Count Orlok Costume
Embrace the ancient, terrifying elegance of the original cinematic vampire.
Count Orlok from Nosferatu is the ultimate symbol of gothic horror, offering a stark, rat-like alternative to the classic romanticized Dracula. This costume channels his eerie, centuries-old presence with a long, dark, double-breasted coat, pointed ears, and elongated talons. It is a perfect choice for horror purists who want to stand out with a genuinely unsettling look.
- Difficulty
- Advanced
- Time
- ~90 min
- Budget
- $60–200
Try it on
See yourself as Count Orlok
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 Count Orlok costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Count Orlok costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Long Black Double-Breasted Coat
A heavy, ankle-length wool or polyester coat in solid black or dark charcoal with high-button detailing.
DIY: Use a long black trench coat and pin the collar up high around the neck.
Black High-Collar Undershirt
A black mock-neck or turtleneck sweater to wear beneath the heavy coat.
Slim Black Trousers
Simple, fitted black dress pants or slacks that tuck easily into boots.
DIY: Any plain black jeans or dark trousers will work.
Black Victorian Boots
Plain, dark leather or faux-leather boots with a rounded or slightly pointed toe.
DIY: Standard black dress shoes or clean black work boots.
Bald Cap and Prosthetic Ears
A latex bald cap paired with pointed, elongated vampire ear tips.
Elongated Fake Nails
Long, pointed, claw-like press-on nails painted a dirty, decaying yellow-gray.
DIY: Cut and shape thick cardstock, paint them, and attach with skin-safe adhesive.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Count Orlok costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the black mock-neck undershirt and slim black trousers.
- 2
Tuck the trousers into your black boots to create a clean, streamlined lower body silhouette.
- 3
Apply the latex bald cap according to package instructions, blending the edges with liquid latex and makeup foundation.
- 4
Attach the pointed prosthetic ear tips using spirit gum, blending the seams with foundation to match your pale skin tone.
- 5
Apply pale, corpse-like face makeup, adding deep dark circles around the eyes and drawing thin, prominent fangs on the front teeth.
- 6
Put on the long, double-breasted black coat and button it completely up to the neck.
- 7
Apply the long, claw-like fingernails to your hands using cosmetic adhesive.
Makeup & hair
Apply a pale white or light gray base to the face, neck, and bald cap. Use dark gray or purple eyeshadow to hollow out the eyes and cheeks, and use black eyeliner to draw thin, sharp eyebrows. Add two prominent, rat-like front fangs instead of standard side canines.
Count Orlok for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with Ellen Hutter in a flowing, white Victorian-era nightgown.
- group
- Combine with other classic cinematic monsters like Frankenstein's Monster and the Mummy.
- kids
- A simplified version with a black trench coat, pale face paint, and a bald cap.
- Plus size
- A loose-fitting black duster coat or cape over a black tunic offers a comfortable, imposing silhouette.
Tips
- Practice moving with the long claw nails beforehand, as they make handling objects difficult.
- Use baby powder or translucent setting powder over your face paint to prevent it from smudging onto your high coat collar.
- Keep your posture stiff, hunched, and slow-moving to truly embody the character's eerie presence.
- If the bald cap is too difficult, a tight-fitting black hood or cowl can cover your hair instead.
Count Orlok costume FAQ
- How does Count Orlok's look differ from Dracula?
- Unlike the suave, caped Dracula, Count Orlok has a bald head, pointed ears, rat-like front fangs, long claw-like fingers, and wears a buttoned-up, high-collared dark coat.
- What is the best way to apply the bald cap?
- Slick your hair back with gel, fit the cap tightly, trim the edges around your ears, and secure it with spirit gum or liquid latex before blending with makeup.
- Can I wear this costume outdoors in cold weather?
- Yes, the long wool coat and high-collar sweater make this an exceptionally warm and comfortable costume for chilly October nights.
Did you know? Count Orlok's iconic look in the original 1922 film Nosferatu was designed to look like a plague-bearing rat, which is why his fangs are in the front of his mouth rather than the sides.