Teddy Roosevelt Costume
Channel the rugged charisma of America's 26th president and Rough Rider.
Theodore Roosevelt is a popular historical costume choice for his rugged, adventurous spirit and instantly recognizable look. This costume recreates his famous Rough Rider and safari persona, combining military-style khaki garments with his signature accessories. The complete ensemble features a tan bush jacket, jodhpurs, a wide-brimmed hat, round glasses, and his trademark mustache.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $45–120
Try it on
See yourself as Teddy Roosevelt
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What you need for a Teddy Roosevelt costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Teddy Roosevelt costume — one box instead of 7 pieces.
Tan bush jacket
A khaki or tan safari-style jacket with buttoned chest pockets and a matching waist belt.
DIY: Use a tan button-down work shirt with chest pockets and add a brown utility belt.
Matching jodhpurs or khaki pants
Tan or khaki riding pants that flare slightly at the thighs and tuck into boots.
DIY: Standard khaki trousers tucked tightly into tall socks.
Beige campaign hat
A wide-brimmed beige or tan felt hat, styled like a cavalry or safari hat.
DIY: A tan fedora or wide-brimmed sun hat with one side pinned up.
Blue bandana
A classic blue cotton bandana tied loosely around the neck.
DIY: Any scrap of blue fabric tied in a triangle knot.
Round wire-rimmed glasses
Small, circular, gold or black wire-rimmed spectacles or pince-nez style glasses.
DIY: Pop the lenses out of a cheap pair of round sunglasses.
Walrus mustache
A thick, bushy brown faux mustache that curves slightly downward.
DIY: Style a real mustache with heavy wax, or use brown face paint to draw a thick mustache.
Brown tall boots
Knee-high brown riding boots or brown lace-up combat boots with boot covers.
DIY: Wear brown dress shoes with brown fabric gaiters or tall brown socks pulled over the pants.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Teddy Roosevelt costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the tan jodhpurs or khaki trousers.
- 2
Slip on the tan bush jacket, button it up, and fasten the matching belt snugly around your waist.
- 3
Tuck the pant legs into your tall brown riding boots or secure your boot covers over brown shoes.
- 4
Fold the blue bandana into a triangle, wrap it around your neck, and tie it loosely in the front.
- 5
Apply the adhesive faux mustache centered directly under your nose.
- 6
Place the round wire-rimmed glasses on the bridge of your nose.
- 7
Put on the beige campaign hat, tilting it slightly to one side for an adventurous look.
Makeup & hair
Keep hair neat and parted to the side, mostly hidden under the hat. The key facial feature is the thick, bushy brown walrus mustache, which should be securely adhered.
Teddy Roosevelt for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with Edith Roosevelt in Edwardian-era attire, or a conservationist partner holding a plush teddy bear.
- group
- Go as a squad of Rough Riders in matching khaki uniforms, or pair with other Mount Rushmore presidents.
- kids
- A miniature version featuring a khaki shirt, pants, a small campaign hat, and a drawn-on mustache.
- Plus size
- A loose-fitting khaki utility shirt and comfortable stretch khakis with an adjustable brown leather belt.
- pet
- A small dog wearing a miniature tan campaign hat and a tiny blue bandana.
Tips
- Use spirit gum or high-quality cosmetic adhesive to keep the heavy faux mustache from falling off when you talk or smile.
- Carry a vintage-style pocket watch or a plush teddy bear as a fun, thematic prop.
- Practice a hearty, booming laugh and use his famous catchphrase, 'Bully!' to really get into character.
- If wearing the costume outdoors in warm weather, opt for a lightweight cotton safari shirt instead of a heavy jacket.
Teddy Roosevelt costume FAQ
- What kind of hat did Teddy Roosevelt wear?
- He famously wore a tan slouch hat or campaign hat, often with one side of the brim pinned up, which was standard for the Rough Riders cavalry.
- Why is the teddy bear associated with him?
- The toy was named after him after he famously refused to shoot a black bear tied to a willow tree during a hunting trip in 1902.
- How do I make a DIY Teddy Roosevelt mustache?
- You can buy a bushy brown costume mustache, or create one using brown crepe wool and spirit gum for a highly realistic look.
Did you know? Theodore Roosevelt was the youngest person to become U.S. president, taking office at age 42 after the assassination of William McKinley in 1901.