Inflatable Tube Man Costume
Bring the ultimate high-energy parking lot energy to your next party.
The Inflatable Tube Man (originally known as an Airdancer) is a beloved advertising icon known for its chaotic, wind-whipped dance moves. People choose this costume for its instant comedic appeal and high-visibility silliness. The look consists of a tall, brightly colored fabric cylinder body with a mesh face screen, fringed hair, and long, floppy arms.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $35–80
Try it on
See yourself as Inflatable Tube Man
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 Inflatable Tube Man costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Inflatable Tube Man costume — one box instead of 4 pieces.
Inflatable Tube Man Bodysuit
A full-body, windbreaker-style nylon jumpsuit with an integrated internal fan and battery pack, typically in bright blue, red, or yellow.
DIY: Sew a long cylinder of lightweight nylon ripstop fabric with a mesh viewing window and armholes.
Fringed Headpiece
A crown of matching fabric fringe or yarn attached to the top of the hood to mimic the tube man's 'hair'.
DIY: Cut strips of matching felt or nylon fabric and fabric-glue them to the top of a beanie or the costume hood.
AA Batteries
Four to eight high-quality alkaline AA batteries to power the internal fan motor.
Under-costume athletic wear
Lightweight, moisture-wicking t-shirt and shorts to keep cool inside the nylon suit.
DIY: Use any lightweight gym clothes you already own.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Inflatable Tube Man costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on lightweight, breathable base layers like a t-shirt and athletic shorts to prevent overheating.
- 2
Insert fresh, high-quality AA batteries into the costume's fan battery pack and secure the cover.
- 3
Step into the leg openings of the tube man bodysuit, pulling it up to your waist.
- 4
Slip your arms into the long sleeves and position your face behind the mesh viewing screen.
- 5
Clip the battery pack to your waistband or pocket, then turn the fan switch to the 'on' position.
- 6
Zip the costume fully closed to seal the air inside, allowing the fan to fully inflate the suit.
- 7
Begin waving your arms and torso in a loose, floppy, circular motion to mimic the classic wind-blown dance.
Makeup & hair
No makeup or hair styling is required, as your head and hair will be completely enclosed inside the mesh-screened hood of the inflatable suit.
Inflatable Tube Man for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with a partner in a contrasting color (like one bright red and one bright blue) to create a double-dealer car lot display.
- group
- Get a group together in red, blue, yellow, and green suits to form a synchronized, chaotic parking lot grand opening.
- kids
- Kid-sized inflatable tube man suits are widely available in bright primary colors with built-in child-safe fans.
- Plus size
- Inflatable suits are naturally roomy and accommodating; look for 'one size fits most' adult sizes which expand generously with air.
- pet
- Dress a dog in a lightweight, non-inflatable red or blue fabric tube coat with yellow felt fringe around the collar.
Tips
- Always carry a spare set of AA batteries in your pocket in case the fan motor starts to slow down during the night.
- Drink plenty of water before putting the suit on, as nylon inflatable costumes can trap body heat quickly.
- Practice your 'wacky waving' dance moves beforehand—bend at the waist and let your arms go completely limp.
- Watch out for low doorways, ceiling fans, and sharp objects that could puncture the nylon fabric and cause deflation.
Inflatable Tube Man costume FAQ
- How do you breathe inside an inflatable tube man costume?
- The costume features a breathable mesh screen over the face area that allows you to see out and breathe easily while keeping the air pressure inside the suit.
- Can you sit down while wearing this costume?
- Yes, but you will need to temporarily turn off the fan or unzip the suit slightly so the air escapes, allowing the fabric to deflate and bend.
- How do you make a DIY tube man costume without a fan?
- You can construct a non-inflatable version using two pop-up mesh laundry hampers fastened together, covered in bright fabric, with armholes cut out.
Did you know? The original inflatable tube man was invented by artist Peter Minshall for the 1996 Summer Olympics opening ceremony before becoming a staple of local car dealership advertising.