How to Make a Kool-Aid Man Costume

Everyone's favorite jolly, giant red pitcher -- the Kool-Aid Man -- has been an American cultural icon since his creation in 1975. Kool-Aid Man has been the face of the fruity kids' drink for generations of children and families. However, for such a well-known icon, finding Kool-Aid Man costumes is not always simple or affordable. Luckily, you have the option to make your own costume to wear for Halloween or to parties.

Find a large cardboard box which will serve as the base of the costume. Remove the flaps from one end of the box, creating space for you to put the box over your head once the costume is complete. Place two hula hoops inside the box and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to mold into the round shape.

Wrap the cardboard box in a thin layer of foam. You can find foam at a fabric store. Use duct tape to keep the foam tightly around the box.

Wrap the cardboard box again, this time with bright red fabric. Use a picture of the Kool-Aid Man to find the best shade of red. Light fabric, such as a bed sheet, will work best.

Cut black felt into the shape of a mouth and nose using a picture of Kool-Aid Man as a reference point to get accurate proportions. Use duct tape to attach the pieces to the outside of the wrapped box. Cut the black screen into the shapes of the eyes. Before attaching the eyes to the box, cut out two holes into the box where the eyes will be placed (cut through the fabric, the foam and the cardboard). Attach the eyes to the box. If done correctly, you will be able to wear the box over your head and see through the screen in the eye holes.

Roll a long piece of bubble wrap for the pitcher handle. Wrap the bubble wrap in red fabric, the same type you used to wrap the entire box. Attach the handle using duct tape. Experiment with the placement and shape of the handle until the fit is right for you.

Wear either all black or all white pants and shoes and find a pair of suspenders. Lift the box over your head, attaching the suspenders either to the bottom of the box or to one of the hula hoops. Adjust the suspenders, which will raise and lower the box. Once you can comfortably see through the eye holes, your costume is complete.