Colonel Sanders Costume
Finger lickin' good style with a sharp white suit and southern charm.
Dress up as Harland Sanders, the legendary founder and face of Kentucky Fried Chicken. This instantly recognizable costume is a popular choice for foodies, pop culture fans, and couples looking for a funny pairing. The look centers on a crisp white double-breasted suit, a black string tie, and his signature white hair and goatee.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~20 min
- Budget
- $40–130
Try it on
See yourself as Colonel Sanders
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What you need for a Colonel Sanders costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Colonel Sanders costume — one box instead of 7 pieces.
White suit jacket
A white double-breasted suit jacket or blazer with white buttons.
DIY: Use a plain white blazer and swap the buttons for white ones if they are dark.
White dress pants
Matching white pleated or flat-front dress pants.
DIY: Any clean white trousers or white jeans will work in a pinch.
White dress shirt
A crisp, button-down white collared shirt worn underneath the jacket.
Black string tie
A thin black western-style string tie or ribbon tie.
DIY: Tie a thin black satin ribbon into a neat bow with long hanging ends.
Glasses
Thick, dark-rimmed rectangular or browline eyeglasses.
DIY: Pop the lenses out of an old pair of dark-rimmed reading glasses.
White hair and goatee set
A matching set featuring a short white wig, white mustache, and pointed goatee.
DIY: Use white washable hair spray on your own hair and facial hair.
Walking cane
A simple wooden or dark brown walking cane with a curved handle.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Colonel Sanders costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the white button-down dress shirt and button it all the way to the top.
- 2
Tie the black string tie or ribbon around the collar, letting the ends hang down evenly.
- 3
Put on the white dress pants and secure them with a belt if needed.
- 4
Put on the white double-breasted suit jacket and button it up.
- 5
Apply the adhesive white mustache and goatee to clean, dry skin.
- 6
Put on the white wig, styling it neatly, and slide on the dark-rimmed glasses.
- 7
Grab your walking cane and optionally carry a clean, empty KFC bucket as a prop.
Makeup & hair
If not using a wig, style your hair neatly and apply white temporary hair color spray. Keep your face clean-shaven except for the area covered by the white mustache and goatee.
Colonel Sanders for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with someone dressed in a red-and-white striped bucket costume or a giant chicken costume.
- group
- Have one person dress as the Colonel and others dress as a bucket of chicken, a side of mashed potatoes, and a biscuit.
- kids
- A miniature white suit, felt mustache, and a small toy bucket make for an adorable toddler costume.
- Plus size
- A loose-fitting white linen suit or white blazer provides a comfortable, breathable fit.
- pet
- A small red-and-white striped dog shirt with a tiny black felt bow tie.
Tips
- Keep a tide pen or stain remover handy, as wearing an all-white suit makes spills highly visible.
- Carry an empty, clean KFC bucket to use as a candy bucket or a fun prop for photos.
- Wear comfortable black dress shoes to complete the formal southern gentleman look.
Colonel Sanders costume FAQ
- What kind of tie does Colonel Sanders wear?
- He wears a black western-style string tie, which looks like a thin black bow with long, narrow ribbon tails.
- How can I make a DIY Colonel Sanders tie?
- Simply take a length of half-inch wide black satin ribbon, tie it into a standard bow around your shirt collar, and trim the ends so they hang down about six inches.
- Is the Colonel Sanders costume hot to wear?
- It can be warm due to the layers. Opt for lightweight cotton or linen white suits instead of heavy polyester if you are attending an indoor or warm-weather event.
Did you know? Harland Sanders was officially named a 'Kentucky Colonel' in 1935 by Governor Ruby Laffoon, which inspired him to adopt his signature white suit and southern persona to promote his chicken recipe.