
Dustin Henderson Costume
Channel the heart and humor of Hawkins with Dustin's iconic retro style.
Dustin Henderson is one of the most beloved characters from Netflix's hit sci-fi series Stranger Things, known for his quick wit, loyalty, and classic '80s wardrobe. Dressing as Dustin is a popular choice for fans who want a comfortable, instantly recognizable, and nostalgic outfit. His signature look centers around his iconic red, white, and blue trucker hat, a graphic tee, and a retro denim jacket.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $25–60
Try it on
See yourself as Dustin Henderson
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What you need for a Dustin Henderson costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Dustin Henderson costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Red, White, and Blue Trucker Hat
A classic 1980s-style mesh-back trucker hat with a white front panel, red brim, and blue back.
DIY: Buy a plain white trucker hat and use fabric markers to color the brim red and the mesh back blue.
Graphic T-Shirt
A green graphic t-shirt, preferably featuring a retro design like his 'Waupaca Wisconsin' or 'Camp Know Where' print.
DIY: Use iron-on transfer paper to print a vintage 1980s graphic onto a plain green t-shirt.
Denim Jacket
A light-wash, vintage-style denim jacket worn open over the t-shirt.
DIY: Use a denim jacket you already own or source a worn-in one from a local thrift store.
Khaki Pants or Corduroys
Straight-leg khaki trousers or brown corduroy pants to complete the '80s schoolboy aesthetic.
DIY: Any standard tan chinos or utility pants will work perfectly.
Curly Brown Wig
A shoulder-length wig with tight brown curls, styled to peek out from under the trucker hat.
DIY: If you have medium-length hair, use a small-barrel curling iron and hairspray to create tight curls.
Retro Backpack
A classic two-tone canvas backpack in a vintage colorway like navy blue, green, or beige.
DIY: Use any simple school backpack and attach a vintage-style keychain or compass.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Dustin Henderson costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the khaki pants or corduroys and secure them with a simple brown belt.
- 2
Put on the green graphic t-shirt and layer the light-wash denim jacket over it, leaving the jacket unbuttoned.
- 3
If using a wig, secure your natural hair with a wig cap and put on the curly brown wig, fluffing the curls around the sides and back.
- 4
Place the red, white, and blue trucker hat on your head, adjusting it so the curls spill out from underneath the sides and back.
- 5
Put on a pair of classic retro sneakers, such as white or blue canvas low-tops.
- 6
Sling the vintage canvas backpack over one shoulder to complete the classic Hawkins middle schooler look.
Makeup & hair
Keep makeup minimal or non-existent. For hair, the key is Dustin's signature shoulder-length curly brown locks peeking out from beneath his trucker hat; use a wig or style natural curls with volumizing mousse.
Dustin Henderson for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with Steve Harrington (carrying a spiked bat) or Eleven (in her pink dress and blue jacket).
- group
- Gather friends to dress as the core Hawkins kids: Mike, Will, Lucas, and Max.
- kids
- This is an incredibly easy and comfortable costume for kids using a youth-sized trucker hat and graphic tee.
- Plus size
- The loose-fitting t-shirt, open denim jacket, and relaxed-fit khakis offer a comfortable and flattering fit for all body types.
- pet
- Dress a small dog in a miniature red, white, and blue trucker hat and a tiny green t-shirt.
Tips
- Carry a prop like a vintage yellow walkie-talkie or a flashlight to enhance the '80s adventure vibe.
- Keep the denim jacket unbuttoned to show off the graphic tee, which is a key identifier of the character.
- Make sure the trucker hat is angled slightly upward so your face and the front of the wig are visible in photos.
Dustin Henderson costume FAQ
- What kind of hat does Dustin wear in Stranger Things?
- In Season 1, Dustin wears a classic red, white, and blue mesh-back trucker hat. In Season 3, he wears a green and yellow 'Camp Know Where' trucker hat.
- How can I do Dustin's hair if I don't want to buy a wig?
- If you have medium-length hair, apply curl-enhancing cream to damp hair and diffuse it, or use a small curling wand to create tight, bouncy curls, then shake them out.
- What are good props for a Dustin Henderson costume?
- Excellent props include a vintage walkie-talkie, a classic silver flashlight, a compass, or a box of Eggo waffles.
Did you know? Gaten Matarazzo, who plays Dustin, was the very first actor cast for Stranger Things out of nearly a thousand kids who auditioned.