How to Make a DIY Hercules Costume for Halloween

Don't fail in your Herculean quest because you lack the proper attire. You can transform yourself into Hercules by wearing one-of-kind hand-sewn garments.

A Greek mythology demigod born of the mortal woman Alcmene and sired by Zeus, king of the Greek gods, Hercules is credited with slaying the fearsome hydra of legend. This Hercules costume, which is comfortable enough to wear for an extended period, works well for cosplay, costume parties and theatrical performances.

Make this easy tunic, cape, war skirt and armbands to wear with your own gladiator sandals.

Cut an extra-long T-shirt across the chest area just beneath the armpits. Flip the cut-off bottom portion of the T-shirt inside-out. Sew the cut-off portion to the inside bottom of the other extra-long T-shirt. This will create a knee-length garment.

Cut the sleeves carefully from the top of the T-shirt. Cut away the neckband to create a boat-necked tunic. White and tan are the best color choices for the tunic. Don't worry about sewing the fabric: It won't unravel.

Measure the length of your back from the base of your neck to your mid-calf. Fold a red flat sheet in half long ways, and cut it to fit the measurement.

Cut away the top corners adjacent to the fold so that the flat sheet resembles a dorsal fin.

Measure 6 inches from the top of the fabric on the folded edge side. Mark it with an X. Measure 6 inches down from that X and place another X on the fabric. Cut a semicircle that measures 5 inches from the edge of the fabric. Use the center of the top and bottom X as a cutting guide. Cut through the center of the Xs. This is the head opening.

Cut a piece of braided silk rope the same length as the head opening. Hot glue it around the opening. In the cape's center, add a decorative gold button, clasp or brooch.

Measure the circumference of your waist and from your waist to the knee. Record these measurements.

Make the belt portion of the war skirt first. Cut a length of brown heavyweight cotton fabric that is the same length as the waist measurement plus 12 inches. The fabric should be 7 inches wide. Hem the garment with a 1/2-inch hem on all sides.

Cut nine straps from brown felt, using the measurement from the waist to the knee. These pieces should be approximately 2 inches across, with a flat top edge, and a pointed bottom edge.

Start in the center of the belt portion and pin the first strap to the underside bottom center. Add an additional piece every inch. From the underside of the garment, sew the straps in place.

Create a rectangular armband pattern. Measure your upper arms. Make a pattern that is 2 inches longer than your arm width and 3 inches tall. Trace the pattern on felt and cut it out.

Add self-adhesive hook-and-loop fastener so that the armband fits snugly.

Your versatile Hercules Halloween costume can easily be adapted to become any of a number of Halloween costume ideas. Use it for the garb of an ancient Greek god, gladiator, nobleman or even Julius Caesar himself.

This costume is desirable for group costumes for a toga party or for fun couples Halloween costumes.