Cheers Costume
Recreate the classic 80s Boston pub look where everybody knows your name.
Dressing up as characters from the classic 80s sitcom Cheers is a fantastic choice for fans of retro television and vintage style. The most popular approach is portraying the charismatic bartender Sam Malone or the academic Diane Chambers. This guide focuses on Sam Malone's signature 80s bartender look, which is comfortable, instantly recognizable to TV fans, and easy to assemble.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~20 min
- Budget
- $25–60
Try it on
See yourself as Cheers
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
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What you need for a Cheers costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Cheers costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Plaid or denim button-down shirt
A classic 1980s-style long-sleeve plaid, flannel, or light blue denim button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows.
DIY: Use any casual button-down shirt already in your closet.
White bar apron
A simple white waist apron with front pockets, typically worn by bartenders.
DIY: Fold a white pillowcase in half and tie it around your waist with white ribbon.
Classic blue jeans
Straight-leg, medium-wash blue jeans to capture the casual 1980s aesthetic.
DIY: Any standard pair of blue jeans will work perfectly.
White bar towel
A simple white cotton kitchen or bar towel to sling over your shoulder or tuck into your apron.
DIY: Use a clean white hand towel from home.
Plastic beer mug or pint glass
A clear plastic beer mug, optionally filled with a faux amber liquid or cotton batting to look like foam.
DIY: Carry a clean, empty glass or plastic pint cup from your kitchen.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Cheers costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the straight-leg blue jeans and the button-down shirt.
- 2
Roll the shirt sleeves up to your elbows and leave the top one or two buttons undone for a relaxed 80s look.
- 3
Tie the white waist apron securely around your waist, keeping the pockets in the front.
- 4
Drape the white bar towel over your left shoulder or tuck it into the waistband of your apron.
- 5
Style your hair into a feathered, voluminous 80s coif.
- 6
Carry the plastic beer mug in one hand, ready to 'serve' your friends.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair with plenty of volume, mimicking Sam Malone's signature feathered 80s hair using pomade or hairspray. Keep makeup minimal and natural.
Cheers for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair Sam Malone with Diane Chambers in a vintage 80s blazer, pleated skirt, and feathered hair.
- group
- Add Norm Peterson in a grey suit jacket and tie, and Cliff Clavin in a vintage blue postal worker uniform.
- kids
- A mini bartender outfit with a tiny white apron and a plastic juice bottle.
- Plus size
- The relaxed fit of 80s denim and adjustable waist aprons makes this highly comfortable for all body types.
- pet
- A small dog collar attachment shaped like a beer mug or a tiny green Boston baseball cap.
Tips
- Carry a bottle opener in your apron pocket as a practical and functional prop.
- Keep the color palette grounded in earthy 80s tones like navy, brown, forest green, or tan plaid.
- Practice a few classic bartender moves, like wiping down the counter or sliding a mug across a table, for photos.
Cheers costume FAQ
- How do I make a Cheers group costume?
- Have your group dress as the bar regulars: Sam in his apron, Diane in an 80s blazer, Norm in a suit jacket holding a beer, and Cliff in a blue postal service uniform.
- What is the easiest way to look like Sam Malone?
- The key elements are a feathered 80s hairstyle, a rolled-up plaid shirt, a white waist apron, and a bar towel slung over your shoulder.
- Can I wear this to a casual party?
- Yes, this is one of the most comfortable and low-profile costumes, as it uses standard everyday clothing like jeans and a button-down shirt.
Did you know? The iconic exterior of the bar shown in Cheers was actually the Bull & Finch Pub in Boston's Beacon Hill neighborhood, which later officially changed its name to Cheers Beacon Hill.