How to Create an Alien Costume

It doesn't need to be Halloween for you to create an alien costume. UFO conventions, costume parties, and any number of other events could warrant the need for a great getup. If you're an alien enthusiast or just someone who enjoys making elaborate costumes, there's no reason you couldn't create a great alien costume. You can even combine handmade elements with pre-made designs.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric
• Paper Mache
• Latex Rubber
• Spandex suit

1. Decide on the type of alien you want to create for your costume. Are you planning on sticking with the well-known "Gray," or do you want to create something wholly unique? Beginners will find the Gray the easiest to create, while experienced costume designers will likely enjoy designing a completely new "species" from scratch.

2. Take your measurements. You'll want to know your waist, inseam, neck, arms and chest to ensure that your costume fits properly. If you're planning on using a latex or hard mask that covers your entire head, then you're also going to need to know your head's circumference.

3. Choose your materials. For a Gray, for example, you'll want to consider a gray body suit for "skin."

4. Pick a mask or costume head for your design. Try to match colors with the rest of your costume as close as possible. As an alternative, you can repaint the mask to make it match the rest of the costume if need be.

5. Throw a robe over your costume to help hide any imperfections or to simplify the design if you're a beginner. Some Grays actually come with a pre-robed head, meaning you just need to buy a cloak and gloves to complete the look.

6. Incorporate mundane or comical elements into your costume. Wear sneakers as a Gray or make an alien with tentacles that stick out of your sleeves and use them as your hands.

7. Visit the CostumeZone to find pieces of alien costumes or even complete designs (see Resources below). Alien costumes for children and adults, as well as a wide range of designs and levels of complexity are available, and at reasonable prices.

Tips & Warnings

• Grab some alien-inspired props for your costume! Buy a ray gun, pick up a "handheld life detector" or any other great accessory that will help to compliment your alien costume. Most costume shops and even some toy stores will have terrific accessories that will help make your alien costume more authentic.
• Be aware that if you use heavy fabrics or latex for your alien costume you run the risk of overheating, particularly in the summer or when in very warm environments. Make your alien costume in such a way that you can remove elements if you begin to grow uncomfortable. Install a zipper, make the head removable, and use gloves for your hands instead of creating a total bodysuit.

Resources

• Buy alien costume pieces at CostumeZone.com.