How do I one-up Nacho Libre and keep my dignity/pocketbook intact?

October 15, 2008 11:08 AM

Totally Awesome Luchador Costume on the cheap?

OK, so I've been casting around for what seems like months in search of a Halloween costume to get balls-out excited for, and inspiration struck while watching this week's Amazing Race: LUCHADOOOOOOR!

But the questions I have are endless:

I've done a little nosing around and am prepared to order a mask from Corazon unless there's a better option here in DC. (Is there?) And I'll be checking out Backstage later...

I don't have big guns or a barrel chest (and I'm going to be at an outdoor party for a few hours), so I'm thinking of a costume with coverage more like this (I know, mixing genres a bit) than like this. And even though I'll be in the gayborhood, this--while awesome--is out of the question.

So what's the best way to find a matching man's bodysuit (preferably padding-friendly)? For those with experience, do you recommend leggings or tights? (I read this with interest, since I was thinking of going to American Apparel and figuring out if anything there would fit...I'm 6'2", 185 lbs, FYI.) Where else could I find a skintight longsleeve shirt? What should I use to make a big shiny waistband?

If you've worn a costume with a cape before, (a) do you have any recommendations for material, and (b) what unforeseen hazards--e.g., getting caught in a door--did you experience?

And finally: wrestler shoes. I wear a U.S. men's size 13. I don't want to break the bank. Help?

posted by kittyprecious to clothing, beauty, & fashion (6 comments total)

I've done a little nosing around and am prepared to order a mask from Corazon unless there's a better option here in DC.

You can borrow mine. I've worn it a few times, so it might have cooties around the mouth hole, but shoot me an email (or MeMail) if you're interested.

When I wore it, I did a retired wrestler thing--too tight sports jacket, badly-matched pants, big gold medallion. And that glorious silver mask.
posted by MrMoonPie at 12:42 PM on October 15, 2008

I love the retired wrestler idea.

You could also dress as el Santo or Blue Demon in their movies: a suit or 60's blazer and turtleneck shirt.

You don't need a barrel chest, but a beer belly helps.
posted by clearlydemon at 4:20 PM on October 15, 2008

as for skin tight shirts, what about under armour?
posted by rux at 8:30 PM on October 15, 2008

I dress up as La Parka every so often (um, on Halloween). I got boots from Highspots but you're looking at $160 to start. I mean, I think they look cool, but you might not get much day-to-day use out of 'em. (They have no tread, for starters.) They also sell masks at good prices, as well as shirts, tights, and more.

One easy thing you might do is get a T-shirt with a picture of whatever particular Luchador on it. Lots of wrestlers wear their own t-shirts. (Plus it reminds me of costumes from when I was a kid, like when the Spider-Man costume had a picture of Spider-Man on the torso as well.)
posted by Karlos the Jackal at 1:21 AM on October 16, 2008

Don't worry too much about the wrestling boots. Many wrestlers nowadays wear sneakers in the ring (Asics seem to be popular) with some padding on the shin to make them look more 'traditional'.

And don't stress about the genre mixing either. Luchadores come in all sorts of costumes. Indeed, the full-costumed variety (Abismo Negro, for example) look the coolest to me.
posted by macdara at 2:54 AM on October 16, 2008

Thank you all! I don't know why I got all googly about it. You're all winners! (Except for the mention of "cooties around the mouth hole," which: NO.)
posted by kittyprecious at 12:53 PM on October 23, 2008