Cousin Eddie Costume
The shitter's full! Recreate the ultimate holiday comedy look.
Cousin Eddie from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is one of the most recognizable and hilarious holiday comedy characters of all time. This costume recreates his infamous driveway scene, featuring a short white bathrobe, a dark green trapper hat, and a black sewer hose. It is a massive hit at Christmas parties, Halloween events, and themed gatherings.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $35–80
Try it on
See yourself as Cousin Eddie
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What you need for a Cousin Eddie costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Cousin Eddie costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
White Bathrobe
A short, thin white fleece or terry cloth bathrobe that ends mid-thigh, featuring a matching tie belt.
DIY: Use an old white spa robe and cut the hem shorter so it sits above the knees.
Green Trapper Hat
A dark green or hunter green aviator-style trapper hat with faux fur lining and ear flaps that hang down.
Black Socks and Dress Shoes
Mid-calf black dress socks paired with dark brown or black slip-on dress shoes.
DIY: Use any dark dress socks and loafers you already own.
Black Flexible Hose
A length of black bilge hose or flexible plastic drain pipe, approximately 4 to 6 feet long.
DIY: Paint a section of flexible pool vacuum hose black.
Fake Cigar
A prop cigar to hold in your mouth to complete the relaxed, oblivious driveway look.
DIY: Roll up brown construction paper into a tight cylinder and color the tip gray.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Cousin Eddie costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on a pair of dark underwear or shorts that will remain hidden under the short robe.
- 2
Put on the mid-calf black dress socks and slip into your dark dress shoes.
- 3
Put on the short white bathrobe, wrapping it loosely, and tie the belt snugly around your waist.
- 4
Place the green trapper hat on your head, letting the ear flaps hang loose and unbuckled.
- 5
Hold the black flexible hose over one shoulder or under your arm.
- 6
Place the prop cigar in your mouth and hold a plastic mug or beer can in your free hand.
Makeup & hair
No complex makeup is needed. If you have facial hair, a light, slightly unkempt stubble fits the character perfectly. Keep your hair messy underneath the trapper hat.
Cousin Eddie for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with Catherine in a 1980s-style patterned holiday dress and apron, or Clark Griswold in his classic Santa hat and navy blue pajamas.
- group
- Assemble the whole Griswold family, including Clark, Ellen, Audrey, Rusty, and Aunt Bethany.
- kids
- A miniature version featuring a tiny white robe, green winter hat, and a clean, unused piece of black plastic tubing.
- Plus size
- The loose-fitting bathrobe is highly adjustable and comfortable for all body types; opt for an oversized robe for a relaxed fit.
- pet
- A small white dog sweater paired with a tiny green pilot hat.
Tips
- Because the robe is short, wear neutral-colored undershorts beneath it to keep things comfortable and family-friendly.
- Carry a plastic travel mug or a vintage-style beer can wrap to use as an easy, character-accurate prop.
- For photos, stand with your feet slightly apart, hold the hose casually, wave with one hand, and deliver his signature squinty grin.
Cousin Eddie costume FAQ
- What does Cousin Eddie wear in the driveway scene?
- He wears a short white bathrobe with a matching belt, a dark green trapper hat with faux fur ear flaps, black mid-calf socks, black dress shoes, and holds a black sewer hose while smoking a cigar.
- What is the alternative Cousin Eddie outfit?
- His other famous look is a white knit dickie turtleneck worn under a thin, semi-sheer light blue or green V-neck sweater, paired with white slacks and a white belt.
- How long should the hose prop be?
- A 4 to 6-foot section of flexible black plastic hose is ideal. It should be long enough to drape over your shoulder or hold comfortably in one hand.
Did you know? Actor actor Randy Quaid improvised several of Cousin Eddie's physical mannerisms, including the tongue-clicking sound, which became one of the character's most memorable traits.