How to Make a Superhero Costume

Superheroes are always popular at the box office and during Halloween, you see miniature versions of superheroes trick-or-treating door to door. Adults as well as kids enjoy dressing as superheroes; who wouldn't want to spend an evening as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman or The Flash? If, however, you'd like to be a one-of a-kind superhero and your own unique creation, you can easily do that, too. Just decide what kind of superhero you'd like to be, then make up a costume to suit your super self.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Spandex bodysuit and tights or unitard or bike shorts, bike leggings and Spandex T-shirt
• Cape
• Mask and/or head covering
• Footwear (boots)
• Super accessories
• Flashlight
• Reflective tape

1. Start off with some spandex. All superheroes need to move, and most of them choose to do so in the skintight stretchy stuff. Superheroes don't have to worry - they all seem to be blessed with the perfect superbodies. If yours is not-so-super, you can always do a little camouflaging with all of the exras you'll be adding. For a costume base, though, you'll need tights and a leotard, a unitard, or bike shorts over bike leggings and a stretchy Spandex T-shirt.

2. Add a cape to your costume. Most superheroes wouldn't be caught without this most dashing of accessories. You can buy one from a costume store or make one yourself from a thin blanket or even a sheet. All you really need is a rectangle or oval of material that you can drape over your shoulders and tie, pin, or velcro around your neck.

3. Choose your headgear. Would you like a mask to hide your secret identity? How about a helmet? Perhaps even a tiara? You may even wish to add a wig if you envision yourself as the sort of superhero with long, flowing tresses - these can be found on heroes both male and female.

4. Pick out some super footgear. Boots are traditional for superheroes both male and female, but if you plan to be doing a lot of walking or even standing you may want to forgo the super spiked heels in favor of flats.

5. Select a few super accessories. Would you like a Sword of Power, a nifty Batman-esque toolbelt, or a lasso a la Wonder Woman? Perhaps you are a Super Plumber with a Pipe Wrench of Destiny or a Super Nun with a Crucifix of Doom.

6. Remember your super flashlight if you'll be strutting your super stuff after dark. Even a few strips of well-placed reflective tape wouldn't go amiss, especially on a dark costume, as you wouldn't want to end up super-squashed by a truck. Not even Irony Man would appreciate such a fate.

Tips & Warnings

• If you choose to use a mask, make sure you can see and breathe easily