How to Make Werewolf Claws for a Costume

6 min read · The Costume Rack

The easiest way to make werewolf claws is to shape short curved claws from hot glue, cardboard or cut-down press-on nails, paint them bone or yellowed white, glue one onto each fingertip of a pair of dark gloves, then glue strips of faux fur onto the back of the gloves. That gets you werewolf hands in one evening, no special effects kit needed.

If you're doing a werewolf but still have no idea what the rest of the costume looks like (or you're scared you'll be one of three wolves at the party), The Costume Rack builds your werewolf piece by piece and puts your group on one rail: Start my costume.

Ears get all the love, but claws are the werewolf costume accessory people actually notice, because hands move. Every time you wave, point at someone, or hold your phone up for a selfie, the claws are in the shot.

Materials for DIY werewolf claws

For werewolf gloves DIY you'll also want:

• Dark gloves: brown, black or grey (cheap stretchy ones work)
• Faux fur: a scrap, an old fluffy scarf, a fuzzy throw pillow cover, or fur trim from a craft store
• Glue that sticks to fabric (fabric glue or hot glue)
• Paint: off-white, beige, grey, brown

Make the claws

Method 1: how to make claws out of hot glue

This is the fan favorite for fake claws DIY because the shape looks organic.

1. Lay down a piece of baking paper (glue peels right off it).
2. Squeeze a line of hot glue about 1 to 1.5 inches long, thicker at one end.
3. As it cools for a few seconds, use a toothpick to drag the thin end into a curve.
4. Make 10, plus a couple of spares. They won't all come out perfect, which is honestly realistic.
5. Once cool, peel them off and paint: off-white base, then a little brown or grey rubbed into the thick end so they look dirty.

Safety: hot glue is hot. Use the low-temp setting, keep water nearby, and don't shape it with your fingers.

Method 2: how to make claws out of cardboard

1. Cut 10 small curved triangles from a cereal box, about the length of your fingertip plus half an inch.
2. Roll each one slightly into a cone around a pencil and tape it shut.
3. Paint in off-white or grey.
4. Leave the tips blunt. Fake claws are for looking scary, not for actually scratching anyone.

Method 3: how to make fake nails into claws

If you want claws without gloves:

1. Get long press-on nails in a pointed or stiletto shape.
2. Paint them yellowed white, grey or black.
3. File the very tips so they're rounded, not sharp.
4. Apply with the included adhesive tabs.

This works best for a werewolf costume without makeup, where you're keeping it cute and minimal.

Attach the claws to gloves

1. Put the gloves on a hand shape. Stuff them with paper towels or slide a cardboard hand inside so the fingers are firm.
2. Position the claws over the fingertip seam, angled slightly down like they're growing out of the finger.
3. Glue them on with fabric glue or hot glue on the back of the claw. Hold each for 30 seconds.
4. Check the grip. Try picking up your phone. If claws on your thumb and index finger get in the way, make those two shorter.

Keep your phone usable

This is a real concern. Real ones know you're not going to a party without taking pictures. Options:

• Leave the index finger claw off one hand, or make it short.
• Use touchscreen gloves as your base.
• Cut a tiny slit in the fingertip seam of one glove so you can poke a finger out.

This is the point where most people realize the claws took an hour and they still haven't thought about ears, clothes, or if face paint is happening. The Costume Rack splits your werewolf into pieces, shows where to find each one or a version from your closet, and gives you three put-together steps plus a no-makeup version. Start my costume

Add fur to your werewolf gloves

This is what turns "gloves with claws" into werewolf hands.

Where the fur goes

• Back of the hand: a patch of fur covering most of the back.
• Knuckles and top of the fingers: thin strips, leaving the palm bare so you can still grip.
• Wrist: a fluffy cuff that blends into your sleeve.

How to attach it

1. Cut faux fur from the back side (the fabric side) with small snips. Cutting from the front chops the fibers and makes a mess.
2. Glue the fur fabric-side down onto the gloves.
3. Once dry, brush the fur toward the fingertips with a comb so it looks natural.
4. Blend two fur colors if you have them, for example grey with brown underneath.

No fur? Furry gloves DIY hacks

• Cut up an old fuzzy scarf or blanket.
• Use a fluffy sweater sleeve pulled over the glove.
• Glue on shredded brown yarn and comb it out.

Finish your easy werewolf costume

Pair the claws with:

• Wolf ears (on a headband or clipped into your hair)
• Flannel shirt, ripped at the sleeves, or a hoodie with fur glued at the collar
• Ripped jeans or joggers (trackies if you're in the UK)
• Optional: face paint, or a no-makeup version with fur at your neckline and messy hair

Werewolf pack group ideas

Werewolves are great for groups because a "pack" can be any size, and each person can be a different stage of the change.

• Transformation stages (3 people): stage one is a flannel with a few fur patches, stage two adds ears and claws, stage three goes full fur. Great for our list of Halloween costumes for 3 guys.
• Wolf and victim (2 people): one werewolf with claws, one person in a red hoodie as Red Riding Hood.
• Monster pack: werewolf plus a vampire and a mummy. The vampire's stand-up collar is a quick make, see how to make a vampire collar.
• Full moon crew: everyone's a werewolf except one person dressed as the moon. Chaotic. Iconic.

Your werewolf, sorted before your claws dry

Now you know how to make werewolf claws. In the next couple of minutes, The Costume Rack can match you to your costume from your vibe and closet, list every piece with a version from things you own and a no-makeup build, and give you one link to share so your pack claims different looks.

Start my costume

FAQ

What is the easiest way to make werewolf claws?

Cardboard claws are the fastest: cut small triangles from a cereal box, roll them into cones, tape, paint and glue them to gloves. Hot glue claws take a little longer but look more realistic.

How do you attach claws to gloves?

Stuff the gloves so the fingers are firm, then glue each claw over the fingertip seam with fabric glue or hot glue. Hold each claw in place for about 30 seconds while it sets.

Can you make werewolf claws without gloves?

Yes. Paint long press-on nails in a yellowed white or grey and file the tips round. It's a subtle version that works well for school or work.

How do you make werewolf gloves with fur?

Cut faux fur from the fabric side, glue it onto the back of the hand, knuckles and wrist, and leave the palms bare so you can still grip things. Comb the fur toward your fingertips once the glue is dry.

Are DIY claws safe to wear to a party?

They are if you keep the tips blunt and use soft materials like cardboard or hot glue. Skip anything with metal or sharp points, and check any dress code if you're wearing them to school.