Napoleon Bonaparte Costume
Command the room in the iconic uniform of the French Emperor.
Napoleon Bonaparte is one of history's most recognizable military leaders, making him a popular choice for historical events, school projects, and Halloween. His signature look is defined by his distinct bicorne hat, navy blue military coat, and classic hand-in-waistcoat pose. This guide helps you recreate his early 19th-century French officer uniform with ease.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $50–150
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See yourself as Napoleon Bonaparte
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What you need for a Napoleon Bonaparte costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Napoleon Bonaparte costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Bicorne Hat
A black, wide-brimmed bicorne hat worn sideways (athwart), optionally decorated with a red, white, and blue French cockade.
DIY: Cut a bicorne shape out of black felt or cardboard and attach it to a basic headband.
Military Tailcoat
A navy blue officer's jacket featuring red cuffs, gold buttons, gold epaulets, and white or ivory lapels.
DIY: Take a navy blazer, pin white fabric panels to the front lapels, and add gold ribbon trim and gold buttons.
White Breeches or Trousers
Fitted white or off-white trousers tucked into tall boots.
DIY: Use a pair of tight-fitting white jeans or sweatpants.
White Waistcoat
A simple white or cream-colored vest worn buttoned up under the jacket.
DIY: Wear a plain white button-down shirt tucked in tightly, or cut the sleeves off an old white shirt.
Tall Black Boots
Knee-high black riding boots, or black boot covers worn over black dress shoes.
DIY: Wrap black felt or vinyl around the calves of your legs over black shoes to mimic boot shafts.
Medals and Sash
A red sash worn across the shoulder or waist, paired with gold military medals pinned to the chest.
DIY: Use a wide red ribbon as a sash and construct simple medals out of cardboard and gold foil.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Napoleon Bonaparte costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the white trousers and white button-down shirt or waistcoat.
- 2
Tuck the trousers securely into your tall black boots or secure your black boot covers over black shoes.
- 3
Put on the navy blue military tailcoat, ensuring the gold epaulets sit squarely on your shoulders.
- 4
Drape the red sash diagonally across your chest from shoulder to hip, or tie it around your waist depending on the specific portrait style you are mimicking.
- 5
Pin your gold military medals to the left breast of the jacket.
- 6
Place the black bicorne hat on your head, wearing it sideways so the corners point to your shoulders.
- 7
Stand with your right hand tucked inside the front opening of your waistcoat for the classic Napoleon pose.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair in a short, slightly messy, forward-combed style with short sideburns. Keep makeup minimal and natural.
Napoleon Bonaparte for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with Empress Joséphine wearing a high-waisted white Regency-style empire gown and a tiara.
- group
- Pair with French revolutionary soldiers in blue coats and tricolor cockades.
- kids
- A miniature version featuring a felt bicorne hat, blue jacket, and white pants.
- Plus size
- Look for stretch-fabric military jackets or use an open-front navy blazer over a comfortable white vest.
- pet
- A small black felt bicorne hat and a blue fabric cape with gold trim for a dog or cat.
Tips
- The hat makes the costume; ensure the bicorne is worn sideways (parallel to your shoulders) rather than front-to-back.
- Wear comfortable socks inside your boots, as historical costume boots can pinch during long periods of walking.
- Practice the iconic 'hand-in-coat' pose for photos to instantly sell the character.
- Keep the jacket buttoned at the top but slightly open in the middle to easily slide your hand inside.
Napoleon Bonaparte costume FAQ
- Why did Napoleon put his hand in his coat?
- It was a common pose of moderation and good breeding in 18th and 19th-century portraiture, indicating leadership and calm demeanor.
- What color was Napoleon's uniform?
- His most famous uniform was the green coat of the Chasseurs à Cheval, but he is also widely depicted in the navy blue and white uniform of the Grenadiers à Pied.
- How do you make a DIY Napoleon hat?
- Cut two identical bicorne shapes out of black poster board or stiff felt, hot glue the top and side edges together leaving the bottom open, and decorate with gold trim and a tricolor ribbon.
Did you know? Despite the popular myth that he was exceptionally short, Napoleon was actually about 5 feet 6 inches tall, which was the average height for a French man of his era.