Space is weirdly personal. We’ve been staring at the stars since before we had wheels, and honestly, that obsession translates perfectly into what we wear to parties. It’s not just about foil and green face paint anymore. When you look at an alien and astronaut costume, you’re looking at a weird cultural tug-of-war between the science we know and the monsters we imagine.
I’ve seen a lot of bad silver jumpsuits. You probably have too.
But there is a reason this duo remains the undisputed heavyweight champion of couple and group costumes. It works. It’s recognizable from across a dark, crowded bar. It’s versatile. You can go full "hard sci-fi" with a NASA-accurate pressurized suit, or you can go "B-movie kitsch" with a rubber mask and some neon spandex.
People think these costumes are easy. They aren't. Not if you want to avoid looking like you wrapped yourself in Reynolds Wrap at the last second.
The NASA Aesthetic vs. The Hollywood Lie
If you want a real astronaut look, you have to choose your era. Most people default to the Apollo-era "A7L" suit. That’s the puffy, white, iconic look Buzz Aldrin rocked on the moon. It’s classic. However, modern enthusiasts are shifting toward the "Pumpkin Suit"—the Advanced Crew Escape Suit (ACES) used during the Space Shuttle years. It’s bright orange. It’s high-visibility. It’s also a lot easier to find in a thrift store if you’re creative with flight suits.
Authenticity matters to the nerds. If you’re wearing a patch, make sure it’s not upside down. NASA’s "Meatball" logo (the blue circle) and the "Worm" logo (the red wavy text) actually represent different eras of space flight. Mixing them is a bit of a faux pas in serious costuming circles.
Then you have the alien side of the equation.
What even is an alien? To some, it’s the "Grey"—large head, almond eyes, spindly limbs. That’s the 1950s Roswell vibe. To others, it’s something from Arrival or Prometheus. The beauty of the alien and astronaut costume dynamic is the contrast. You have the rigid, technical, human element paired with something that defies biology.
One of the coolest trends lately is "High-Fashion Extraterrestrial." Instead of a rubber mask, people are using holographic fabrics, prosthetic ears, and avant-garde makeup to create an alien that looks like it just stepped off a runway on Vega. It’s less "take me to your leader" and more "I own this galaxy."
Why This Duo Actually Works for Couples
Psychologically, it’s a narrative. It’s the explorer and the explored.
Most couple costumes are just two versions of the same thing. Two pirates. Two vampires. Boring. The alien and astronaut costume setup creates an immediate story. Are you friends? Is the astronaut being abducted? Is the alien a tourist?
I once saw a couple where the astronaut was carrying a "Universal Translator" device that just had "I'm with Stupid" written in glowing green glyphs. It’s that kind of humor that makes these costumes stand out in a sea of generic "sexy" versions of everyday professions.
The DIY Struggle is Real
Don't buy the bag costumes. Please.
Those "costume in a bag" kits from big-box retailers are made of thin polyester that breathes about as well as a plastic grocery bag. You’ll be sweating within twenty minutes. If you want a quality astronaut look, start with a real flight suit. You can find surplus military or mechanic coveralls online for cheap. Add some heavy-duty webbing for straps and some iron-on patches.
For the helmet, if you aren't ready to drop $200 on a replica, a modified motorcycle helmet or even a painted bucket with a visor can work, though visibility is usually terrible.
The alien half is where you can actually save money.
Makeup is your best friend here. Brands like Mehron or Ben Nye offer professional-grade skin paints that won’t crack or peel. If you’re going for the classic green alien, don't just use one shade of green. You need highlights and shadows. Use a darker forest green in the hollows of your cheeks and a pale mint on the high points of your face. It adds dimension. Without it, you’ll just look like a flat, green blob in photos.
The Science of the "Spacewalk" Vibe
Let’s talk about the physics of the costume.
Astronauts in zero-G move differently. If you’re wearing a bulky suit, you should lean into it. Slow movements. Heavy boots. It’s commitment to the bit.
On the flip side, the alien should be fluid. Maybe a bit twitchy.
If you're doing a group theme, adding a "Mission Control" person in a short-sleeve button-down with a headset and a clipboard adds a layer of realism that’s honestly hilarious. It grounds the fantasy. You have the brave explorer, the terrifying or glamorous visitor, and the stressed-out guy in Houston trying to manage the budget.
Beyond the Silver Jumpsuit: Modern Variations
In 2026, we’re seeing a shift in how these characters are portrayed. With private space travel becoming a thing, the "Astronaut" isn't just a government employee anymore. We’re seeing "Space Tourist" costumes—think Hawaiian shirts over silver jumpsuits with a camera around the neck.
For the aliens, "Area 51 Breakout" is a popular sub-genre. This involves wearing orange prison jumpsuits with alien makeup or masks. It’s a bit more "alt" and fits the current cultural zeitgeist of skepticism and internet memes.
Comfort is the Forgotten Variable
You're probably going to be in this for six hours.
- Shoes: Do not wear moon boots if you have to walk more than a block. They have zero arch support. Wear comfortable sneakers and cover them with silver fabric or "boot covers."
- Hydration: If you have a full-face alien mask or a helmet, figure out how you’re going to drink. A straw is non-negotiable.
- Ventilation: If you're building a suit from scratch, cut small vents in the armpits. You'll thank me later.
The alien and astronaut costume combo is essentially a blank canvas. You can make it as scary, as funny, or as high-concept as you want. It taps into that universal human curiosity about what’s out there. And really, at the end of the day, isn't that why we dress up? To be something that doesn't belong here, even if it's just for one night.
Actionable Steps for Your Space Look
To pull this off without looking like a bargain-bin afterthought, follow this specific progression:
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- Pick an Era First: Decide if you are doing Vintage NASA (1960s), Modern SpaceX (Sleek/Minimalist), or Retro-Futurism (1950s "The Jetsons" style). Mixing these usually looks messy rather than eclectic.
- Focus on Texture: An astronaut suit should look "heavy." Use nylon, canvas, or even painted EVA foam for "hard" parts like oxygen packs. An alien should look "organic." Think latex, silicone, or wet-look spandex.
- The Lighting Factor: Space is dark, but your costume shouldn't be. Use LED wire (EL wire) to outline seams on the alien costume or to light up the inside of the astronaut’s helmet. It makes for incredible photos and keeps you visible.
- Weather Proofing: If you’re using body paint for an alien look, use a "setting spray" or "barrier spray." Without it, your green or blue skin will end up on everyone else’s clothes and the upholstery of the Uber.
- Scale the Group: If you have more than two people, don't just add more astronauts. Add a "Space Monkey," a "Satellite," or even a "Men in Black" agent to round out the narrative.
By focusing on the small details—the specific patches, the texture of the makeup, and the functionality of the gear—you move away from "costume" and toward "character." That’s the difference between being another person in a silver suit and being the highlight of the event.