As this website focuses on 80s fashion, then I will be mainly focusing on creating a costume based around the original T-800 Model 101 cybernetic android played by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the original 1984 Terminator film.
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Arnie in the first Terminator movie
This Terminator T-800 costume by Smiffy's on Amazon includes the jacket, shades and bullet belt. Unfortunately, the costume looks cheap and the shades have a red sticker to represent the red eye, which looks rather cheap. They also are the wrong style for both the first or second movie.
I recommend buying separate components for a better quality, more authentic look.
This Endoskeleton costume looks pretty cool and comes in two sizes. It's officially licensed and includes a bodysuit and a light-up mask. It's perfect for 80s, movie and Halloween themed dress-up.
The Jacket
This is going to be expensive if you opt for real leather, obviously. But if you want an authentic look then you can't beat the real McCoy.
This is, by far, the best value and best rated jacket which is available from Skintan on Amazon. It's made form genuine leather and really captures the look of the original jacket. Sadly, it's not available in the U.S.
The Gloves
For the first movie you'll need studded fingerless gloves, but for T2: Judgment Day then you need full leather gloves, although Arnie didn't wear gloves for a good part of the film, so you could leave them out completely.
The Trousers
You'll need a pair of mud-coloured cargo/military pants to capture the look of the first movie, and they were really quite basic. If you have a pair of brown chinos they they would be ideal, but they can be bought relatively cheaply at Amazon.
The T-shirt
A basic, grey T-shirt with a round neck is all that's required. However, you may like to add a splash or two of fake blood
For a Terminator 2 look add a black tee instead.
The BootsYou'll need a pair of tall, leather biker boots with a buckle. Be sure to tuck your trousers into the boots. Now this is going to add a serious dent to your budget, so you may choose to leave this part of the costume out.
The most authentic looking boots were this pair available in the UK. However, at close to £70, for a fancy dress costume this may not be an option.
Although it will add to the overall cost of your costume, this make-up kit would add an awesome finish to your look. A less fiddly alternative would be to wear a face mask.
