Coming to America Costume
Step into royal Zamundan style with Prince Akeem's iconic palace look.
Coming to America is a beloved 1988 comedy classic starring Eddie Murphy as Prince Akeem of Zamunda. Dressing as Prince Akeem is a popular choice for movie fans who want a mix of regal elegance, humor, and nostalgia. This guide focuses on his most iconic look: the formal Zamundan palace attire complete with a faux lion skin sash.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $50–120
Try it on
See yourself as Coming to America
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What you need for a Coming to America costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Coming to America costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Black tuxedo jacket
A formal black double-breasted tuxedo jacket or dinner jacket.
DIY: Use a standard black suit jacket or blazer.
White dress shirt and black bow tie
A crisp white button-down collar dress shirt paired with a classic black bow tie.
DIY: Use any white collared shirt and a black ribbon tied into a bow.
Faux lion skin sash
A plush, realistic faux lion head and pelt draped over the right shoulder.
DIY: Attach a stuffed toy lion head to a strip of faux fur fabric and drape it across your chest.
Gold royal medallion
A large gold medallion necklace on a heavy gold chain.
DIY: Cut a circle out of cardboard, paint it metallic gold, draw a crest, and hang it from a gold ribbon.
Black dress pants
Matching formal black dress pants or tuxedo trousers.
DIY: Any clean black slacks or chinos will work.
White gloves
Short, formal white cotton gloves.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Coming to America costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the white dress shirt, button it to the top, and secure the black bow tie around the collar.
- 2
Put on the black dress pants and tuck in the dress shirt.
- 3
Put on the black double-breasted tuxedo jacket and button it up.
- 4
Drape the faux lion pelt sash over your right shoulder so the lion's head rests prominently on your chest.
- 5
Hang the large gold royal medallion necklace over your neck so it sits over the jacket.
- 6
Put on the white formal gloves.
- 7
Style your hair into a neat, slicked-back look or a short afro style to match Prince Akeem's signature look.
Makeup & hair
Keep facial hair clean-shaven or styled into a neat mustache. Hair should be styled in a classic late-80s neat cut, using hair gel for a polished, royal sheen.
Coming to America for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair Prince Akeem with Lisa McDowell in her pink wedding gown or a McDowell's employee uniform.
- group
- Add Semmi in his matching royal suit, King Jaffe Joffer in his massive fur-lined crown, and a McDowell's employee.
- kids
- A miniature version of the black tuxedo with a small plush lion toy pinned to the shoulder.
- Plus size
- A double-breasted jacket with a generous cut ensures comfort while maintaining the structured royal silhouette.
- pet
- A small dog wearing a gold crown and a red velvet royal cape.
Tips
- Secure the heavy faux lion head to your jacket shoulder with safety pins so it doesn't slide off while walking.
- Practice your best royal wave and Akeem's signature enthusiastic laugh for photos.
- Wear comfortable black dress shoes, as you will be standing and greeting your 'subjects' all night.
Coming to America costume FAQ
- What does Prince Akeem wear in Coming to America?
- His most famous outfit is the Zamundan royal court attire, which consists of a black tuxedo, a white shirt, a black bow tie, white gloves, a gold medallion, and a faux lion skin draped over his shoulder.
- How do I make a DIY Coming to America lion sash?
- You can buy a plush toy lion, carefully remove the head, and sew or glue it to a strip of faux fur fabric, then pin it to the shoulder of a black blazer.
- What other characters can I dress up as from the movie?
- Other popular choices include Semmi, King Jaffe Joffer, Randy Watson of Sexual Chocolate, or employees in the gold-and-red McDowell's uniforms.
Did you know? The legendary costume designer Ruth E. Carter designed the costumes for Coming to America, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design.