Astronaut Costume
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The astronaut look comes from the Apollo era, when the 1969 Moon landing put white spacesuits on every TV in the country. It’s a perennial kids’ favorite, a big hit on school career days, and it works just as well for adults.
What Makes It Work
Start with a white jumpsuit. Bulky is good here, since real spacesuits were thick and padded. A white coverall from the hardware store works surprisingly well.
Patches make it look official. A flag patch on the shoulder, a mission patch on the chest and a name tag. Silver duct tape at the cuffs and knees adds the look of the suit’s joints.
The helmet is the showstopper. A store-bought helmet, or a DIY one from a large bucket or a papier-mâché dome. Add white gloves, chunky white boots or boot covers, and a “life support” box on the back made from a painted cardboard box with a few bottle caps for controls.
What People Get Wrong
A helmet you can’t see out of. Lots of cheap helmets have tinted or scratched visors that turn every curb into an adventure. Pick one with a clear face opening for trick-or-treating. And a shiny silver suit reads as 1950s sci-fi, not NASA. Real suits are white.
Buy It or Build It?
Kids’ astronaut kits run about $20 to $45, adult kits about $35 to $70. A white coverall, a few patches and a homemade backpack is a great DIY version.
Where to Buy
| Retailer | What they carry | |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | Costume kits, wigs and accessories | Shop on Amazon |
FAQ
How do I make an astronaut helmet?
Cover a large balloon with papier-mâché, let it dry, pop the balloon, cut a face opening, and paint it white. A clear plastic sheet can act as the visor.
Can I put a NASA logo on my costume?
Many licensed kits include one, but for DIY, generic mission patches and flag patches look just as convincing.
What do I wear under an astronaut costume?
Light layers. The suit and helmet get warm fast, especially indoors.
Is an astronaut costume good for career day?
It’s one of the most popular. Add a name tag and a mission patch with your kid’s name to make it personal.
Next up: Mad Scientist 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.