Mothman has taken on a life of its own in pop culture. Whether you know him from the original 1960s sightings or the hit movie “The Mothman Prophecies,” this cryptid has become an iconic figure perfect for Halloween and cosplay events in 2024.
Not to mention that his eerie vibe and distinctive red eyes make Mothman a standout costume idea that’s both spooky and legendary.
So, if you’re looking for the best Mothman costume ideas for 2024—from DIY Mothman costume tutorials to ready-made outfits—this guide has everything you need.
Here are some of the most creative ways to bring this cryptid to life!
In this article:
Adult Mothman Costume Ideas
For adults looking to embrace Mothman for 2024 Halloween, consider a full-body suit with large wings and glowing eyes.
You can add realistic makeup to give your face a dark, mysterious vibe and choose high-quality fabric wings that extend dramatically for a wow factor.
Here are some great adult Mothman costume ideas for 2024:
Cute Mothman Costume Ideas
Who says Mothman has to be terrifying? You can easily make him cute! Imagine fluffy wings, pastel colors, and cartoonish red eyes—all designed to make Mothman more approachable and adorable.
Here are some fantastic cute Mothman costume ideas for 2024:
This cute Mothman costume features an oversized black cloak that drapes over the entire body, creating a ghostly effect. The bright red, plush eyes on top of the hood stand out, adding a fun and whimsical touch. The costume is playful and cozy, perfect for a lighthearted take on the cryptid look.
Basic Mothman Costume Ideas
Need something quick and easy? No problem! Throw on a black hoodie, attach some simple paper wings, and grab red-lensed sunglasses. Boom—you’re Mothman.
This is perfect for last-minute costume ideas or anyone new to costume-making.
Here are some fantastic basic Mothman costume ideas for 2024:
Sexy Mothman Costume Ideas
Want to mix a bit of mystery with some boldness? A sexy Mothman costume is all about form-fitting outfits, short skirts or dresses, paired with wings and those iconic glowing eyes.
Here is a great selection of sexy Mothman costume ideas for 2024:
Kids Mothman Costume Ideas
For the kiddos, a Mothman costume needs to be comfortable and safe. Think soft, lightweight wings that won’t get in the way and a headband with red felt eyes.
The key is to keep it fun and not too scary. Why? Because you want your little one to enjoy being this legendary cryptid without any fear factor.
Here are some amazing kids’ Mothman costume ideas for 2024:
Budget-Friendly Mothman Costume Ideas
No need to break the bank! A budget-friendly Mothman costume doesn’t have to be expensive.
For those who want to keep costs low while still pulling off that classic Mothman vibe, here are some budget-friendly Mothman costume ideas for 2024:
Scary Mothman Costume Ideas
Want to make Mothman as terrifying as possible? Go big on the dark makeup—think blacked-out eyes and dramatic contouring—and make those wings massive.
Here are some scary Mothman costume ideas for 2024:
Funny Mothman Costume Ideas
Why not tap into Mothman’s meme-worthy status? Go oversized with the wings. Add some bug-eyed glasses. And, maybe, even carry around a prop lamp (moths love lamps, right?).
A funny Mothman costume can be a great choice for a Halloween party where you want to keep things light and funny.
Here are some funny Mothman costume ideas for 2024:
Mothman Kigurumi
For a fun, cozy take on Mothman, why not try a Kigurumi-style onesie? Kigurumi are oversized, one-piece costumes that originated in Japan, designed to resemble characters, animals, or mythical creatures.
They are incredibly comfortable, often made from soft fleece, and perfect for staying warm while still staying on theme. A Mothman Kigurumi is an excellent option for those who want an easy, laid-back costume that is still instantly recognizable.
Where to find Mothman Kigurumi costumes? Primarily online at popular stores like Kigurumi Shop, Sazac USA, and Amazon. These retailers can offer a wide range of Kigurumi, including custom options.
If you can’t find the perfect Mothman Kigurumi, you can modify a bat onesie by adding red-eye details—just sew or glue on felt circles or use fabric paint for the eyes.
Here are some Mothman Kigurumi ideas for 2024:
Mothman Cosplay Ideas
If you want a more elaborate Mothman cosplay costume… well, be prepared to invest time and money. Cosplay is typically more expensive than a simple costume. Still, the results are worth it for a genuinely jaw-dropping effect.
Thanks to high-quality materials, custom-made wings, and attention to every small detail, your Mothman will stand out at conventions.
What you need:
| Material | Description | Price Range | Notes & Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Density EVA Foam | Durable, lightweight wing structure | $40-$80 | Use 1/2-inch thickness for shaping; heat-formable |
| Aluminum/Carbon Fiber Rods | Sturdy support for extended wingspan | $30-$70 | 1/4-inch diameter; reduces weight while adding stability |
| Chiffon/Tulle/Feathers | Layering for realistic wing texture | $25-$50 | Cut chiffon into 4-6 inch strips; layer for depth; airbrush for realism |
| LED Lights/Servos | Glowing eyes and wing movement | $75-$150 | Use diffusion film for natural light; controlled by remote |
| Neoprene/Faux Leather | High-quality bodysuit material | $60-$120 | Use 1.2mm faux leather; stretch fabric panels for flexibility |
| Custom Clawed Gloves | Realistic, detailed clawed gloves | $30-$60 | 3D-printed claws 2-3 inches long; paint with metallic paint |
| Back Brace Harness | Secure support for wings | $40-$80 | Use padded straps 2-3 inches wide; quick-release buckles recommended |
| Fog Machine | Small, portable fog machine for effect | $50-$100 | Integrate with flexible silicone tubing for precise fog release |
| Quick-Release Buckles | Easy attachment and removal of harness | $10-$20 | 1-inch wide; makes wearing and removing the costume convenient |
| Airbrush Kit | For shading and highlights | $60-$150 | Use acrylic fabric paint for feather detailing |
| Diffusion Film | Soften LED lights for glowing eyes | $5-$15 | Makes light appear more natural and less harsh |
| Nylon Webbing Straps | Wing attachment straps | $10-$20 | 2-3 inches wide; use for harness reinforcement |
Wing Construction: To create durable and detailed wings, consider using high-density EVA foam or lightweight aluminum. EVA foam sheets around 1/2-inch thickness are ideal for shaping—they’re easy to cut with a utility knife. They can also be heat-formed for more dynamic curves.
If you opt for aluminum, use aluminum sheets around 18 to 20 gauge to balance sturdiness and ease of manipulation.
For a premium look, use carbon fiber rods to give the wings a sturdy, extended span without adding too much weight. The rods should be around 1/4-inch in diameter—thick enough for support but still manageable.
PVC pipes with a 1/2-inch diameter are great for beginners since they are easily cut with a standard pipe cutter and are widely available.
To attach the foam or aluminum pieces to the frame, use an industrial-strength adhesive (like E6000) for a secure bond. Ensure that the adhesive cures entirely before handling to avoid weakening the structure. For additional support, drill small holes and secure pieces with screws or rivets.
For a realistic, feathered look, use a combination of fabrics. Chiffon, tulle, and feathers can work really well.
Chiffon works well for creating an ethereal, semi-transparent effect. CPut chiffon into 4-6 inches wide strips and layer it over the wing frame. Use tulle to add volume; 1-2 yards of tulle per wing should be sufficient.
Attach natural or synthetic feathers using hot glue, starting from the bottom edge of the wings and layering upward to give a natural, overlapping look. Rooster or goose feathers are good options for their natural curve and length.
To enhance realism, use an airbrush with acrylic fabric paint to add shading and highlights that mimic natural color variations in feathers. Focus on darker shading along the edges and lighter highlights in the middle for added depth.
If you don’t have an airbrush, fabric spray paint can also be used for a similar effect.
Wing Attachment: Attach the wings to a harness you can wear under your costume. Use a back brace harness or modify a hiking backpack frame for comfort and stability.
The back brace harness should fit snugly around your waist and back to support the weight of the wings. Use nylon webbing straps with padded shoulder sections for comfort. We recommend straps 2-3 inches wide to distribute the weight evenly.
You may also want to add quick-release buckles (around 1 inch wide) to make putting on and removing the costume much easier.
Eyes and Accessories: Mothman’s eyes are one of its most distinctive features. Glowing contact lenses can achieve glowing red eyes. Get FDA-approved, theatrical-grade lenses for safety, and practice wearing them before the event.
If contact lenses are not an option, create a custom mask with embedded LED lights that can be controlled for brightness. Use diffusion film (such as Rosco Diffusion Film) to soften the light and make it appear more natural.
A small, lightweight battery pack can power the LED lights. Look for coin cell battery holders to keep the battery pack compact. The battery pack can be concealed in the mask or attached to the back of the headpiece with Velcro for easy access.
Mechanical Elements for Wings: Consider commissioning professional costume pieces like layered fabric wings made of wire for realistic movement. Adding mechanical elements such as servos can make the wings flap—use 9 g mini servos for smaller movements or high-torque servos for larger, dramatic flaps.
These servos can be controlled manually using a remote or even a simple pulley system.
Use ball bearings at the pivot points of the wings to ensure smooth movement and reduce wear. This mechanical addition adds a dynamic quality to the costume.
Bodysuit Construction: For the bodysuit, use textured fabric (like faux leather, neoprene, or scuba knit fabric) to give the costume a polished, creature-like appearance.
Faux leather around 1.2 mm thickness gives a shiny, slightly rough look that can mimic a nocturnal creature’s skin. On the other hand, neoprene around 2-3 mm thickness provides a smoother, more uniform texture.
SpookySight Tip:
Make sure the bodysuit has 4-way stretch panels at key areas like the joints. This can significantly help your movement while wearing it.
Additional Details: Custom clawed gloves are a must-have to complete the Mothman look. Use black leather gloves as a base and attach 3D-printed or resin claws.
We recommend at least 2-3 inches long claws for an eerie, exaggerated effect. Sand the edges smooth before painting to avoid sharp edges. Painting the claws with metallic paint—such as Vallejo Metal Color—can give them an extra eerie shine.
Consider integrating fog machines into the wings for an even more dramatic entrance. Small, portable fog machines (such as Chauvet DJ Mini Foggers) can be hidden in the base of the wings, with flexible silicone tubing running along the structure to release fog at specific points.
Secure the tubing with zip ties or hook-and-loop straps. Adding sound effects with a small speaker (such as a Bluetooth lapel) that emits eerie flapping or screeching noises can also heighten the impact.
Here are some Mothman Cosplay ideas for 2024:
DIY Mothman Costume 2024
Nothing piquet your interest? Want to create your own Mothman costume from scratch? Don’t worry. It’s easier than you might think, and you get to put your own spin on the iconic look.
Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide, including a list of materials and alternatives to make it as accessible as possible:
| Material | What Is Used for | Alternatives | Price Range | Useful Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Bodysuit | Base layer for costume | Black leggings and long-sleeved shirt | $20-$40 | Can layer for warmth or texture |
| Wire/Aluminum Wire | Wing frame | Coat hangers or PVC pipe | $10-$20 | Bend carefully to avoid injury |
| Black Fabric/Old Sheet | Wing covering | Garbage bags or dark curtain | $5-$15 | Use old sheets to save cost |
| Feathers/Tulle/Chiffon | Wing texture | Black tissue paper | $10-$25 | Adds realism and depth |
| Red-Lensed Sunglasses | Glowing red eyes | Red cellophane over goggles | $5-$15 | Can use red LED lights for effect |
| Black Gloves/Cardboard | Clawed gloves | Black socks or garden gloves | $5-$10 | Paint claws black for extra effect |
| Hot Glue/Adhesive | Attaching wings and details | Fabric glue or duct tape | $5-$10 | Use carefully to avoid burns |
DIY Mothman costume 2024 step-by-step instructions:
Step 1: Start with the base layer
Grab a long-sleeved black bodysuit or jumpsuit. This will be the base layer of your costume for that classic dark silhouette. If you can’t find a bodysuit, black leggings paired with a long-sleeved black shirt will work just fine.
For colder weather, consider layering with thermal undergarments to stay warm.
Step 2: Create the wing frame:
To craft a wing frame, use wire hangers or flexible aluminum wire. Start by untwisting and straightening the hangers. Next, shape them into elongated, oval-like forms to mimic the Mothman wings.
You can also use galvanized steel wire (14-16 gauge) since it’s pretty sturdy and bendable. If the wire is difficult to work with, use PVC pipes instead. 1/2-inch PVC pipes are great for a more rigid frame that is lightweight but can offer enough structure for large wings without becoming cumbersome.
Remember, you don’t need enormous wings. The bigger the wings, the more difficult it would be to move around.
Step 3: Cover the wings
Once the frame is ready, cover it with black fabric. An old black bedsheet should work just fine. However, you could also use garbage bags, a black shower curtain, or any lightweight black fabric you have available.
Cut the fabric to fit the shape of the wings and attach it to the frame using hot glue or duct tape.
Layer feathers, tulle, or chiffon over the fabric for added texture. This will give your wings a more realistic look.
Step 4: Attach the wings to the costume
There are several ways to attach the wings to your costume. Some work better for beginners, while others provide a more polished final look.
The first way is to create straps that can be worn like a backpack. Sew-on straps are the most secure option. Plus, you can easily craft a pair from common and durable materials (like nylon webbing).
Sew the straps to the wing frame and then onto the bodysuit. Double-stitch for more strength, especially at the points where the straps meet the wings.
Thick elastic bands can also work well if sewing isn’t an option. Simply attach the elastic bands to the wings with a strong adhesive or even industrial-strength duct tape. Once attached, wear them over your shoulders like backpack straps.
This method is great for comfort, but ensure the bands are thick enough (1-2 inches wide) to prevent them from hurting your shoulders.
Finally, you can use strong, adhesive Velcro to make the wings removable. Attach one side of the Velcro to the back of the bodysuit and the other side to the wing frame. Industrial-strength Velcro works best, as it can easily handle the weight.
SpookySight Tip:
Use enough Velcro strips to distribute the weight evenly so the wings don’t sag or come loose.
Step 5: Create the glowing red eyes
Glowing red eyes are the Mothman’s signature feature. Luckily, they’re easy to recreate: simply use a pair of red-lensed sunglasses.
Now, if you want a more WOW! effect, you can add small red LED lights to the glasses using hot glue—just ensure they’re positioned safely and don’t obstruct your vision.
If you don’t have LED lights, you can secure red cellophane over a pair of goggles with tape or glue to create a similar glowing effect when light hits them.
Step 6: Add clawed gloves:
To make clawed gloves, use black gloves as a base. Cut claw shapes from cardboard or sturdy black plastic, then paint them black. Use hot glue to attach these claws to the fingertips of the gloves.
If you don’t have black gloves, garden gloves or even black socks can work as a substitute.
Step 7: Finishing touches
To complete the Mothman costume, wrap some black fabric around your shoes to blend them with the rest. You can also add a black scarf or hood.
If you want to take the costume up a notch, consider adding subtle glow-in-the-dark paint to the edges of the wings or using reflective tape for a night-time glow effect.
