorize your superhero with a weapon or shield. Knee pads, elbow pads, bike helmets, shin guards and other protective sporting equipment make great additions.

• Safety should be the priority. If there’s any doubt about the ability to see or breathe through the mask, eliminate it and use makeup instead. Also, forgo the cape if you are going to be around any open flames like jack-o-lanterns or bonfires.

References

• Coolest Homemade Comics, Anime and Animated Character Costumes
• Superhero Costume Ideas

Resources

• Halloween Safety Tips
• Halloween Costume Safety Tips