How to Make a Fat Suit Costume

Whether you are looking to make a costume for a costume party or for a stage show, fat suits can be used to give the illusion of obesity. Many costumes, such as that of a clown or sumo wrestler have a more realistic look when a fat suit is worn. Store-bought, premade fat suits can be very expensive. Instead of spending a lot of money on a fat suit, you can make your own at home using a Lycra bodysuit and foam sheeting from your local craft store, for much less money.

Things You'll Need

• Lycra bodysuit
• Foam sheeting
• Fabric glue
• Large clothing

Instructions

1. Turn a flesh colored, Lycra bodysuit inside out. Use the largest body suit you can find. These are often available at plus-sized women’s clothing stores or costume stores. If you cannot find a bodysuit, you can use a leotard and tights.

2. Cut foam sheeting into strips. The size strips depends on your size and the size of your body suit. The goal is to have enough sheets to thoroughly line the inside of your bodysuit, but still allow enough room for you to get into the suit, too. The foam sheeting should be about 2 inches thick and can be found at your local fabric store. Another option is to use quilt batting or inexpensive pillows and use those for lining the suit.

3. Attach foam sheeting strips to the bodysuit with fabric glue. Stuff the arms and legs of the suit. If you are using a leotard and tights, remember to line the tights.

4. Turn the bodysuit right side out once the glue is dry.

5. Put the bodysuit on. Wear very large clothing over top of your completed suit to complete the look. Look at your local thrift store for inexpensive large clothing.

Tips & Warnings

• If you cannot find a body suit in the size you need or you prefer to just work with clothing, you can stuff your material into very large clothing instead.

• If you have trouble keeping the pants up, use suspenders or belt to hold them up. Another option is to cut a piece of fabric into a sash and use that as a belt.

References

• Warren Creative Design: Body Suits
• Nightmare Factory: Fat Suit Costumes
• Extreme Pumpkins: Fat Suit