Zodiac Killer Costume
Recreate the chilling, historical look from the infamous Lake Berryessa encounter.
The Zodiac Killer costume is based on the chilling disguise worn during the 1969 Lake Berryessa attack. Chosen by true crime enthusiasts and history buffs for its eerie historical accuracy, this look is defined by a unique square-topped black hood. The outfit features the infamous white crosshair symbol on the chest and clip-on sunglasses over the eyeholes.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $20–50
Try it on
See yourself as Zodiac Killer
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What you need for a Zodiac Killer costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Zodiac Killer costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Black fabric hood
A square-topped, executioner-style hood made of black gabardine or felt that extends down to cover the chest like a bib.
DIY: Cut two matching squares of black felt, sew them along the top and sides leaving the bottom open, and cut a bib shape at the front.
White fabric paint
Opaque white fabric paint or a white paint marker to draw the crosshair symbol.
DIY: Cut the crosshair symbol out of white felt and fabric-glue it to the chest.
Clip-on sunglasses
Dark, vintage-style clip-on sunglasses to attach over the hood's eyeholes.
DIY: Use an old pair of dark sunglasses and secure them to the hood using safety pins from the inside.
Dark blue windbreaker
A simple, dark blue or black long-sleeve jacket or windbreaker.
DIY: Use any dark-colored, long-sleeve casual jacket from your closet.
Dark pleated trousers
Loose-fitting dark brown, navy, or black pleated trousers.
DIY: Use any dark, loose-fitting casual pants or chinos.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Zodiac Killer costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Prepare the black hood by cutting two circular eyeholes at eye level.
- 2
Using white fabric paint or white felt, create the Zodiac crosshair symbol (a circle with a cross through it) on the center of the chest bib.
- 3
Attach the dark clip-on sunglasses directly over the cut-out eyeholes of the hood.
- 4
Put on the dark blue windbreaker jacket and dark pleated trousers.
- 5
Carefully pull the prepared black hood over your head, adjusting the eyeholes for visibility.
Makeup & hair
No makeup or hair styling is required, as the entire head and face are completely covered by the black fabric hood.
Zodiac Killer for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with a partner dressed as a 1960s police detective or investigator.
- group
- Combine with others dressed as classic 1960s true crime figures or vintage detectives.
- Plus size
- The bib-style hood can be cut wider to comfortably drape over any chest size.
Tips
- Ensure the eyeholes are cut large enough for clear peripheral vision, especially when wearing the sunglasses.
- Use lightweight, breathable black fabric like cotton or gabardine for the hood to avoid overheating.
- Secure the clip-on sunglasses firmly to the fabric so they do not slip off while walking.
Zodiac Killer costume FAQ
- What did the Zodiac Killer's costume look like?
- During the Lake Berryessa attack, he wore a black, square-topped executioner-style hood that draped over his chest, featuring a white crosshair symbol and clip-on sunglasses over the eyeholes.
- How do you make the Zodiac Killer hood?
- You can sew a simple four-cornered hood from black gabardine or felt, cut out eyeholes, paint the white crosshair symbol on the chest bib, and attach clip-on sunglasses.
- Is this costume appropriate for Halloween?
- While historically accurate to true crime events, it represents a real-world tragedy and is best suited for historical displays, theatrical productions, or mature true-crime themed events.
Did you know? The unique square-topped hood design was only worn during the daytime attack at Lake Berryessa in September 1969, as described by survivor Bryan Hartnell.