Barb Wire Costume
Channel Pamela Anderson's fierce 1996 cult-classic action hero look.
Barb Wire is the ultimate 1990s action heroine, famously played by Pamela Anderson in the 1996 sci-fi film. This bold look is a favorite for those wanting a fierce, high-attitude outfit featuring black faux leather, fishnets, and big blonde hair. The ensemble combines biker-chic elements with a classic comic book aesthetic.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $50–120
Try it on
See yourself as Barb Wire
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.
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Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a Barb Wire costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Barb Wire costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Black faux-leather bodysuit
A form-fitting black faux-leather or vinyl bodysuit, ideally featuring a low-cut sweetheart neckline and front lace-up grommet details.
DIY: Use a fitted black one-piece swimsuit or black corset paired with black hot pants.
Thigh-high black boots
Black faux-leather high-heeled boots that reach over the knee, featuring a pointed toe or platform sole.
DIY: Wear black knee-high boots over black opaque leggings to mimic the thigh-high look.
Black opera-length gloves
Elbow-length or opera-length black fingerless gloves, or sheer black mesh gloves.
DIY: Cut the fingers off a pair of long black satin or spandex gloves.
Barbed wire arm band
A silver-colored plastic or rubber novelty barbed wire armband worn on the upper left arm.
DIY: Paint a strip of thick grey yarn or flexible plastic tubing with silver metallic paint and wrap it around your arm.
Fishnet tights
Classic black fishnet tights to wear under the bodysuit.
Toy cartridge belt and holsters
A black utility belt with silver bullet details and dual thigh holsters for toy props.
DIY: Use a wide black leather belt and attach painted silver cardboard tubes as bullets.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Barb Wire costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the black fishnet tights first to ensure a smooth base.
- 2
Step into the black faux-leather lace-up bodysuit and adjust the front laces.
- 3
Pull on the black thigh-high boots over the fishnet tights.
- 4
Slide on the black opera-length gloves, ensuring they sit smoothly above the elbows.
- 5
Secure the fake barbed wire armband high on your left bicep.
- 6
Buckle the black utility belt around your hips, positioning the thigh holsters securely.
- 7
Style your hair in voluminous 90s curls or put on a styled blonde wig.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair into voluminous, teased 90s blonde curls with a messy updo and face-framing bangs. For makeup, go for thin, arched eyebrows, smoky dark eyeshadow, heavy black eyeliner, and a lined, glossy nude lip.
Barb Wire for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with a partner dressed as a 90s leather-clad biker or a post-apocalyptic rebel.
- group
- Gather friends to dress as other 90s action heroes like Lara Croft, Trinity from The Matrix, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
- Plus size
- Opt for a supportive black faux-leather corset paired with high-waisted black faux-leather leggings for a comfortable, high-coverage fit.
Tips
- Ensure the faux-leather bodysuit has some stretch (spandex blend) so you can move and sit comfortably.
- If walking in high-heeled thigh-high boots is too difficult, swap them for chunky black combat boots.
- Keep the toy props secured in their holsters when entering public venues to comply with local safety rules.
- Use body adhesive or double-sided tape to keep the barbed wire armband from sliding down your arm.
Barb Wire costume FAQ
- What is the most iconic part of the Barb Wire costume?
- The most iconic elements are the low-cut black leather bodysuit, the silver barbed wire armband on the left bicep, and the voluminous 90s blonde blowout.
- How do I make a safe DIY barbed wire tattoo or armband?
- You can use a temporary tattoo sheet, draw it on with a waterproof black liquid eyeliner pen, or wrap painted silver decorative plastic wire loosely around your arm.
- What shoes should I wear with this costume?
- Thigh-high black leather boots with a high heel are screen-accurate, but black platform combat boots work great for comfort.
Did you know? The character Barb Wire originated in Dark Horse Comics in 1994 before being adapted into the cult-classic 1996 film starring Pamela Anderson.