How to Build an Iron Man Costume

Football shoulder pads made great Iron Man armor.

Iron Man first appeared in Marvel Comic’s “Tales of Suspense" in 1963. Since then Tony Stark, industrialist playboy and brilliant engineer-turned-superhero, has remained a favorite character. Well- known for his red and gold armor and chest-centered power source, Iron Man is a favorite costume choice for Halloween. Most store-bought Iron Man costumes are expensive and generally made of cloth. You can make your own with some old sports equipment and a couple things from the toy store. You can get a full head helmet from a toy store or a purchase a less expensive plastic mask to complete the outfit.

Things You'll Need

• Old set of football shoulder pads
• Pair of soccer or baseball catcher shin guards
• Pair of elbow pads
• Red spray paint
• Yellow tights or tight exercise pants
• Red sleeveless leotard or red sleeveless shirt and red professional swimmer's bathing suit.
• Tight long sleeve yellow shirt
• Tap light
• Four small round Velcro fasteners
• Glue and glue gun
• Iron Man helmet or mask
• Red shoes or boots
• Red gloves

Instructions

1. Spray paint the shoulder pads, shin guards and elbow pads red. Let dry completely.

2. Glue one side of your Velcro fasteners to back of the tap light. Glue other side to the front of the shoulder pads. You can now remove your power source before taking your shoulder pads on and off.

3. Layer the red shirt and bathing suit or leotard over the yellow pants and shirt.

4. Put on pads, gloves, shoes and helmet.

5. Attach tap light to the front of the shoulder pads.

References

• Coolest Homemade costume; Coolest Homemade Super Hero comstume
• Marvel Universe Character Bios; Iron Man (Anthony Stark)