Tom Selleck Costume
Rock the ultimate 1980s tropical private investigator look with ease.
Tom Selleck's portrayal of Thomas Magnum in Magnum, P.I. defined 1980s television cool. This costume recreates his signature action-ready tropical style, featuring a vibrant Hawaiian shirt, short shorts, and his legendary mustache. It is a highly recognizable, comfortable, and fun retro outfit that is perfect for parties.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $30–75
Try it on
See yourself as Tom Selleck
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What you need for a Tom Selleck costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Tom Selleck costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Red Hawaiian 'Jungle Bird' Shirt
A red short-sleeved button-down shirt featuring a bold green and yellow tropical parrot and palm leaf print.
DIY: Use any bright red floral or tropical print short-sleeved button-up shirt.
Denim Shorts or Khaki Chinos
Retro-style short blue denim shorts or tight khaki chino shorts to capture the authentic '80s fit.
DIY: Cut an old pair of blue jeans into short-inseam cutoff shorts.
Thick Fake Mustache
A full, dark brown chevron-style adhesive mustache.
DIY: Draw one on with a dark brown eyebrow pencil if you cannot grow your own.
Aviator Sunglasses
Classic gold-framed aviator sunglasses with dark or amber lenses.
Detroit Tigers Baseball Cap
A navy blue baseball cap featuring the classic white English 'D' logo.
DIY: Use any plain navy blue baseball cap.
Boat Shoes or Canvas Sneakers
Brown leather boat shoes or simple white canvas sneakers worn without visible socks.
DIY: Any casual brown loafers or white sneakers will work.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Tom Selleck costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the short denim or khaki shorts, securing them with a simple brown leather belt.
- 2
Slip on the red 'Jungle Bird' Hawaiian shirt, leaving the top three buttons undone to channel the relaxed '80s chest-hair aesthetic.
- 3
Apply the self-adhesive brown chevron mustache directly above your upper lip on clean, dry skin.
- 4
Place the navy Detroit Tigers baseball cap on your head, or style your hair in a voluminous, feathered 1980s look.
- 5
Put on the gold-framed aviator sunglasses.
- 6
Finish the look by slipping into brown boat shoes or white canvas sneakers without socks.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair with some volume and a slight wave if not wearing the cap. If you do not have chest hair, you can lightly sketch some on with a brown makeup pencil where the shirt is unbuttoned.
Tom Selleck for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with Higgins in a khaki safari suit, or a glamorous 1980s-style partner.
- group
- Go as an '80s TV detective squad with characters from Miami Vice.
- kids
- A miniature version featuring a tiny Hawaiian shirt, plastic aviators, and a drawn-on mustache.
- Plus size
- Opt for a relaxed-fit Hawaiian shirt left unbuttoned over a grey tank top with comfortable khaki cargo shorts.
- pet
- A small red floral dog bandana paired with a tiny plush toy Ferrari.
Tips
- Ensure your upper lip is completely dry and free of oils before applying the adhesive mustache so it stays on all night.
- Keep the shirt unbuttoned down to the mid-chest to stay true to the authentic 1980s television style.
- Carry a toy prop badge or a vintage-style mock cell phone to lean into the private investigator theme.
Tom Selleck costume FAQ
- What kind of shirt does Tom Selleck wear in Magnum P.I.?
- He famously wears the red 'Jungle Bird' Hawaiian shirt, which features a pattern of green banana leaves and colorful parrots.
- How do I make the mustache stay on all night?
- Clean your skin with rubbing alcohol before applying. If the self-adhesive backing is weak, use a small dab of spirit gum cosmetic adhesive.
- Can I wear jeans instead of short shorts?
- Yes, classic light-wash straight-leg blue jeans tucked in with a brown belt work perfectly for his more casual investigator look.
Did you know? The original red 'Jungle Bird' shirt worn by Tom Selleck on Magnum, P.I. was donated to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in 1989.