Browse through all of the Ghostbusters character costumes and cosplay guides. The 1984 original, directed by Ivan Reitman from a script by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, turned a crew of parapsychologists hunting Manhattan ghosts into one of cinema’s most quotable franchises, followed by Ghostbusters II in 1989 and Paul Feig’s 2016 reboot. These guides let you suit up as a classic Ghostbuster in tan coveralls and a proton pack, dress as receptionist Janine Melnitz, become cellist Dana Barrett, or don the armour of Vigo the Carpathian — all solid Halloween costume and cosplay ideas for a group. Each kit list breaks down every piece, accessory and patch you need to complete the look.
Recreate the classic 1984 uniform with khaki coveralls worn over a black t-shirt and white classic range belts, topped with a ghost patch and red letter patches on the shoulder. A proton pack backpack, ghost trap, neutrino wand and PKE meter turn it into a full ghost-hunting rig, while Ecto goggles, welding goggles, an elbow pad, PVC work gloves and black jungle boots finish the gear. Everything needed for a solo or group Ghostbusters build is on the kit list, ready to bust ghosts.
The Ghostbusters receptionist is an easy copy: a flannel button-down shirt worn under a black-and-red plaid vest, then a black pencil skirt, fleece-lined tights and black pointed-toe heels. A dark brown short curly wig, oversized red eyeglasses on a red strap, light red lipstick and an eyeliner stick complete her unmistakable office look — ideal on her own or as the non-uniform member of a larger group Ghostbusters costume, with every piece listed on the kit breakdown.
Ghostbusting is one of the easiest group costumes to pull off, because almost every piece is an everyday item with a sci-fi twist. The signature look is tan coveralls or a flight suit worn over a black tee, cinched with white range belts and loaded with gear — a proton pack, ghost trap, neutrino wand and PKE meter. Add Ecto or welding goggles, PVC gloves and black jungle boots and the uniform reads instantly, while Janine Melnitz and Dana Barrett offer quieter, street-clothes versions built from plaid and knitwear. Build it piece by piece from the kit lists below.
Everything you need to know about putting together a Ghostbusters costume — what to wear, which props sell the look, and how to build one for a group.
The classic Ghostbusters costume is a tan flight suit or khaki coveralls worn over a black t-shirt, with white range belts, black boots and PVC gloves. Add a proton pack, ghost trap or PKE meter and the uniform is instantly recognisable.
Yes. Buy a tan coverall or jumpsuit, add a black tee, a white belt, black boots and gloves, then print or sew the ‘no ghost’ logo patch and red letter patches yourself. The gear is what sells it, so a homemade pack and trap are fine.
A proton pack is the essential prop, backed up by a neutrino wand, a ghost trap and a PKE meter. Ecto or welding goggles, a belt-mounted walkie-talkie and the logo patch complete the kit.
Dress four people in matching tan jumpsuits with packs, then add Janine Melnitz for a non-uniform member. Everyone shares the same belt, boots and gloves, which keeps a group cheap and instantly readable.
Janine Melnitz is the easiest, in plaid vest and flannel, while Dana Barrett works as a knitwear-and-curl look. The 2016 reboot also gives you four uniformed women to copy for a group.
Ghostbusters is an excellent Halloween choice because it works solo or as a group. The uniform is comfortable for a party, the props are fun to carry, and it is family-friendly enough for trick-or-treating.
The 2016 team wore tan tactical flight jumpsuits with silver reflective tape, tactical belts and fingerless gloves. The hardware is more modern, but the tan-and-black colour scheme stays true to the original.
Janine wears a black-and-red plaid vest over a flannel shirt, a black pencil skirt, tights and pointed heels. Oversized red eyeglasses on a strap and a short brown curly wig finish the receptionist look.
Most uniformed Ghostbusters do not, since they wear no helmet and short hair is hidden. Wigs help for Janine’s brown curls, Dana’s bob and Vigo’s long blonde hair, and they are optional for everyone else.
Ghostbusters reached cinemas in 1984, directed by Ivan Reitman and written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, who also starred alongside Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver and Rick Moranis. The film follows a group of parapsychologists who lose their university funding and open a ghost-catching business in a converted Manhattan firehouse, armed with proton packs, traps and the Ecto-1. Its blend of comedy and supernatural effects made it a phenomenon, spawning a 1986 animated series, Ghostbusters II in 1989, a 2016 female-led reboot directed by Paul Feig, and later sequels. The tan jumpsuit and the ‘no ghost’ logo became instantly recognisable pop-culture symbols, and the franchise remains one of the most popular group costume themes every autumn.
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