Men's Prisoner Costume
Break out of the ordinary with this classic, instantly recognizable jailbird look.
The men's prisoner costume is a classic Halloween staple that is both instantly recognizable and incredibly easy to put together [1.2.1]. Whether you choose the vintage black-and-white stripes or a modern orange jumpsuit, this look is perfect for parties, group themes, or couples' costumes. The classic ensemble consists of a striped long-sleeve shirt, matching pants, a pillbox hat, and a printed inmate number.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $20–45
Try it on
See yourself as Men's Prisoner
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 Men's Prisoner costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Men's Prisoner costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Black and white striped shirt
A long-sleeve crewneck shirt featuring bold, horizontal black and white stripes.
DIY: Use fabric paint or black duct tape to create horizontal stripes on a plain white long-sleeve tee.
Black and white striped pants
Matching loose-fitting pants with horizontal black and white stripes and an elastic waist.
DIY: Wear plain black sweatpants or paint stripes on white scrub pants.
Prisoner pillbox hat
A small, round fabric cap featuring the same black and white stripe pattern.
DIY: Cut a strip of striped fabric, sew or fabric-glue it into a cylinder, and attach a circular top piece.
Inmate number patch
A white rectangular patch with a bold, black identification number printed on it.
DIY: Write a random 6-digit number on a piece of white cardstock or fabric with a black marker and safety-pin it to your chest.
Toy handcuffs
Silver plastic or metal handcuffs with a small key or quick-release latch.
DIY: Loop a short length of plastic chain painted silver around your wrists.
Black canvas shoes
Simple, low-profile black slip-ons or sneakers to complete the utilitarian look.
DIY: Use any plain black sneakers or boots you already own.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Men's Prisoner costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the black and white striped long-sleeve shirt.
- 2
Pull on the matching striped pants, adjusting the elastic waistband for comfort.
- 3
Attach the inmate number patch to the left side of your chest using safety pins or fabric glue if it isn't pre-printed.
- 4
Place the striped pillbox hat flat on your head, tilting it slightly to one side.
- 5
Slip on your black canvas shoes or sneakers.
- 6
Loop the toy handcuffs around one wrist or carry them as a prop to complete the look.
Makeup & hair
Keep your hair simple and slightly messy to look like you've been in a cell, or wear a bald cap. For a rugged look, use a brown or gray makeup sponge to lightly dab on faux five o'clock shadow around your jawline.
Men's Prisoner for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with someone dressed as a police officer, security guard, or a fellow inmate.
- group
- Gather a crew of inmates and have one person dress as a prison warden or guard.
- kids
- A miniature version with a striped jumpsuit and a soft felt ball-and-chain prop.
- Plus size
- Opt for loose-fitting striped scrubs or an oversized orange jumpsuit for maximum comfort.
- pet
- A simple striped dog tee with a tiny matching cap.
Tips
- Choose soft, breathable cotton or polyester fabrics so you stay comfortable and cool at crowded parties.
- If you plan to be active, keep the toy handcuffs clipped to your belt loop instead of locked on your wrists.
- Add a plastic ball and chain accessory to anchor your look and provide a fun photo prop.
- Wear a plain black or white undershirt underneath the striped top for extra warmth on chilly October nights.
Men's Prisoner costume FAQ
- What do you need for a DIY prisoner costume?
- You need a black-and-white striped shirt and pants, a matching striped pillbox hat, a printed inmate number on your chest, and toy handcuffs.
- Is a striped or orange prisoner costume more popular?
- The black-and-white striped uniform is the classic, vintage cartoon-style look, while the orange jumpsuit is a popular modern alternative inspired by contemporary TV shows.
- How do you make a fake ball and chain?
- Paint a lightweight plastic toy ball black, attach a short plastic chain painted silver, and secure the other end to your ankle with a velcro strap.
Did you know? The iconic black-and-white striped prison uniforms were first introduced in the United States in the early 19th century to make escaped inmates instantly recognizable to the public.