Steampunk Vampire Hunter Costume

And wherever this monstrosity walks and spreads its evil schemes, expect that the guardians of light and bringers of justice will also be there. Sworn to an oath to exterminate evil, vampire hunter hunters existed as long as their prey did.

So, are you planning to dress up as a vampire hunter for the next party or event? If so, then you have come to the right place. We have gathered intel-er, I mean tips and information–on where to get the best clothing and equipment for anyone who wants to follow in Professor Van Helsing’s footsteps. Of course, with a delicious steampunk twist.

Thus, prepare thy parchment and quills, and let us go over the vampire hunter association’s prescribed garb of a monster slayer in the age of steam-powered machines. Or just browse them at your pleasure.

What Makes Up Steampunk Vampire Hunter Costumes?

When you think of a vampire hunter, your mind automatically goes to Van Helsing. There are multiple fictional characters with the same name. Still, all of them are rooted in character from Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel, Dracula, often portrayed as a professor with extensive knowledge of the supernatural. As time passes, Van Helsing has evolved into many different versions of the character, frequently as a vampire hunter.

Of course, the modern era has other famous vampire hunters except for good ole’ Van Helsing. Blade from the Marvel comic turned-movie franchise Blade, Buffy Summers from the aptly-titled TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Alucard (Dracula spelled in reverse) from the Castlevania anime series. Even Abraham Lincoln was turned into a vampire hunter in that one movie. The former Mr. President was a badass, so who could blame them?

If you’re considering a vampire hunter costume, look no further than Googling up their character designs for inspiration. But if you want to step it up further and make it steampunk, then we have the best ideas and guides for you.

You need to combine these three categories of costume aesthetics: Gothic, pre-modern era clothing, and steampunk.

Why did I call it pre-modern era-inspired clothing? Well, I couldn’t find a better word for historical costumes before the end of the World Wars. So, any costume inspired by the fashion of the Victorian Era up to the Dark Ages can fit the bill.

Here is a list of what you need to achieve the look for a cosplay event or Halloween costumes of steampunk vampire hunter characters.

Cloak or trench coats

Coats and cloaks are almost indispensable parts of a steampunk vampire hunter outfit. Of course, if you are on a high-stakes chase against an incredible supernatural foe, you need to be prepared for long travels and all kinds of weather. Cloaks and coats do the job well.

You can wear them with or without a hood. Colors should preferably be black, brown, or red–anything bright will probably make others question your seriousness in your profession.

1. Medieval Steampunk Cloak

   

   Cloaks are worn by vampire hunters for long-distance travel and camping in the countryside. This cloak we found, in particular, will make you look cool and intimidating.

2. Steampunk Vintage Jacket

   

   Coats, on the other hand, should be your outer garment if you are mingling and gathering info with city folks. You still want to keep that air of mystery and class without looking suspicious.

Boots for shoes

While wearing low-cut shoes or sandals is okay, the most prominent vampire hunters in the steampunk era know wearing boots is more comfortable and practical when chasing monsters.

1. Ladies Riding Boots

   

   For the ladies, here is a fantastic example of riding boots you could wear. They are suitable for combat and running–and, of course, for LARP events.

2. Men Boots

   

   As for the gentlemen, these rather exquisite and dashing yet practical boots are your best companions for long evenings catching vampires.

Epic hats

It isn’t steampunk if there are no epic hats involved. Moreover, they are also practical for shielding oneself from sudden weather changes. I mean, while vampires are susceptible to sunlight, too much heat could affect even the best humans.

1. Top Hat With Removable Goggles

   

   What could be more steampunk than having goggles and gear accessories on your costume? This top hat accomplishes that goal excellently. If you want to remove your goggles, you can do so because they aren’t permanently attached to the hat.

2. Tall Top Hat

   

   Or, if you prefer a much simpler design, this classic tall hat would probably tickle your fancy. Looking like one of those iconic hats veteran vampire hunters wear. You wouldn’t go wrong with this one.

Shirts made of linen or lightweight material

For inner clothing, we suggest wearing something quite lightweight to help you move more easily and challenge enemies swiftly.

1. Ladies Shirt

   

   For our lady vampire hunters, you can check out this gorgeous Victorian-era-inspired shirt in different colors. Although it’s pretty simple and modern-looking, those are precisely why we recommend them. For all the complexity of costumes, this one could give you a breather.

2. Men’s Shirt

   

   As for our vampire hunter brothers, here is an example of the shirt you can wear. As the ladies wear above, they are quite simple and reminiscent of modern shirts–but their minimalism and comfortability are why we recommend them.

Vests and waistcoat

As is customary in the Victorian era, you wouldn’t want to go outside without a vest or waistcoat, especially if you’re hunting for vampires. You can purchase affordable vests or waistcoats from any store like Amazon.

1. Medieval Vest

   

   Vests like this one make a perfect addition to a vampire hunter costume. Not only do they look antiquated and close to the actual vest worn during medieval times, but they are also available in many colors. You can choose from the classic tanned color to the mysterious black.

2. Gothic Waistcoat

   

   While this fashionable waistcoat looks like something vampires would want to wear themselves, they also suit their hunters. Vampires shouldn’t be the only ones that should go out in style, you know?

Corsets

For vampire hunter ladies, if you are looking for a corset to complete your outfit for the comic con, here are some that I would recommend from Amazon sellers:

1. Steampunk Underbust Corset

   

   This gorgeous corset is undoubtedly an eye-catcher. Not only that, but it’s a bit more practical, too, since it only restricts the waist area, giving you more freedom to move and add other clothing articles.

2. Corset Dress Set

   

   If you want a dress and corset in one (which is very convenient and may be more affordable), this one is for you. Plus, they are also available in different designs and colors.

Pants

As for the pants, you would probably look for something that again makes it easy for you to move and complements your body.

1. Men’s Airship Trousers

   

   Airship pants go with a lot of LARP costumes, including vampire hunters. Although it’s available in different colors, you can choose darker ones to achieve the look.

2. Ladies Rider Leggings

   

   A badass vampire hunter lady would probably prefer a pair of leather leggings like this one. They make it easy to move, and they do certainly look amazing.

Skirts

If you would rather wear a skirt instead or add it to your outfit, we selected two different styles that you can choose from.

1. Gothic Pirate Skirt

   

   Complete with belts and a small pouch as accessories. This skirt makes an awesome accompaniment to any women’s vampire hunter costumes.

2. High-Low Show Girl Skirt

   

   Finally, this high-low showgirl skirt design is quite popular in the steampunk community. Who’s to say vampire hunters can’t wear them, too?

Those are just some of what you need to achieve the steampunk vampire hunter look. There are more to come, including accessories you need to get ahold of, which I will cover below.

But first, here are some of the best vampire hunter costume designs I could find that you might want to take inspiration from.

Best Steampunk Vampire Hunter Costume Designs

We scoured Instagram for the best steampunk vampire hunter costume designs. In our search, here are the most jaw-dropping ones we’ve found:

1. elhadadelascocinas

   

   This incredible cosplay by elhadadelascocinas is very steampunk-ish in design, but the crossbow is perhaps what seals the vampire hunter outfit. She nails the vampire hunter character without losing the steampunk aesthetic, which makes this cosplay a primary example of steampunk vampire slayer form at its finest.

2. alexio_barboza

   

   Combining Western aesthetics and steampunk, these vampire hunter cosplayers look fantastic with their chosen garb. Complete with an arsenal of weapons and tools such as goggles, the costume assemblage is surely one to look at when searching for inspiration on what to wear for events and parties.

3. ombredarte

   

   This group of cosplayers looks intimidating and realistic because of the amount of detail they put into pulling off the steampunk vampire hunter look. And that they did so well. It’s one of the best vampire hunter costumes we’ve seen so far and something to aspire to when creating a DIY costume.

Accessories For Steampunk Vampire Hunters

Your steampunk vampire hunter costumes won’t be complete without accessories: and by that, we mean everything a true vampire slayer might need in the face of a deadly combat. Here is a checklist of what you need:

Steampunk Goggles

In the age of steam and technological advancement, you can’t go outside without your trusty goggles. Not only do they protect the eyes from dust and smoke, but they look cool, too.

Here are two different designs you could go for:

1. Steampunk goggles

   

   You can never go wrong with the classic. These steampunk goggles have plenty of details that make them stand out.

2. Round Glasses

   

   If you want a simpler yet stylish look, look no further than the glasses below. These sleek, round glasses still let you complete a full steampunk outfit without ruining the vampire hunter theme.

Weapons

Weapons are a steampunk vampire hunter’s means to accomplish their job, and without a good, dependable one, they could say goodbye to the hope of ever catching a creature of darkness. There are plenty of weapon choices available, though. Just be sure they are strong enough to defeat a vampire or doused with holy magic to bring one down. Here are some examples:

1. Steampunk Pistols

   

   Pistols are handy and make good weapons, especially if loaded with silver bullets, in the style of the Winchester brothers from Supernatural. Just remember to get one that is steampunk in design.

2. Steampunk Rifles

   

   Rifles are classic weapons that vampire hunter use, and without a doubt, wielding one will undoubtedly make you look like the real deal. For those who prefer shooting vampires with rifles, here’s one that kills it when it comes to the design. After all, it’s a replica of a real Civil War musket.

3. Steampunk Ray Gun

   

   Within a steampunk setting, getting a specially developed weapon like a ray gun is not impossible, especially if you’re steamsona is also an inventor. Who could deny the cool factor of this one, anyway? Also, it works if you’re not only hunting vampires but other monsters as well. Just be prepared for any questions that may come your way from other steampunk enthusiasts. They may not be used to seeing such advanced weapons.

4. Medieval Sword

   

   Blades and swords are the classics when it comes to exterminating evil monsters. They have been the most reliable weapon of humankind for centuries. What’s even better is that you can come up with a fascinating lore of how you got your sword. Say, it’s your ancestor’s weapon against the original Dracula. Wouldn’t that be amazing?

5. Steampunk Gun Blade Sword

   

   Well, how about one that combines both? This marvelous weapon is great both for melee and distance fighting. Oh, and also, they look fantastic.

Armors

Just as much as you need weapons like a sword and a gun, you also need armor to protect yourself. Choose between shoulder armor, arm guard, or full-on body armor. You can even opt to wear two or more of them.

1. Shoulder Armor

   

   Shoulder armors have been dependable equipment by all sorts of warriors–including vampire hunters–since time immemorial. Also, when it comes to practicality in costuming, they aren’t as complicated as full armor.

2. Arm Guard

   

   Speaking of more comfortable costume sets, an arm guard is probably one of your best choices if that concerns you. I mean, you only need to wear them on your arms.

3. Medieval Full Body Armor

   

   If you want to go all out, you should consider wearing a full-body armor costume like this one. They practically go with any other type of costume, not only steampunk.

Gloves and gauntlets

Vampire hunting sure is a tough job. You are handling some of the worst of humankind’s enemies. Gloves, gauntlets, and all other arm warmers offer additional protection to a vampire hunter, so if you are planning to dress as one, you might want to consider including them.

1. Steampunk Mitten Gloves

   

   Complete with gears and a compass; nothing is more handy (pun intended) for steampunk vampire hunters than these gloves. With two designs available, you can choose one that speaks to you the most.

2. Long Gauntlets Glove

   

   For our brethren who prefer to don costumes with darker and more serious themes, I strongly recommend these fantastic gauntlets. They also make your costume more detailed, which will impress you.

3. Women Fingerless Gloves

   

   Our lady vampire hunters would probably want to check out these fingerless gloves. Not only do they look visually stunning for a costume, but they are also applicable for multiple aesthetics besides steampunk, making it a practical buy for cosplayers.

Masks

Steampunk outfits also often feature masks for a good reason: to avoid inhaling smoke and dust from steam locomotives. Vampire hunters also benefit from wearing masks as it helps them hide their identity from enemies. You can choose from a wide variety of steampunk masks. Here are some of the great options we have found:

1. Gothic Leather Mask

   

   This mask has steampunk and gothic elements, making it perfect for any vampire hunter. Although they are filled with various design elements, they are much sleeker and easier to wear.

2. Gothic Gas Mask

   

   The design of this mask is reminiscent of gas masks, although they couldn’t be more fitting for a vampire hunter appearance-wise. With a cross in front, it’s the perfect accessory for all who fight the darkness.

Tools

In addition to weapons, vampire hunters also carry a wide assortment of tools to be used against vampires wherever they go. Depending on your actual vampire hunter character, you could carry anything, including crosses, potion bottles you may have bought from a witch, or a whole set of them, a wooden stake, and a notebook for journaling.

1. Stainless Steel Steampunk Cross

   

   Vampire hunters traditionally use the cross against evil. If you’re looking for a cross accessory, this one has that steampunk look with the gear on the back and stainless steel material.

2. STEAMPUNK POTION BOTTLE

   

   If you need something to store your healing potions (or any other type of potion, for that matter), you would need a bottle to handle it. This potion bottle, complete with a cross design on the sides and a leather strap to hold it in, fits any steampunk vampire hunter.

Of course, you can always add other extra accessories. People will be fascinated by the effort you put into perfecting your costume by adding little details here and there.

Balance and taste are key when choosing which accessories should come with your final overall outfit. Your personal preference will eventually decide what look you would go for, combining any costumes above. Remember to be more detailed to achieve a realistic result without overdoing it to avoid looking confusing and strange.