Werewolf Costume
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The Wolf Man made Lon Chaney Jr. a horror icon in 1941, and the werewolf has been a Halloween favorite ever since. It’s half regular person, half monster, which gives you a lot of room to play.
What Makes It Work
The fun of a werewolf is the transformation, so show it mid-change. Start with normal clothes, like a flannel shirt and jeans, and shred them. Rip the sleeves and the knees like the wolf burst out.
Then add fur where the clothes are torn. Faux fur at the cuffs, collar and chest gaps sells the idea. Furry gloves with claws are the easiest way to get monster hands.
For the head, you’ve got two routes. A full latex wolf mask is quick and dramatic. Or go with makeup: crepe hair or fur glued at the sideburns and brows, a dark nose, and a set of fangs.
What People Get Wrong
A full fur suit with no human clothes at all. That reads as a wolf or a dog, not a werewolf. The human scraps are what tell the story. Also, a full latex mask gets very hot. If you’re going to a long indoor party, makeup and a few fur pieces will keep you much more comfortable.
Buy It or Build It?
Masks alone run about $20 to $60, and full kits with mask, gloves and a torn shirt run about $40 to $90. Thrift store flannel plus a mask and gloves is the best-value build.
Where to Buy
| Retailer | What they carry | |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Costume kits, wigs and accessories | Shop on Amazon |
FAQ
How do I make torn clothes for a werewolf costume?
Cut small notches along the seams, then tear by hand so the edges fray naturally. Pull some threads loose and rub in a little dirt.
Can I do a werewolf costume without a mask?
Yes. Glue faux fur or crepe hair along your jaw and brows, darken your nose, add contour for a snout effect and wear fangs.
What goes with a werewolf costume for couples?
A vampire is the obvious rival. Little Red Riding Hood is a great story pairing.
Is a werewolf mask too scary for kids?
It can be. For young trick-or-treaters, try wolf ears, a furry vest and soft paws instead of a full mask.
Next up: Vampire Costume
See Also
Free: The Last-Minute Costume Cheat Sheet
Ten costumes you can make tonight, mostly from your own closet. One page, printable, plus a short email before each costume season. No spam.