The theme for Burning Man this year is Metropolis. This can only mean one thing¹: you need a Superman cape.

Fortunately you can find everything you need to make not just one but 4 capes by hitting up a thrift store or rummaging through your costume box.

I put together the rest of my costume for less than $10, all from items you can find in your local department store. For a full breakdown of how I did it, check out my blog.

1: Actually, it means many, many things. You can find out more here.

Step 1: What You'll Need

I was able to find everything I needed at home, but if you're not a hoarder like me, you may need to pick up a few things from a thrift shop.

You'll need:

long skirt
t-shirts
sewing machine or needle & thread
scissors & seam ripper

I found my skirt for few bucks at a thrift store last year and wore it on the playa. The t-shirts we got for free while volunteering at a music festival.

Step 2: Skirt Deconstruction

Using a seam ripper or scissors, separate the skirt from its lining and undo the two side seams.

You should now have 4 cape-shaped pieces of fabric.

Test out one of the capes to make sure it is the right size for you. Trim if necessary.

Step 3: T-shirt Deconstruction

Cut the collar off of a t-shirt.

Save the rest of the shirt to make yourself a Superman logo or something equally awesome.

Step 4: Sew It All Together

Finish the edges of your cape so the fabric won't fray.

Pin the cape to the collar and sew it together.

Step 5: Go Save the World!

Wear your cape with pride!

Just remember the warning of Edna Mode:

[Thunderhead's] cape snagged on a missile fin!
Stratogale! ... Cape caught in a jet turbine!
Metaman, express elevator! Dynaguy, snagged on takeoff! Splashdown, sucked into a vortex!

If you are making a cape for a child, please cut the collar and add a velcro closure so they don't wind up like Thunderhead.