Tips for Making Your Child’s Firefighter Costume More Authentic This Halloween

October 1, 2024

It’s that time of year again: the weather is crisp, the leaves are falling and our neighbors in Maple Plain have brought out their Halloween decor. What better way to close out the month of October than with trick-or-treating for the whole family?

A firefighter Halloween costume is one of the most popular choices for all ages, but especially kids. For one evening, they get to be a hero and wear a snazzy firefighter uniform. Here are some tips for making your child’s firefighter costume as realistic as possible.

Get the Perfect Helmet

Helmets are one of the most iconic parts of a firefighter uniform. Just about every party supply store carries plastic firefighter helmets around the Halloween season, but if you are looking for a more realistic model, there are many old fire hat replicas for sale online, from big box stores and DIY creators. Many of them are reasonably priced too.

For creative parents, you can even make a papier-mache or 3D-printed helmet. If the helmet doesn’t already come in red or yellow, visit your local art supply store for some kid-safe spray paint. Painting the helmet can be a fun bonding activity for your family.

Make Sure the Jacket is Just Right

A thick, heavy-duty jacket is a must-have for a firefighter Halloween costume. You’d be amazed at what you can find at your local thrift store. For a DIY approach, find a bright red or orange jacket and carefully add duct tape to serve as reflective strips around the arms, chest and waist.

Authentic firefighter jackets have a fire department logo. If you or someone you know has sewing skills, you can even stitch the logo right onto the jacket.

Repurpose Pants for an Authentic Look

Firefighter pants are made from durable, flame-resistant material. For your child’s costume, a sturdy pair of black, yellow or khaki cargo pants will work fine. Add more reflective duct tape at the ankles and purchase a pair of black or red suspenders, if desired.

Feeling ambitious? Sew sturdy black or yellow patches onto the knees of the pants to serve as knee pads.

Now For the Boots

Thick-soled boots are essential for any firefighter costume. Black or dark brown boots work best, and a black and yellow boot achieves the vintage firefighter look. They should come up to your child’s ankle or mid-calf.

Supply stores like Fleet Farm and Cabela’s sell boots in children’s sizes, and thrift stores often have quality boots at great prices.

Don’t Forget the Accessories

Add the finishing touches to your child’s costume by including firefighter tools such as a flashlight or radio. You can make a custom name badge or order one online. DIY fire hoses can be made out of old tubing and even pool noodles.

Ultimately, these accessories are to add a little flair to your child’s costume. While authenticity is the goal, feel free to take creative risks to make the firefighter uniform stand out from the crowd.

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween

Once your child’s firefighter Halloween costume comes together, encourage them to practice their best “fire rescue” poses and catchphrases. All of us at the Maple Plain Fire Department wish you a very Happy Halloween! 

To make the most of this year’s holiday, be sure to brush up on our Halloween safety tips.