How to Make Fireman Suits

Make a fireman's suit that is comfortable and safe to wear.

Wearing a fireman's suit for Halloween is not only something to be proud of, but it may also help keep the child safe. The suit is long sleeved with pants and is made to be over sized, giving extra warmth on a cold Halloween night. A coat or extra layer of clothing can also be worn underneath the costume. The fireman's suit looks authentic with reflective and bright colored tape, providing safety when walking in the dark. With a few supplies and a little time, a fireman's suit is a simple costume to make.

Things You'll Need

• Over-sized black sweatshirt
• Scissors
• Silver duct tape
• Velcro adhesives
• Yellow duct tape
• Yellow felt letters
• Fabric glue
• Black sweatpants
• Yellow galoshes
• Fireman's hat

Instructions

1. Spread out the black sweatshirt right-side up on a flat surface. Cut a slit all the way up the middle of the sweatshirt, creating an opening in the front. The sweatshirt needs to be slightly longer, but if it is too wide, take some material out of the middle. Cut small strips off of each side of the slit up the middle, ensuring that the slit stays spaced evenly in the front. Cut the sleeves off above the cuff if they are too long.

2. Apply a strip of sliver duct tape up each side of the slit on the sweatshirt. Measure and cut the tape so it is long enough to run from the collar to the bottom edge of the shirt. Press the tape strips in place, ensuring they hold tight.

3. Stick Velcro adhesives to the sweatshirt to hold the front closed. Apply sets of adhesives at the collar, middle and bottom of the opening along the slit in the front.

4. Push the Velcro adhesives together to close the front of the sweatshirt. Cut three strips of yellow duct tape, each approximately 6 inches. Center each piece horizontally on top of the three sets of Velcro adhesives. Push the tape down to ensure it will hold tightly. Cut through the middle of each piece of yellow duct tape to re-open the slit.

5. Add a strip of yellow duct tape to each sleeve. Position the tape so it is approximately 3 inches above the bottom of the sleeve and wraps all the way around.

6. Turn the sweatshirt over so it lays right-side down on a flat surface. Line up the yellow felt letters along the middle, top of the sweatshirt. The letters can spell the child's last name or simply state "Fireman." Glue the letters into place using fabric glue. Allow plenty of time to dry before moving the sweatshirt.

7. Lay the black sweatpants right-side up on a flat surface. Cut the legs off of the pants if they are too long.

8. Add a strip of yellow duct tape to each pant leg. Position the tape so it will wrap horizontally around the knee.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear galoshes and a plastic fireman's hat to complete the fireman's suit.

• Add a plastic axe, fireman's badge, hose or stuffed Dalmatian to compliment the costume.

References

• Parents: Fireman Costume
• Anytime Costumes: Make a Homemade Firefighter Halloween Costume