Ted Bundy Costume
A chillingly accurate 1970s retro look featuring classic vintage apparel.
While highly controversial due to his real-life crimes, costumes depicting Ted Bundy focus on his distinct 1970s wardrobe. This look relies on period-accurate vintage menswear, including a classic polo shirt, a structured leather jacket, and flared trousers. It is often chosen for historical true-crime themes or retro-themed events.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $30–90
Try it on
See yourself as Ted Bundy
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What you need for a Ted Bundy costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Ted Bundy costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Brown polo shirt
A classic knit or polyester short-sleeve polo shirt in a dark brown or tan hue.
DIY: Use any plain brown collar shirt or t-shirt from a thrift store.
Brown leather jacket
A vintage-style, structured brown faux-leather jacket with wide lapels.
DIY: A brown suede jacket or windbreaker can work as a substitute.
Flared trousers
Tan, beige, or brown polyester flared dress pants typical of 1970s fashion.
DIY: Standard straight-leg khaki pants can be used if flares are unavailable.
Vintage wire-rimmed glasses
Gold or silver aviator-style wire-rimmed eyeglasses with clear lenses.
DIY: Pop the lenses out of a cheap pair of gold aviator sunglasses.
Brown dress shoes
Classic leather loafers or oxford shoes in dark brown.
DIY: Any dark brown or black dress shoes will suffice.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Ted Bundy costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the brown knit polo shirt and button it up partially.
- 2
Tuck the polo shirt securely into the high-waisted brown flared trousers.
- 3
Secure the trousers with a simple brown leather belt with a brass buckle.
- 4
Put on the brown leather jacket, leaving it unzipped to show the polo shirt underneath.
- 5
Put on the wire-rimmed aviator glasses.
- 6
Step into the brown leather loafers or dress shoes to complete the vintage ensemble.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair into a feathered, side-parted 1970s wavy hairstyle using pomade or hairspray. Keep facial hair clean-shaven or style a light, period-accurate shadow.
Ted Bundy for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with a partner dressed in 1970s disco or retro attire.
- group
- Combine with other figures from 1970s history or classic true-crime documentaries.
- Plus size
- Opt for relaxed-fit brown trousers and an oversized faux-leather jacket for a comfortable fit.
Tips
- Thrift stores are excellent resources for finding authentic 1970s polyester pants and vintage leather jackets.
- Keep the look strictly historical and avoid adding tasteless or graphic props out of respect for real-world history.
- Ensure the trousers are hemmed to the correct length so they skim the top of your shoes without tripping you.
Ted Bundy costume FAQ
- What clothes do you need for a Ted Bundy costume?
- You need a brown polo shirt, a brown leather jacket, tan or brown flared 1970s trousers, brown dress shoes, and wire-rimmed glasses.
- How do you style your hair for this look?
- Style your hair into a classic 1970s feathered look with a prominent side part, using light styling gel for volume.
- Is this costume easy to DIY?
- Yes, it is very easy to assemble using basic vintage menswear pieces often found at local thrift shops or online retro retailers.
Did you know? Ted Bundy's unassuming, conventional 1970s style was a key factor in how he avoided suspicion during the mid-1970s.