Redcoat Costume
March back to the Revolutionary War in classic British military style.
The Redcoat costume represents the iconic 18th-century British soldier, famous for their striking scarlet uniforms during the American Revolutionary War. It is a popular choice for history buffs, school presentations, and themed costume parties. The look is defined by a bright red military jacket, white crossbelts, and a distinctive tricorn hat.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $40–120
Try it on
See yourself as Redcoat
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What you need for a Redcoat costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Redcoat costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Red military jacket
A scarlet red coat featuring white or blue lapels, gold buttons, and white trim on the cuffs.
DIY: Use a plain red blazer and fabric glue to attach white felt panels to the lapels and gold buttons to the front.
White waistcoat or vest
A simple white or off-white button-up vest worn underneath the red coat.
DIY: Wear a plain white button-down shirt and button it up fully, or cut the sleeves off an old white dress shirt.
White breeches or trousers
White, cream, or buff-colored pants tucked into boots or worn with long socks.
DIY: Use a pair of slim-fit white sweatpants or white denim tucked into tall socks.
White crossbelts
Two white fabric or faux-leather straps worn crossed over the chest.
DIY: Cross two strips of wide white webbing or white duct tape over your chest, securing them at the waist.
Tricorn hat
A black three-cornered hat, optionally trimmed with gold or white lace.
DIY: Fold a wide-brimmed black felt hat into three points and safety pin or stitch the sides to the crown.
Black boot tops or tall boots
Knee-high black boots or black faux-leather boot covers worn over regular black dress shoes.
DIY: Wear tall black socks pulled over black dress shoes to mimic the look of tall boots.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Redcoat costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the white waistcoat or vest over a white collared shirt.
- 2
Pull on the white breeches or trousers, securing them comfortably.
- 3
Put on the red military jacket over the vest, smoothing out the collar and lapels.
- 4
Drape the white crossbelts over your shoulders so they cross in an 'X' shape on both your chest and back.
- 5
Pull on the tall black boots or secure the black boot tops over your black dress shoes.
- 6
Place the black tricorn hat squarely on your head.
- 7
Carry a prop toy musket or sword to complete the historical soldier look.
Makeup & hair
Keep hair neat and pulled back into a low ponytail secured with a black ribbon, mimicking an 18th-century wig. Keep makeup minimal and natural for a rugged, historical soldier appearance.
Redcoat for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up as a British Redcoat and a Continental Army soldier, or a Redcoat and King George III.
- group
- Gather a squad of Redcoats marching in formation, led by an officer with a sword and sash.
- kids
- A simplified version with a red felt jacket, white pants, and a lightweight foam tricorn hat.
- Plus size
- Look for jackets with adjustable back ties or use an open red trench coat over a white vest for a comfortable fit.
- pet
- A red pet coat with white trim and a tiny elastic-strap tricorn hat.
Tips
- Ensure your crossbelts are pinned in place so they do not slide off your shoulders while walking.
- If wearing the costume outdoors in cold weather, layer thermal underwear beneath the white breeches.
- For authentic photos, stand in a rigid, upright military posture with hands clasped behind your back.
Redcoat costume FAQ
- What pants did British Redcoats wear?
- They typically wore white, cream, or buff-colored breeches that ended just below the knee, paired with long stockings or gaiters.
- How can I make a cheap DIY Redcoat costume?
- Start with a red blazer, glue white felt to the lapels, add gold plastic buttons, and wear it over white pants with white tape crossed over your chest.
- What accessories do I need for a Redcoat costume?
- The essential accessories are a black tricorn hat, white crossbelts, black boots, and a prop musket or sword.
Did you know? The British Army chose bright red uniforms not for camouflage, but to make soldiers easily identifiable to their commanders through the thick black powder smoke of 18th-century battlefields.