All you need is a good set of instructions on how to make a Predator costume, a few supplies, and some time, and you'll be on your way to creating a one of a kind outfit for your next Halloween party or costume extravaganza. Making your own costume is a great way to save money and show off your creativty.
About the Predator Movies
The Predator character comes from a series of movies by the same name. When the first Predator movie released in 1987, it sparked immediate interest in Predator costumes. Movie fans were impressed with the scary realism of the costume, and they immediately began to try to replicate the design.
The hallmarks of the Predator monster are its mandibles and its long tentacle-like hair. They also typically have muscular bodies, usually dark-colored and covered in scales. A helmet covers the head, obscuring the mandibles, and body armor protects the shoulders and torso.
How to Make a Predator Costume
You can divide your Predator costume project into two parts: the head and the body. If you choose to buy a mask, you can focus mainly on the body portion of your costume; however, it's possible to create your own mask too.
Making the Body of a Predator Costume
To get started, assemble the following supplies:
- Black stretchy pants and shirt
- Black, brown, and silver permanent fabric markers
- Tan spray paint
- Brown spray paint
- Silver spray paint
- Black gloves
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Artificial nails
- Black nail polish
- Shoulder armor, such as football pads
- Black leather belt
- To get started, lay out the pants, shirt, and gloves in a well ventilated area. It's best to work outside, but if that's not possible, an open window should help.
- Spray the clothing items with the tan spray paint. Try to evenly mist the entire outfit. Next, use the brown spray paint to highlight certain areas, especially the sides of the torso and legs. You can use the fabric markers to add detail and scales.
- While the clothing items are drying, you can work on the armor. Lay out the belt and shoulder armor, and lightly spray them with the silver spray paint. Add and highlight detail with the black and silver fabric markers.
- Carefully paint the artificial nails with the black nail polish. When they are dry, use the hot glue gun to affix them to the fingertips of the gloves.
Making the Predator Helmet
Making a Predator helmet is a little trickier, but it's a fun project. You'll need these materials to get started:
- Empty, clean milk jug
- Black stocking cap
- Modeling clay
- Duct tape
- Black cotton fabric
- Sewing machine, needle, and black thread
- Stuffing
- Silver spray paint
- Hot glue gun and glue sticks
- Acrylic paint and brush
- Cut the milk jug to form the Predator's helmet. Remember to cut holes for eyes. Use clay to perfect the features.
- When the clay is dry, use the silver spray paint to give the helmet a metallic appearance. Highlight features using the acrylic paint.
- Use the black fabric to make long tubes for the Predator's hair. Stuff the tubes to make them three-dimensional. With the duct tape, make silver rings midway up each strand.
- Using the hot glue gun, attach the milk jug to the stocking cap. Then carefully sew the hair onto the stocking cap using the needle and thread.
Don't Forget the Accessories!
No Predator costume is complete without a plastic weapon and other accessories. You can make additional armor pieces with fabric or milk jugs if you want to make your costume more elaborate. You'll also need heavy boots in a color to match the body of the costume.Now that you know how to make a Predator costume, you'll be ready for your next movie night or costume party. Remember, the most important part of any costume is having the right attitude to go with it!
