Paul Revere Costume
Bring the historic midnight ride to life in classic colonial style.
Paul Revere is one of the most famous figures of the American Revolution, best known for his historic midnight ride. This costume is a popular choice for historical reenactments, school projects, and patriotic holidays. The look consists of classic 18th-century colonial attire, featuring a frock coat, waistcoat, breeches, and a signature tricorn hat.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $45–120
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What you need for a Paul Revere costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Paul Revere costume — one box instead of 7 pieces.
Colonial Frock Coat
A long-sleeved, structured 18th-century style coat in dark blue or brown with wide cuffs.
DIY: Use a long dark blue trench coat or blazer and pin gold buttons along the lapels.
Waistcoat or Vest
A button-up colonial-style vest in tan, cream, or matching blue.
DIY: Cut the sleeves off an old button-down dress shirt and wear it buttoned up.
White Ruffled Shirt
A white long-sleeve dress shirt, preferably with ruffles at the collar and cuffs.
DIY: Wear a plain white button-down shirt and safety-pin white lace trim to the collar and cuffs.
Breeches or Knickers
Tan, brown, or black knee-length trousers that cinch just below the knee.
DIY: Tuck a pair of tan or brown sweatpants or trousers into high socks to create a cinched knee look.
Tricorn Hat
A black or distressed brown three-cornered colonial hat.
DIY: Fold a wide-brimmed black felt hat into three points and secure the sides with safety pins or hot glue.
Colonial Shoe Buckles
Gold or silver square buckles worn over black dress shoes.
DIY: Cut square frames out of cardboard, wrap them in aluminum foil, and slide them onto the laces of black shoes.
Vintage Lantern
A classic metal candle lantern to represent his famous warning signal.
DIY: Use a black plastic lantern prop or carry a battery-operated vintage-style LED lantern.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Paul Revere costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the white ruffled shirt, pulling the ruffles out so they are visible at the neck.
- 2
Layer the tan or blue waistcoat over the shirt and button it completely.
- 3
Pull on the knee-length breeches and secure them just below the knee.
- 4
Put on long white socks that reach up to meet the bottom of the breeches.
- 5
Slip into the long colonial frock coat, leaving it open to display the waistcoat underneath.
- 6
Put on black dress shoes fitted with the colonial shoe buckles.
- 7
Place the black tricorn hat firmly on your head and carry the vintage lantern prop in one hand.
Makeup & hair
Keep hair styled neatly, pulled back into a low ponytail secured with a black ribbon, or wear a white colonial-style wig. The face should be clean-shaven or natural with no modern makeup.
Paul Revere for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with Sybil Ludington (the female Paul Revere) or a colonial patriot in a matching gown.
- group
- Go as a group of Founding Fathers alongside George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson.
- kids
- A simplified version with a blue felt coat, elastic-waist tan pants, and a lightweight foam tricorn hat.
- Plus size
- Look for historical costumes with elastic-waist breeches and open-front frock coats for a comfortable, adjustable fit.
- pet
- A small black tricorn hat strap-on and a red-and-blue colonial cape.
Tips
- If wearing the costume outdoors in cold weather, the long frock coat provides excellent warmth.
- Ensure your white socks are pulled tight and secure so they don't slide down while walking.
- For authentic photos, hold the lantern high as if signaling from the Old North Church.
- Use safety pins to adjust the fit of the waistcoat for a more tailored, historical silhouette.
Paul Revere costume FAQ
- What color was Paul Revere's coat?
- He is traditionally depicted wearing a dark blue, brown, or charcoal gray colonial frock coat over a tan waistcoat.
- How do you make a DIY Paul Revere hat?
- You can make a tricorn hat by taking a wide-brimmed black hat, pulling three sides of the brim up to the crown, and pinning or gluing them in place.
- What props should I carry for a Paul Revere costume?
- A vintage metal lantern is the most iconic prop, but a rolled-up parchment scroll or a toy horse on a stick also works well.
Did you know? While Paul Revere is famous for his midnight ride, he was actually one of several riders, and he was captured by British patrols before he could finish his journey to Concord.