Gremlin Costume
Don't feed them after midnight or get them wet!
The Gremlin costume, inspired by the classic 1984 horror-comedy film, is a nostalgic and fun choice for Halloween. Whether you choose to go as the adorable, furry Gizmo or a scaly, chaotic evil Gremlin like Stripe, this look is instantly recognizable. The classic evil Gremlin look consists of green scaly skin, oversized pointed ears, sharp teeth, and a mischievous expression.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $40–120
Try it on
See yourself as Gremlin
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 Gremlin costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Gremlin costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Gremlin latex mask or overhead hood
A green and brown textured latex mask featuring large pointed ears, yellow eyes, and sharp teeth.
DIY: Create oversized ears using green and brown craft foam attached to a headband, and use face paint for the scaly skin.
Green or brown scaly bodysuit
A form-fitting spandex bodysuit with a reptilian, scaly print to mimic the Gremlin's skin.
DIY: Wear a plain green long-sleeve shirt and leggings, then use a stencil and black fabric paint to add scale patterns.
Clawed gloves
Green or brown gloves with long, pointed black fabric or latex claws on the fingertips.
DIY: Glue cut-out black felt triangles to the fingertips of cheap green knit gloves.
Three-toed claw shoe covers
Plush or latex shoe covers shaped like scaly, three-toed monster feet with sharp claws.
DIY: Wrap your shoes in green felt and attach three large white felt cones to the front for claws.
3D glasses or a movie snack box
Classic red-and-blue paper 3D glasses or an empty popcorn bucket to reference the cinema scene.
DIY: Cut a classic popcorn box out of red and white striped cardstock.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Gremlin costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the green scaly bodysuit or your base layer of green and brown clothing.
- 2
Slip on the clawed shoe covers over comfortable walking shoes.
- 3
Put on the latex Gremlin mask, ensuring the eyeholes align comfortably with your eyes.
- 4
Pull on the clawed gloves, adjusting them so you can still grip props.
- 5
Put on the paper 3D glasses over the mask's eyes, or carry your popcorn box prop.
- 6
Practice your best high-pitched, chaotic cackle to fully embody the character.
Makeup & hair
If you are using a mask, no hair or makeup is needed. If you are going the DIY route, paint your face green and yellow with dark brown shadows around the eyes, and slick your hair back with gel or wear a bald cap.
Gremlin for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- One person dresses as the adorable furry Gizmo in a brown and white plush suit, while the other goes as a scaly evil Gremlin.
- group
- A pack of Gremlins wearing various accessories like 3D glasses, winter beanies, or carrying candy canes.
- kids
- A cozy Gizmo union suit or a soft plush Gremlin jumpsuit with attached hood and ears.
- Plus size
- A loose-fitting green scaly kigurumi or a printed Gremlins-themed ugly Christmas sweater paired with a mask.
- pet
- A brown and white Mogwai headpiece with large plush ears for a dog or cat.
More ways people search for this costume
The most-searched variations of “Gremlin costume”, and how this look adapts to each.
Gremlin dog costume
- A brown and white Mogwai headpiece with large plush ears for a dog or cat.
Tips
- Latex masks can get hot; take regular breaks in well-ventilated areas to cool down.
- If using the clawed gloves, make sure at least one hand has removable fingertips so you can use your phone.
- Carry a small spray bottle labeled 'Water' to playfully threaten friends with multiplication.
- Keep your props lightweight so you don't get tired of carrying them during a party.
Gremlin costume FAQ
- What are the three rules of a Gremlin?
- Never expose them to bright light (especially sunlight), never get them wet, and absolutely never feed them after midnight.
- How do I make DIY Gremlin ears?
- Cut large, elongated teardrop shapes out of green craft foam, paint pink highlights in the inner ear, and hot glue them to a sturdy headband.
- Can I wear a Gizmo costume instead?
- Yes! Gizmo is the friendly Mogwai version, which is easily achieved with a brown and white furry jumpsuit and large, rounded pinkish-brown ears.
Did you know? The puppets used in the original 1984 film were highly complex and expensive; some cost up to $40,000 each, which is why the cast had to be incredibly careful when handling them.