Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas Costume
Step into the wild, psychedelic world of Raoul Duke's desert trip.
Embody the chaotic energy of Hunter S. Thompson's alter ego, Raoul Duke, from the cult classic Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. This iconic look is instantly recognizable by its distinct 1970s counterculture aesthetic, making it a favorite for movie buffs and retro fans alike. The ensemble features a patchwork or tropical shirt, a classic bucket hat, yellow-tinted aviators, and signature accessories.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $30–80
Try it on
See yourself as Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas
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 Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Yellow-Tinted Aviator Sunglasses
Oversized, gold-rimmed aviator glasses with distinct amber or yellow-tinted lenses.
White Bucket Hat
A classic cotton fisherman's bucket hat in solid white or off-white.
DIY: Use any light-colored bucket hat and add a green under-brim lining if possible.
Patchwork or Hawaiian Shirt
An orange and white patterned short-sleeve shirt, or a vintage-style tropical button-down.
DIY: Use any loud, vintage 1970s short-sleeve button-down shirt from a thrift store.
Khaki Shorts
Simple, relaxed-fit khaki cargo or chino shorts.
DIY: Any pair of light tan or beige shorts from your closet.
White Tube Socks and Sneakers
Classic retro white mid-calf tube socks paired with simple white canvas sneakers.
DIY: Pull up any plain white athletic socks to mid-calf height.
Cigarette Holder
A long, thin black cigarette holder with a gold tip, holding a prop cigarette.
DIY: Roll up a piece of black cardstock into a tight tube and paint the tip gold.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the khaki shorts and tuck in the orange patterned button-down shirt.
- 2
Pull the white tube socks up to mid-calf height and lace up your white sneakers.
- 3
Place the white bucket hat low on your head, tilting it slightly forward.
- 4
Put on the yellow-tinted aviator sunglasses.
- 5
Hold the cigarette holder between your teeth or fingers to complete the look.
Makeup & hair
Keep hair messy and tucked mostly under the bucket hat. A clean-shaven face or light stubble works best to mimic Johnny Depp's portrayal.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with Dr. Gonzo wearing a red patterned shirt, dark sunglasses, and a brown bucket hat.
- group
- Have friends dress as Dr. Gonzo, a 1970s highway patrol officer, or Lucy the artist.
- Plus size
- Choose a loose, oversized Hawaiian shirt and comfortable elastic-waist khaki shorts.
Tips
- Keep a prop fly swatter in hand for a hilarious, character-accurate photo pose.
- Make sure the sunglasses are comfortable to wear in low-light settings if wearing the costume indoors.
- Keep the shirt unbuttoned slightly at the chest to capture the relaxed, chaotic 1970s vibe.
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas costume FAQ
- What kind of hat does Raoul Duke wear?
- He wears a classic white cotton fisherman's bucket hat, often styled with the brim turned slightly down.
- What kind of sunglasses does he wear in the movie?
- He wears oversized gold-frame aviator sunglasses with distinct yellow or amber-tinted lenses.
- Is this costume easy to DIY?
- Yes, it is highly customizable and can be easily put together using thrift store finds like a vintage patterned shirt and khaki shorts.
Did you know? Johnny Depp actually lived in Hunter S. Thompson's basement for several yards to study his mannerisms and even borrowed Thompson's actual clothing for the film.