Ed Gein Costume
Recreate the chilling 1950s look of the Plainfield Ghoul.
Ed Gein, the notorious "Butcher of Plainfield," is one of history's most infamous figures, directly inspiring legendary horror characters like Leatherface and Norman Bates. This costume recreates his real-life 1950s Wisconsin utility look, which relies heavily on classic mid-century outdoor workwear. The ensemble is defined by a red-and-black plaid hunting jacket, durable work pants, and a matching ear-flap hunting cap.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $45–120
Try it on
See yourself as Ed Gein
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
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What you need for a Ed Gein costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Ed Gein costume — one box instead of 4 pieces.
Red and Black Plaid Hunting Jacket
A heavy wool or flannel button-up jacket in a classic red and black buffalo plaid pattern.
DIY: Use any oversized red and black flannel shirt buttoned up over a dark t-shirt.
Plaid Hunting Cap
A matching red and black plaid winter cap featuring fold-down ear flaps.
DIY: A standard red and black plaid beanie can work in a pinch.
Dark Work Pants
Durable canvas or denim utility pants in dark brown, navy, or gray.
DIY: Any worn-in, dark-colored jeans or utility trousers from your closet.
Work Boots
Sturdy, weathered brown or black leather work boots.
DIY: Any dark, rugged outdoor shoes or hiking boots.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Ed Gein costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the dark canvas work pants and secure them with a simple leather belt.
- 2
Lace up the brown leather work boots, tucking the pant cuffs slightly if desired for a rugged look.
- 3
Put on the red and black plaid hunting jacket and button it up completely.
- 4
Place the matching plaid hunting cap on your head with the ear flaps folded up or down depending on your preference.
Makeup & hair
Keep hair short and neat in a simple 1950s side part if visible under the cap. Keep facial hair clean-shaven or light stubble to match historical photos.
Ed Gein for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with a 1950s-style small-town sheriff or investigator costume.
- group
- Create a 'Classic Horror Inspirations' group alongside Leatherface, Norman Bates, and Buffalo Bill.
- Plus size
- The heavy flannel jacket and relaxed-fit utility pants offer a comfortable, true-to-size fit for all body types.
Tips
- Lightly distress the clothing with fabric paint or real dirt to mimic a weathered, rural 1950s look.
- Keep the outfit grounded in historical utility wear to ensure the look is recognizable as the real-life figure rather than a generic lumberjack.
- Because of the dark history associated with this figure, this costume is best reserved for mature horror conventions or private themed events.
Ed Gein costume FAQ
- What is the most recognizable part of an Ed Gein costume?
- The red and black plaid wool hunting jacket and the matching ear-flap cap are his most iconic real-life clothing items.
- How can I make this look distinct from a generic lumberjack?
- Focusing on the specific 1950s style of the utility pants, the ear-flap hunting cap, and keeping the look weathered and somber helps distinguish it.
- Is this costume easy to put together last minute?
- Yes, it relies entirely on common cold-weather workwear items that can often be found in thrift stores or existing wardrobes.
Did you know? Ed Gein's shocking crimes in rural Wisconsin directly inspired some of cinema's most famous horror characters, including Norman Bates from 'Psycho' and Leatherface from 'The Texas Chain Saw Massacre'.