Ben Cooper Costumes
Bring back the nostalgic, crinkly magic of retro Halloween night.
Ben Cooper costumes defined Halloween for decades with their signature vacuum-formed plastic masks and thin, screen-printed vinyl smocks. Recreating this iconic retro look is perfect for vintage enthusiasts, 80s parties, or nostalgic Halloween fans. The classic ensemble consists of a bright, character-branded smock and a thin plastic face mask secured by a simple elastic band.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $20–80
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What you need for a Ben Cooper Costumes costume
Thin plastic mask
A vacuum-formed plastic face mask with small eyeholes and a tiny breathing hole at the mouth, held in place by a thin black elastic band.
DIY: Paint a cheap, flat plastic mask with glossy acrylics and attach a thin elastic string.
Graphic vinyl smock
A shiny, thin, long-sleeved smock or jumpsuit featuring a large, bright graphic of a pop-culture character and their name printed on the chest.
DIY: Use a glossy yellow or blue rain poncho and paint a character graphic on the front with fabric paint.
Black elastic band
A thin elastic cord used to hold the plastic mask snugly against the face.
DIY: Repurpose an elastic band from a party hat.
Vintage plastic pumpkin pail
A classic orange blow-mold plastic trick-or-treat bucket to complete the retro kid aesthetic.
DIY: Use a simple brown paper grocery bag with handles.
How to put it together
- 1
Select your character theme, such as a classic monster, superhero, or retro cartoon figure.
- 2
Put on a base layer of comfortable, lightweight clothing underneath the thin vinyl smock.
- 3
Slip the shiny, screen-printed vinyl smock over your head and fasten any back ties.
- 4
Carefully place the molded plastic mask over your face, pulling the thin elastic band around the back of your head.
- 5
Adjust the mask so the small eyeholes align with your eyes and the mouth hole allows for easy breathing.
- 6
Grab a vintage blow-mold plastic pumpkin bucket or a paper trick-or-treat bag as your primary prop.
Makeup & hair
No makeup is required since the plastic mask covers your entire face. Keep your hair tied back or flattened under the mask so it does not interfere with the elastic band or peek out from the sides.
Ben Cooper Costumes for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- One person wears a vintage Ben Cooper Dracula while the other wears a vintage Ben Cooper Frankenstein.
- group
- A group dressed as a lineup of classic 1980s Ben Cooper superheroes, complete with matching plastic masks and branded smocks.
- kids
- A kid-sized version using a modern retro-reproduction costume or a lightweight DIY vinyl poncho.
- Plus size
- Swap the tight vinyl jumpsuit for a loose-fitting, custom-painted glossy satin or vinyl tunic that mimics the classic smock style.
Tips
- Vintage plastic masks can get hot and collect condensation quickly; take regular mask breaks during your event.
- Be gentle with authentic vintage masks, as the thin vacuum-formed plastic becomes brittle and prone to cracking over time.
- Wear breathable, moisture-wicking clothes underneath the vinyl smock to prevent overheating.
Ben Cooper Costumes costume FAQ
- What is a Ben Cooper costume?
- It is a vintage style of Halloween costume popular from the 1930s to the 1980s, characterized by a thin, vacuum-formed plastic mask and a matching screen-printed vinyl smock.
- How do I make a DIY Ben Cooper costume?
- Paint a bright character graphic and name onto a shiny, long-sleeved plastic poncho, and pair it with a glossy, hand-painted plastic face mask secured by a thin elastic string.
- Are original Ben Cooper costumes safe to wear?
- While collectible, original vintage masks can be brittle and the vinyl smocks do not breathe well. It is often safer and more comfortable to wear modern retro-reproductions.
Did you know? Ben Cooper, Inc. was one of the 'Big Three' Halloween costume manufacturers in the US, dominating the market from the 1950s through the 1980s with cheap, licensed pop-culture designs.