Mike Ditka Costume
Grab your sweater vest and pay tribute to Da Bears coach.
Dressing up as legendary Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka is a classic choice for football fans and comedy lovers alike. Popularized by his iconic 1980s sideline look and parodied on SNL's 'Bill Swerski's Superfans,' this costume is instantly recognizable. The outfit features a signature navy sweater vest, aviator sunglasses, and a thick, commanding mustache.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $30–80
Try it on
See yourself as Mike Ditka
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What you need for a Mike Ditka costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Mike Ditka costume — one box instead of 7 pieces.
Navy blue sweater vest
A knit navy blue sweater vest, ideally featuring a Chicago Bears logo or orange and white stripes along the collar.
DIY: Use a plain navy sweater vest and fabric glue a printed Bears logo patch onto the left chest.
White collared dress shirt
A classic long-sleeve white button-down dress shirt.
DIY: Use any white collared shirt already in your closet.
Striped necktie
A vintage-style necktie, preferably with navy blue, orange, or gold diagonal stripes.
DIY: Any dark-colored striped tie from a thrift store works perfectly.
Khaki dress pants
Classic pleated or flat-front tan khaki trousers.
DIY: Any tan or beige chinos will complete the look.
Aviator sunglasses
Gold-rimmed aviator sunglasses with dark or amber lenses.
Thick brown fake mustache
A self-adhesive, bushy brown chevron-style fake mustache.
DIY: Draw one on with a brown makeup pencil if you do not have a fake mustache.
Coach's whistle
A silver metal whistle on a black or blue lanyard.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Mike Ditka costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the white collared dress shirt and button it completely to the top.
- 2
Tie the striped necktie snugly around the collar of the shirt.
- 3
Layer the navy blue sweater vest over the dress shirt and tie, ensuring the collar and tie are visible.
- 4
Tuck the shirt into your khaki dress pants and secure them with a brown leather belt.
- 5
Apply the self-adhesive thick brown mustache directly above your upper lip.
- 6
Put on the gold-rimmed aviator sunglasses.
- 7
Hang the coach's whistle around your neck and carry a clipboard to complete the sideline look.
Makeup & hair
Slick your hair straight back using a generous amount of heavy-hold gel or pomade. Apply a thick, dark brown chevron-style fake mustache, ensuring it is centered and secure.
Mike Ditka for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with someone dressed as an SNL 'Superfan' in a matching Bears jacket, or a football player in a retro Chicago Bears jersey.
- group
- Gather a group to dress as the SNL 'Da Bears' Superfans, complete with aviators, mustaches, and plates of Polish sausage.
- kids
- A mini navy vest, tiny aviators, and a drawn-on mustache make for an adorable toddler coach costume.
- Plus size
- Opt for relaxed-fit khaki trousers and a stretch-knit sweater vest for a comfortable, breathable fit.
- pet
- Put a small navy blue dog tee or bandana on your pet to match your team colors.
Tips
- Keep a spare adhesive strip for the mustache, as talking and eating can loosen it throughout the night.
- Carry a clipboard or a toy Polish sausage as a fun, character-appropriate prop for photos.
- This costume is highly comfortable and warm, making it perfect for chilly October outdoor tailgates or Halloween parties.
Mike Ditka costume FAQ
- What kind of sweater vest did Mike Ditka wear?
- He famously wore a navy blue sweater vest featuring the orange Chicago Bears 'GSH' logo on the left chest, often layered over a white shirt and tie.
- How do I style my hair for a Mike Ditka costume?
- Slick your hair straight back with plenty of hair gel or pomade to capture his classic 1980s sideline coaching hairstyle.
- What accessories are essential for the Mike Ditka look?
- The absolute essentials are a thick brown mustache, gold aviator sunglasses, a coach's whistle, and a clipboard.
Did you know? Mike Ditka was the first tight end ever inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame before leading the Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl victory as their head coach in 1985.