Saddam Hussein Costume
Recreate the infamous dictator's signature military uniform look.
Saddam Hussein was the president of Iraq from 1979 to 2003, known historically for his authoritarian rule. For historical reenactments, political satire, or educational theater, his look is defined by a classic olive-drab military uniform, a black beret, and a thick, dark mustache. This guide covers how to assemble this specific military aesthetic accurately.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $40–100
Try it on
See yourself as Saddam Hussein
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What you need for a Saddam Hussein costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Saddam Hussein costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Olive green military jacket
A structured, button-down utility shirt or jacket with four front pockets in olive drab.
DIY: Use a plain olive green button-up shirt and iron on pocket flaps.
Olive green trousers
Matching olive green cargo or dress pants to complete the uniform look.
DIY: Use any dark green or olive chinos you already own.
Black beret
A classic black wool military-style beret.
Red and gold epaulets
Red shoulder boards with gold trim or fringe to attach to the jacket shoulders.
DIY: Cut red felt into rectangles, trim with gold fabric paint, and safety pin them to the shoulders.
Fake black mustache
A thick, full, neatly trimmed black costume mustache.
DIY: Use black face paint or eyeliner to draw a thick, solid mustache above the lip.
Black leather belt
A wide black belt with a simple gold or silver square buckle.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Saddam Hussein costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the olive green military jacket and matching trousers.
- 2
Attach the red and gold epaulets securely to both shoulders of the jacket.
- 3
Fasten the wide black leather belt around your waist, over the jacket.
- 4
Apply the fake black mustache to your upper lip using skin-safe adhesive.
- 5
Place the black wool beret on your head, pulling it down slightly and tilting it to the right side.
- 6
Finish the look with polished black dress shoes or combat boots.
Makeup & hair
Keep your hair short, dark, and neatly parted to the side. Apply a thick, well-groomed fake black mustache directly above the upper lip.
Saddam Hussein for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with a generic UN peacekeeper or another historical figure from the late 20th century.
- group
- Combine with other historical world leaders of the late 20th century for a political history theme.
- Plus size
- Look for unstructured olive green utility shirts and cargo pants for a comfortable, adjustable fit.
Tips
- Keep the uniform neatly pressed to maintain the rigid military aesthetic.
- Ensure the mustache adhesive is skin-safe and sweat-resistant if wearing it for long periods.
- Carry a prop folder or vintage-style document to emphasize the political figure persona.
Saddam Hussein costume FAQ
- What is the most recognizable Saddam Hussein costume?
- His most iconic look is the olive green military uniform featuring a black beret, red shoulder boards, and his signature thick black mustache.
- How do I style the beret for this costume?
- Wear a simple black wool beret pulled down slightly and tilted to the right side of your head.
- Can I make this costume DIY?
- Yes, you can easily assemble this look using a standard olive-drab utility shirt, matching pants, a black beret, and some red felt to craft the shoulder epaulets.
Did you know? During his public appearances, Hussein was frequently seen wearing either his custom-tailored military uniforms or high-end European double-breasted suits.