Bring an extraterrestrial level of terror to the Night of Terror this year.
That’s right, we’re here to help you transform yourself entirely and undeniably into the most feared and dangerous species to exist: the Xenomorphs.
An advanced species that lives only with the aim to extend their kind and violently erase any obstacles in the way of that goal seems like quite the perfect look for Halloween. A Xenomorph Halloween costume is the perfect way to celebrate the spooky season. Everyone could do ghosts and ghouls and murderous clowns. It takes something special to recreate a foreign species whose only emotion is that of bloodlust.
Read on below to see how you can make an unforgettable mark this Halloween with iconic DIY techniques. Or explore our Halloween shop for ready-to-wear looks.
Birth of the Perfect Organism: What is a Xenomorph?
Before we begin on the style guide, why don’t we take a look at what actually is a Xenomorph? Xenomorphs, in simple terms, are aliens. They are an extraterrestrial species that know nothing but gritty violence and the intention of furthering their own kind.
Xenomorphs, as we know them today, were originally designed by H.R. Giger. He created this design in his book called Necronomicon. Xenomorphs are the central figure in eight movies, thirty-one literary pieces and forty-six video games. Despite featuring in so much media, theories and ideas about Xenomorphs and their origins are still being made.
In terms of anatomy, they are huge beings of seven to nine feet in height. They’re characterized by an elongated, domed skull with no visible eyes. However, some forms have translucent heads with human-like eye sockets.
Xenomorphs have an invertebrate-like body, with a dark, protective exoskeleton. They hide a secondary, extendable, proboscis-like inner mouth used for eating. In the movies, it is shown with grotesque detail that strikes fear right through your heart. They also possess a long, flexible tail ending in a blade-like or segmented tip, which they often use as a weapon.
Another distinctive feature is their blood. Their blood is an extremely corrosive, dull yellow fluid. Often, when struck and wounded by an opponent, the sudden gush of blood harms the opponent in retaliation.
Xenomorphs reproduce parasitically; they implant themselves after hatching onto a host and then develop into an adult. The adult form varies according to the host taken. We see numerous forms in the media provided, some fanfiction and some facts.
Alien Origins—Xenomorphs & Their Background Theories
As established, Xenomorphs’ actual origins are a mystery. There are many theories presently circulating on the internet based on the information provided by the movies and existing literature on them.
Some of the most commonly believed and heavily popular theories suggest that Xenomorphs were created on a faraway, alien planet. They formed and thrived under extremely harsh conditions, which resulted in their robust biomechanical life form. Unchecked by their wild habitat, they became violent and developed extreme defenses like the corrosive blood. The presence of Space Jockeys and fossilized eggs thousands of years ago supports this theory.
The second well-known theory suggests that the Space Jockeys, also called the Engineers, created the Xenomorphs as a form of biological weapon to seed or destroy life. They are said to have hunted them for sport on their planet before things went out of control.
Another theory says that David, the android with human-like behavior and mind that of a machine, created the Xenomorph lifeform to fulfill his fantasy of becoming a god and creating a species better and more equipped than the ones who created him. He theorized that he had experimented with a black gooey liquid that was found on the moon of a gas planet in another galaxy.
This black liquid was created by the Engineers and stored in canisters in a temple. It was mainly intended to destroy life or merge genetic structures to give birth to a hostile mutation. As we know, Xenomorphs are formed parasitically and according to the host they latch onto. And so, David combined the black liquid, human DNA and local Engineer DNA to create a lifeform that is the best of all three.
Individual & Cultural Traits
Xenomorphs are highly aggressive and violent creatures. They see nothing ahead of their bloodlust and their main goal of procreating and propagating their kind. They’re ferocious and deadly weapons of mass destruction that cannot be controlled or guided.
Once matured, they gain an insane level of physical strength and agility. They can also warp themselves in their nest walls or even artificial surroundings to create a camouflage trap for their victims or prey. They also use their dark carapace to their advantage while hiding in shadows.
Xenomorphs also have a cultural system, more like a caste system. They are typically believed to have a hive-like habitat where there are levels of Xenomorphs all working under one giant and all-powerful Queen.
The lowest caste is that of the worker class. They’re called Drones. They are in charge of protecting the general area. They are mainly deployed to find hosts and even create nests with their own secretions. Then came the Warriors. They’re a fighting class who are responsible for fighting off intruders and enemies.
Next, we have the Praetorians, or the Royal Guards. They have a crown-like crest that resembles that of the Queen and are entrusted to protect areas of great importance or interest or the Queen herself.
Lastly, comes the Queen. She creates many eggs, which give birth to facehuggers, and resides deep within the hive among the Praetorian Zenomorphs. It is unclear whether she engages in combat or not outside of protecting the entire hive.
Hostile Halloween: Xenomorph Style Guide
Now, we know what and how a Xenomorph is. Remember, a costume isn’t just the clothes on your back but your walk and talk as well. If you can’t get the attitude right, then it’s a failed cosplay.
An effective DIY Xenomorph costume requires recreating its biomechanical aesthetic using materials like EVA foam or cardboard, focusing on key features such as a smooth, elongated skull with an inner jaw, dorsal spines, long claws, a ribbed body, and a tail.
The costume requires a strong base layer, such as a black bodysuit, with layered foam or cardboard plates for the body and armor. For a realistic texture and finish, use hot glue for detailing, pool noodles for spinal or rib features, and detailed paintwork in dark, glossy tones.
Key Components of the Costume
We’ll start with the head. What you’ll need is to sculpt an elongated, smooth skull shape from foam or cardboard. A double-layered or inner jaw is a signature feature. This is where your art skills are put to the test. You can either DIY your way through the process or print out a reference picture and work according to that.
For the body, use cardboard or foam plates for armor-like segments, possibly with pool noodles or tubing for ribs and a sternum. Create long, sharp claws from materials like foam, and attach them to a base glove for the clawed hands. Then fashion a long, segmented tail from a stuffed animal or cardboard, adding thorns and spikes for authenticity.
Materials & Techniques
EVA foam and cardboard are ideal for creating the rigid, segmented structures of the Xenomorph’s body.
Hot glue is a versatile tool for attaching smaller details, creating texture, and assembling components. It is easy to use and works wonders for cosplay purposes. You can use it to attach the separately made pieces and assemble the full costume.
Use glossy black and dark, metallic paints to achieve the Xenomorph’s biomechanical appearance. You can search the color palette before making the purchase. Make sure to patch test the paints before using them for safety purposes.
As mentioned earlier, collect numerous images from various angles to accurately capture the creature’s details. The more you research, the better the outcome will be. Even search for tutorials on making any of the parts if you’re new.
Assembling the Costume
Start with the base. Find a black bodysuit to serve as the base layer for your alien Xenomorph Halloween costume. Then cut and shape EVA foam or cardboard into plates for the head, shoulders, and body.
Now add the key features. Attach detailed elements like the inner jaw, spinal ridges (from noodles), and the tail to the base. Then create a terrifying face by carving the skull shape and adding the iconic inner jaw and teeth.
Use hot glue for bumpy, biomechanical textures and then paint the entire suit in glossy, dark colors to achieve a realistic finish. For some final touches, add a facehugger or a replica of its acid blood as a prop to enhance realism, and you’re done!
For a flawless costume, practice your posture. Study and replicate the Xenomorph’s terrifying gait and movements to truly bring the costume to life. Research the evolution of the Xenomorph’s design across the films for inspiration and a more realistic, screen-accurate representation.
Embrace Alien Aesthetic
Xenomorphs are vicious beings who have no agenda other than to further their own kind. They respond to opposition with extreme hostility, and they make agonizingly bad enemies.
With such a character sketch, you can not not have the Xenomorphs as a costume for Halloween. Outside of the character itself, this costume allows you to show your artistic side and creative genius in how you make the costume. You can add personal tweaks to give it a personal touch, such as changing the color palette or changing the design of the hands or tail.
Just American Jackets is offering the Alien Xenomorph costume on sale, so grab yours today and begin transforming into one of the most vicious predators to ever live.