Darth Vader costume: DIY items to dress like the Star Wars character this Halloween

David Prowse as Darth Vader in Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980). © 1980 - Lucasfilm, Ltd.
David Prowse as Darth Vader in Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980). © 1980 - Lucasfilm, Ltd.

Want to dress up as Darth Vader for Halloween or another occasion? Here’s how to make a DIY Darth Vader costume from Star Wars.

There is a huge variety of great costumes to choose from for Halloween. Stores have many, many to choose from — all varieties and genres and characters. And Star Wars costumes are no different.

You can find Darth Vader, Rey or another Jedi costume in most stores. But if you don’t have the time, or don’t want to go for the standard, flimsy costume, you can create your own DIY costume to show your creativity.

And who better to pick from the Star Wars movies than Darth Vader, Dark Lord of the Sith? Vader is impressive and intimidating in his own right. What you need is obviously the mask or helmet, gloves, black pants, black shirt, and a cape. These items are fairly easy to find online.

Darth Vader DIY costume

1. Star Wars Darth Vader Deluxe Adult Full Face Mask

Star Wars Darth Vader Deluxe Adult Full Face Mask. Photo: Amazon.
Star Wars Darth Vader Deluxe Adult Full Face Mask. Photo: Amazon.

The helmet or mask is the most important item as this is Darth Vader! Here, you can get a standard Darth Vader helmet for under $59. (The price on this item is likely to frequently change).

BUY IT NOW: Star Wars Darth Vader Deluxe Adult Full Face Mask

2. Wrangler Authentics Men’s Classic 5-Pocket Relaxed Fit Cotton Jean

Wrangler Authentics Men’s Classic 5-Pocket Relaxed Fit Cotton Jean. Photo: Amazon.
Wrangler Authentics Men’s Classic 5-Pocket Relaxed Fit Cotton Jean. Photo: Amazon.

A simple pair of black pants will do fine. Most people own a pair of black pants, so the pants are easy to come by and are available wherever pants are sold, prices vary. These Wranglers, for example, are starting at $21. And they’ll be perfect for everyday wear as well.

BUY IT NOW: Wrangler Authentics Men’s Classic 5-Pocket Relaxed Fit Cotton Jean

3. Hanes Men’s Long-Sleeve ComfortSoft T-Shirt

Hanes Men’s Long-Sleeve ComfortSoft T-Shirt. Photo: Amazon.
Hanes Men’s Long-Sleeve ComfortSoft T-Shirt. Photo: Amazon.

Also, a long sleeve black shirt is needed. Another easy commodity that most folks already own. If not, you can get this four-pack of shirts, starting at $16.69.

BUY IT NOW: Hanes Men’s Long-Sleeve ComfortSoft T-Shirt

4. Cape Costume Full Length Deluxe Adult Cape

GOLDSTITCH Cape Costume Full Length Deluxe Adult Cape Cloak Knight Fancy Cool Cosplay Costume. Photo: Amazon.
GOLDSTITCH Cape Costume Full Length Deluxe Adult Cape Cloak Knight Fancy Cool Cosplay Costume. Photo: Amazon.

The cape is an important addition to complete the outfit. This cape here will give you the most menacing impression, and it comes in as low as $17.98.

BUY IT NOW: Cape Costume Full Length Deluxe Adult Cape

5. Rubie’s mens Star Wars Darth Vader Gloves

Rubie’s mens Star Wars Darth Vader Gloves Party Supplies, Multicolor, Adult US. Photo: Amazon.
Rubie’s mens Star Wars Darth Vader Gloves Party Supplies, Multicolor, Adult US. Photo: Amazon.

The same can be said with the gloves, as long as they are black! But if you do want them to come with that Star Wars branding, there are Darth Vader gloves out there, including this one from Rubies for $11.99.

BUY IT NOW: Rubie’s mens Star Wars Darth Vader Gloves

6. Star Wars A New Hope Darth Vader Extendable Lightsaber

Star Wars A New Hope Darth Vader Extendable Lightsaber. Photo: Amazon.com.
Star Wars A New Hope Darth Vader Extendable Lightsaber. Photo: Amazon.com.

Last but not least, every Sith needs their lightsaber. And red is the go-to color. This Darth Vader lightsaber will run you about $19.95, and you’ll be ready to duel it out after you get this.

BUY IT NOW: Star Wars A New Hope Darth Vader Extendable Lightsaber

Tweak the costume by making him an undead Dark Lord of the Sith. Zombie Vader! A zombie Vader really only requires some blood on his attire and torn pants and shirt. A Zombie green paint palette around the neck or torso can add to the mystique and help create the illusion.

Or add accessories like a prison orange jumpsuit, a rock ‘n’ roll outfit, disco outfit, or hippie attire to change it up a bit. There are numerous takes on both classic and new Star Wars characters that allow for many Halloween costumes for years to come. As long as you don’t run out of ideas, you won’t run out of costumes!

For more, keep up with Dork Side of the Force!