Westley Costume
As you wish: dress as the legendary Dread Pirate Roberts.
Westley from The Princess Bride is a classic hero whose 'Dread Pirate Roberts' persona is one of the most recognizable fantasy looks of all time. Perfect for fans of the beloved 1987 film, this costume is highly popular for couples and solo cosplayers alike. The look consists of an all-black pirate ensemble featuring a laced shirt, mask, headscarf, and sword.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $40–90
Try it on
See yourself as Westley
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.
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Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a Westley costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Westley costume — one box instead of 7 pieces.
Black lace-up pirate shirt
A loose-fitting, long-sleeved black shirt with a V-neck and lace-up grommets at the chest.
DIY: Use a plain black long-sleeve button-down shirt with the top buttons left open, or cut a V into a black crewneck shirt and add black cord.
Black slim-fit pants
Plain black trousers, joggers, or leggings that tuck easily into boots.
DIY: Any comfortable black jeans or sweatpants you already own.
Black waist sash
A wide black fabric sash or belt wrapped around the waist over the shirt.
DIY: Cut a strip of black fabric or use a wide black scarf tied at the side.
Black eye mask
A simple black fabric bandit-style mask that covers the eyes and ties at the back of the head.
DIY: Cut a strip of black fabric or felt, cut out two eye holes, and tie it around your head.
Black headscarf (bandana)
A black satin or cotton bandana tied tightly over the head, covering the hair.
DIY: Use a square piece of black fabric folded diagonally and tied at the nape of the neck.
Black riding boots
Knee-high black boots or boot tops worn over black shoes.
DIY: Wear black dress shoes with tall black socks pulled up over your pants.
Toy rapier sword
A thin, silver-colored toy rapier with a classic cup-hilt guard.
DIY: Cut a sword shape out of sturdy cardboard and paint the blade silver and the hilt black.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Westley costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the black slim-fit pants and tuck them into the tall black riding boots.
- 2
Put on the black lace-up pirate shirt, leaving the chest laces slightly loose.
- 3
Wrap the wide black sash around your waist, tying it off to one side and letting the ends hang.
- 4
Fold the black bandana into a triangle, place it over your forehead, and tie it securely at the back of your head.
- 5
Tie the black eye mask over your eyes, positioning it just below the edge of the headscarf.
- 6
Tuck the toy rapier sword into your waist sash on your left side.
- 7
Practice your best 'As you wish' delivery to complete the character.
Makeup & hair
If any hair peeks out from under the headscarf, style it in loose, wavy blonde or light brown locks. Keep makeup minimal, perhaps adding a subtle, thin mustache if you want to match Cary Elwes' look exactly.
Westley for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with Princess Buttercup in her iconic red riding dress or her pastel blue peasant dress.
- group
- Add Inigo Montoya, Fezzik, and Vizzini for a complete Princess Bride group costume.
- kids
- A scaled-down version with a soft felt sword and a comfortable elastic eye mask.
- Plus size
- Choose a loose, billowy pirate shirt for a comfortable, adjustable fit.
- pet
- A small black bandana and a felt sword attached to a pet harness.
Tips
- Make sure the eye mask is made of breathable fabric so it doesn't irritate your skin or block your peripheral vision.
- If you plan to be indoors or dancing, opt for lightweight cotton fabrics instead of heavy polyester to stay cool.
- For photos, pose with one hand on the hilt of your sword and a confident, heroic stance.
Westley costume FAQ
- What is Westley's pirate name?
- Westley takes on the persona of the Dread Pirate Roberts, wearing an all-black outfit with a mask and headscarf.
- How do you tie the Westley mask and headscarf?
- Tie the headscarf first, low on the forehead. Then tie the eye mask directly over it, securing both at the back of the head under your hair.
- Can I make this costume last-minute?
- Yes! All you need is a black long-sleeve shirt, black pants, black boots, and two strips of black fabric for the mask and bandana.
Did you know? Actor Cary Elwes performed almost all of his own stunts in The Princess Bride, including the iconic acrobatic sword fight against Inigo Montoya.