How to Make a Politician Costume
Black SuitWhite Dress ShirtStriped TieFlag Lapel PinVOTE ButtonCampaign SignRetro MicrophoneBaby DollSaveTap any item in the photo to shop itClick any item in the photo to shop it
| # | Item | Description | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Black Suit | The uniform of every candidate. Start with a plain dark two-piece suit, the jacket and trousers matching. Check the size chart, since slim-fit suits run snug. | 🛒 Check on Amazon |
| 2 | White Dress Shirt | A crisp white button-up goes under the jacket. Iron it, because a rumpled politician is not a trustworthy one. | 🛒 Check on Amazon |
| 3 | Striped Tie | A navy, red and white striped tie is the classic power tie and gives you the patriotic palette without saying a word. | 🛒 Check on Amazon |
| 4 | Flag Lapel Pin | Pin a small American flag to your left lapel, the one accessory almost every politician wears. | 🛒 Check on Amazon |
| 5 | VOTE Button | A red, white and blue VOTE pinback button goes next to the flag so everyone knows you are running. This listing is a 10 pack, so you have spares to hand out to friends. | 🛒 Check on Amazon |
| 6 | Campaign Sign | Carry a "Get Out and Vote" sign, which is about the voting itself and not any party. Plant it in a friend's lawn or hold it up at your party. | 🛒 Check on Amazon |
| 7 | Retro Microphone | A vintage-style desktop microphone is a prop for the stump speech. Hold it, or set it on a table and lean over it to make your announcement. | 🛒 Check on Amazon |
| 8 | Baby Doll | The old campaign-trail gag: kiss a baby. A soft-bodied baby doll is easy to carry on one arm and makes the joke work in a photo. | 🛒 Check on Amazon |
Getting the Look Right
A politician is the easiest costume to recognise because there is no single person to match. Dark suit, white shirt, striped tie and a flag pin tell everyone what you are. The details are what make it funny, so pick one or two and commit to them.
- Keep it generic. This costume is the idea of a politician, so you don't need a famous face. Stick to the red, white and blue palette and a VOTE button and it reads the same in any country that holds elections.
- Wear it like a candidate. A big smile, a firm handshake, and waving at everyone you pass do more than any prop.
- Make a slogan. Write "Hope for Snacks" or "Vote for Me" on the back of a plain sash or sign for a quick joke. Say it in a stump-speech voice all night.
- Add the baby. Carry the doll, hold it up for photos, and kiss it on the forehead the second a camera comes out.
- Hand out buttons. Pin VOTE buttons on friends so everyone is "on the ticket."
Alternate Looks
- Female politician: swap the suit trousers for a skirt or keep the trousers, wear a bright solid blazer in red or royal blue, and add a pearl necklace and the same flag pin.
- Budget: a suit you already own, a tie from a thrift store, and a flag pin and VOTE button is all you need.
- Patriotic version: if you want a more over-the-top look, try Uncle Sam, a red, white and blue tailcoat with striped trousers.
Group and Couples Ideas
- The campaign team: one candidate, one in a suit holding a clipboard as the campaign manager, one with a news microphone as the reporter, and one carrying the sign as a supporter.
- The debate: two politicians in matching suits with a red tie and a blue tie, arguing over a podium and microphone.
- The ticket: a couple dressed as running mates, with matching VOTE buttons.
Politicians in Pop Culture
If you'd rather dress as a fictional leader, try The Mayor from Whoville, Mayor Goodway, Mayor McCheese, The Governor from The Walking Dead, or Mr. Garrison from South Park, who ran for president in one famous season. Browse more in politician costumes.
About the Politician Costume
A politician is someone who holds or runs for public office, such as a mayor, governor, senator or president. The costume dates back to the era of election campaigns, when candidates travelled the country to give speeches, shake hands and hold babies. Campaign buttons have been worn by supporters since the 1800s, and the suit, tie and flag pin are the modern uniform. The look suits any election season and works year round for a last-minute, low-cost and non-partisan Halloween costume.
