What are the best costumes for guys with real mustaches?

Classic options include Magnum P.I., Ron Burgundy from Anchorman, Freddie Mercury, Mario or Luigi, and Gomez Addams.

How do I make a fake mustache stay on all night?

Clean your skin with rubbing alcohol first to remove oils, then use spirit gum or high-quality eyelash adhesive for a secure hold.

How do I style my real mustache for a costume?

Use a firm-hold mustache wax to shape, curl, or straighten your facial hair into the desired style, such as a handlebar or chevron.

AI-generated example

Mustache Costumes

Rock your real or fake mustache with these iconic character costume ideas.

Whether you are growing out your own facial hair or planning to use a stick-on, a mustache is the ultimate anchor for a classic costume. From retro 1980s detectives to video game heroes, building a look around a mustache is easy, recognizable, and fun. This guide covers how to style your facial hair, choose the right accessories, and pull off an iconic retro mustache look.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~15 min
Budget: $15–50

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Result

40 Mustache costume ideas

Ranked by how many people are searching for them this season. Open any one for the full guide and to try it on.

What you need for a Mustache Costumes costume

Fake adhesive mustache
A thick, synthetic fiber mustache in black or brown with self-adhesive backing, or natural mustache styled with wax.
DIY: Grow your own facial hair and style it with mustache wax.
Amazon
Red Hawaiian shirt
A vibrant red short-sleeve button-down shirt with a tropical floral print, worn unbuttoned at the top.
DIY: Use any bright, patterned short-sleeve button-down shirt from your closet.
Amazon
Aviator sunglasses
Classic gold-rimmed aviator sunglasses with dark or amber lenses.
DIY: Any retro wire-frame sunglasses.
Amazon
Blue denim shorts
Light-wash denim shorts or straight-leg jeans to complete the retro 1980s detective aesthetic.
DIY: Cut old jeans into shorts or use regular blue jeans.
Amazon
Retro digital watch
A gold-toned retro digital watch with a metal band.
DIY: Wear a classic metal watch you already own.
Amazon

How to put it together

1
Clean and dry your upper lip thoroughly to ensure the adhesive on a fake mustache sticks, or groom your real mustache with wax.
2
Put on the red Hawaiian shirt, leaving the top two or three buttons undone for a relaxed retro vibe.
3
Slip on the light-wash denim shorts or jeans and secure them with a brown leather belt.
4
Put on the gold aviator sunglasses and slide them slightly down the bridge of your nose.
5
Add a retro gold watch or carry a prop detective badge to lean into the classic 1980s look.

Makeup & hair

Style your hair with a slight retro wave or volume using pomade. If using a fake mustache, trim it slightly with scissors to fit your upper lip perfectly before peeling off the backing.

Mustache Costumes for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Pair a Magnum P.I. look with a retro tourist or a Mario and Luigi duo.
group: Assemble a squad of mustache icons: Ron Burgundy, Freddie Mercury, Mario, and a 1920s strongman.
kids: A mini Mario or Luigi with a drawn-on eyeliner mustache.
Plus size: A classic Ron Burgundy suit or a comfortable Mario overalls look offers a great fit.
pet: A small dog wearing a tiny bowler hat and a stick-on felt mustache on their collar.

Tips

If using a fake mustache, bring extra spirit gum or eyelash glue in case the self-adhesive backing loses its stickiness from sweat.
Keep a small comb handy to keep your real or fake mustache neat throughout the night.
Practice talking and drinking with the mustache on beforehand so you get used to the feel.

Mustache Costumes costume FAQ

What are the best costumes for guys with real mustaches?: Classic options include Magnum P.I., Ron Burgundy from Anchorman, Freddie Mercury, Mario or Luigi, and Gomez Addams.
How do I make a fake mustache stay on all night?: Clean your skin with rubbing alcohol first to remove oils, then use spirit gum or high-quality eyelash adhesive for a secure hold.
How do I style my real mustache for a costume?: Use a firm-hold mustache wax to shape, curl, or straighten your facial hair into the desired style, such as a handlebar or chevron.

Did you know? The chevron mustache worn by Tom Selleck in Magnum, P.I. became one of the most defining pop culture facial hair styles of the 1980s.