Halloween Costumes for Bearded Men: 16 Ideas for Every Beard
Halloween isn't cosplay. You don't need a movie-grade replica, you need a good idea and the beard to sell it. We've been suggesting costumes for bearded guys for years, so here are our favorites in one place, sorted by how much beard you've got to work with.
Costumes for big beards
Albus Dumbledore
Let the clean-shaven guys play Harry Potter. The real power in the wizarding world is Dumbledore. A wand, a robe and a funky hat complete the look (skip the tall pointy one or people will think you're Gandalf). You need a long beard that isn't too coarse, so start on some Wonder Beard Intensive Repair now.
Rick Rubin
If you've got the beard and the frame for it, this is your costume. The producer behind everyone from Johnny Cash to the Beastie Boys keeps it simple: an oversized white t-shirt, wide black sunglasses and shorts or khakis. An open flannel shirt is optional. A beard this epic deserves Wonder Beard.
The Dude
A taupe bathrobe and a pair of Wayfarers really tie this one together. Version one: bathrobe, plaid shorts, a v-neck and flip-flops. Version two: a shawl-collar cardigan, a faded v-neck, wild pajama bottoms and bowling shoes. Either way, grab a wig if you haven't got the hair, and keep things simple with Beard Saver, man.
Thor, the Endgame years
When Thor let himself go he became much more relatable. Throw on a robe (or go shirtless if you're bold), add a toy hammer and look a little lost. Chips and dip are optional, but they'll make you popular at the party.
Gritty
No need to build a giant foam head. Brush your beard out wild (the bigger and redder, the better), throw on a Flyers jersey or any orange sweater, and add a pair of googly-eye glasses. Then dance like a fool. Gritty is all about attitude. Afterwards, a good beard brush will get you back in shape.
R.J. MacReady from The Thing
The beardiest Kurt Russell role of them all. You need a brown bomber jacket, a military-style campaign hat and, if you like, a lantern or flares. Bonus points for fake frost in your beard. Keep some beard wash handy to get it out afterwards.
Costumes for short beards and stubble
Jack Burton from Big Trouble in Little China
Walk in announcing "Everybody relax, I'm here" in a tank top and acid-wash jeans. Even if you're clean-shaven today, a couple of days of stubble gets you Jack's look. If the itch of growing it out is holding you back, Beard Saver relieves beard itch.
Rick Grimes from The Walking Dead
No time to grow a big beard? Rick has wandered the zombie wasteland for years and almost always rocks a nice stubble. A sheriff's shirt and a dirty face will do it. Have a friend dress as a zombie and you've got a perfect duo.
Commander Riker and his tiny chair
A niche one for Star Trek fans with a sense of humor. Get a red Next Generation uniform and a toddler-sized chair. Walk in very seriously, put the chair down and swing your leg over the back to sit. The shorter you are and the smaller the chair, the funnier it gets. Carry a trombone for extra credit.
Bearded Captain America
The off-the-grid version of Cap is easier than the original. Skip the spandex: dark clothes, a tactical vest and a scruffy beard sell it. If you're the only one in costume, you can play it off like you always dress like a brooding commando.
Costumes for mustaches and goatees
Magnum, P.I.
Bring your own mustache, the bigger the better. Add a red Hawaiian shirt (don't button it too high) and a Detroit Tigers cap. Skip the glue-on mustaches from the costume kits: the real thing always wins.
Ramírez from Highlander
You'll need a well-groomed beard (a Van Dyke or an Imperial with a soul patch works nicely), a period costume, one giant fake pearl earring and an accent nobody can place. Add a couple of toy swords. If anyone gives you a hard time, remind them there can be only one.
Easy, last-minute costumes
Bob Ross
The happy-little-trees painter from public TV. Grab an afro wig, a denim shirt and a paint palette and you've pretty much got it. Make it a couples costume by having your partner go as the painting.
Al Borland from Home Improvement
A flannel shirt and a tool belt and you're done. Too dated? This is the lazy guy's costume, not the cosplay guy's, so don't expect much.
Any bearded ballplayer
Own a baseball cap? That's all you need. Show up dressed however you want, and when someone asks who you are, name a bearded player from your team. There's always been one, even if you have to reach back to the 70s.
Scary
Captain Spaulding
The demented clown from House of 1000 Corpses. Red, white and blue face paint and a dirty shirt get you most of the way. An enormous bow tie, a tiny stars-and-stripes top hat and some nasty fake teeth finish it off.
After the party
Face paint, fake frost and glitter don't belong in your beard overnight. Wash them out with Bluebeards Original Beard Wash, then put the softness back with Beard Saver.