Magnum P.I. Costume
Rock the iconic 1980s Hawaiian shirt, aviators, and legendary mustache.
Thomas Magnum from the hit 1980s series Magnum, P.I. is the ultimate laid-back action hero. This costume is a massive crowd-pleaser because it is incredibly comfortable, instantly recognizable, and easy to put together. The look centers on a vibrant red Hawaiian shirt, a Detroit Tigers baseball cap, aviator sunglasses, and that famous thick mustache.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $30–75
Try it on
See yourself as Magnum P.I.
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What you need for a Magnum P.I. costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Magnum P.I. costume — one box instead of 7 pieces.
Red Hawaiian shirt
A red short-sleeve button-down shirt featuring the classic 'Jungle Bird' pattern with green palm leaves and parrots.
DIY: Use any bright red floral or tropical print short-sleeve shirt you already own.
Detroit Tigers baseball cap
A navy blue baseball cap featuring the classic white gothic 'D' logo on the front.
DIY: Use a plain navy blue baseball cap.
Fake mustache
A thick, dark brown chevron-style self-adhesive fake mustache.
DIY: Draw a thick mustache on your upper lip using a dark brown eyebrow pencil or face paint.
Aviator sunglasses
Classic gold-framed aviator sunglasses with dark or amber lenses.
Blue jeans
Classic straight-leg blue jeans in a medium or light wash.
DIY: Use any pair of blue jeans or khaki shorts from your closet.
Canvas web belt
A military-style khaki or beige canvas web belt with a metal slide buckle.
DIY: Use a simple brown leather belt.
Binoculars
A pair of black binoculars on a neck strap to carry as a private investigator prop.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Magnum P.I. costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the straight-leg blue jeans and secure them with the khaki canvas web belt.
- 2
Button up the red Hawaiian shirt, leaving the top two or three buttons undone for that classic 1980s chest-baring look.
- 3
Ensure your upper lip is clean and dry, then apply the self-adhesive fake mustache directly above your lip.
- 4
Put on the navy Detroit Tigers baseball cap, adjusting it to fit comfortably.
- 5
Slide on the gold-framed aviator sunglasses.
- 6
Drape the binoculars around your neck to complete the private investigator aesthetic.
Makeup & hair
If you do not have a natural mustache, apply a thick, dark brown self-adhesive chevron-style fake mustache. Keep your hair styled naturally under the baseball cap, letting a bit of hair show at the temples and back.
Magnum P.I. for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with Higgins in a khaki safari suit or Higgins' doberman pinschers (using stuffed animals).
- group
- Team up with Rick in a colorful shirt and TC in a Da Nang cap and suspenders.
- kids
- A mini red Hawaiian shirt, tiny aviators, and a drawn-on eyeliner mustache make a hilarious kids' look.
- Plus size
- Choose a relaxed-fit or oversized rayon Hawaiian shirt for a comfortable, breezy fit.
- pet
- A red floral pet bandana and a tiny plush camera or binoculars toy.
Tips
- For the most authentic look, search specifically for the 'Jungle Bird' parrot print on the red Hawaiian shirt.
- Keep the shirt unbuttoned slightly at the top; if you lack chest hair, you can draw some on lightly or just rock the open collar.
- Bring a spirit gum adhesive if you plan to wear the fake mustache all night, as sweat can loosen the self-adhesive backing.
Magnum P.I. costume FAQ
- What kind of shirt does Magnum P.I. wear?
- He wears a red Hawaiian shirt featuring a 'Jungle Bird' pattern with green palm leaves and colorful parrots.
- What baseball cap does Thomas Magnum wear?
- He wears a navy blue Detroit Tigers baseball cap with the classic white gothic 'D' logo on the front.
- How do I make a DIY Magnum P.I. costume?
- Simply combine any red floral Hawaiian shirt, blue jeans, aviator sunglasses, a navy baseball cap, and a thick fake mustache.
Did you know? The iconic red 'Jungle Bird' shirt worn by Tom Selleck was donated to the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in 1988.