Great Costume Party Ideas for Bearded Men
By Jack Shaw (Guest Post) | Last updated 1st December 2024
When the holiday season rolls around, it’s time to eat and celebrate. How do you decide what outfit to wear to a friend’s party or work event? Beards make the decisions easier.
With facial hair, you have numerous options on the table. While fake beards are fun, they don’t match up to costumes that take advantage of your authentic hair.
Regardless of your choice, you need the proper tools to maximise your costume. Here are costume party ideas and the tools you need to create your iconic look.
8 Best Costumes for Bearded Men
Before the festivities, you must decide what to wear. It may take a few days to gather the necessary materials, so give yourself time to decide on the costume. Here are the seven best ideas for bearded men.
1. Thor
When imagining the best beards in cinema, you might think about Thor. Chris Hemsworth plays this mythological character and has made him into a Marvel staple — the franchise has garnered a lifetime box office gross of nearly £800,000 total over four movies. This look is even better if you have naturally long hair — otherwise, you’ll need a wig, or you can rock his “Ragnarok” look.
Thor’s beard gives you options. In some films, Hemsworth has well-groomed and relatively short facial hair. His hair and beard become much more prominent in “Avengers: Endgame.” If you dress up as Thor, go all out with the sword and body armour.
2. LeBron James
Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
While LeBron James isn’t part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he throws down the hammer on the basketball court. He’s one of the most outstanding NBA players of all time and is still integral to the sport. If you can emulate his beard, he’s worth celebrating with a costume.
Crafting a LeBron James beard is relatively easy if you groom your facial hair. The Los Angeles Lakers star sports a chinstrap beard and a thin moustache to form his iconic look. Finish the costume with his Los Angeles Lakers jersey, game shorts and a white sleeve.
3. Captain Jack Sparrow
If you want a unique beard, test the waters with a Captain Jack Sparrow look. Johnny Depp has portrayed the character in five films and donned his famous facial hair each time. Growing it can be challenging, as you’ll need styling techniques and beads to complete the look. That said, it’s worth the hassle.
Sparrow’s look requires braiding your beard into two distinct braids. Depp also has a noticeable soul patch, so let this facial hair grow. While you have hair dangling from the chin, you must shave your cheeks for better accuracy. You’ll also need a wig, bandana and his pirate outfit to complete the look.
4. Zeus
Pierre Granier, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Another creative costume for bearded men is Zeus. This Greek deity rules Mount Olympus and is the god of sky and thunder. With his mighty lightning bolt, he’s practically unstoppable. If you want Zeus’ magical powers, recreate his costume and wow everybody at your costume party.
Literature has depicted Zeus differently over the years, though there are some commonalities with his beard. Recreating his facial hair should include long growth and curling to achieve the iconic look. Additionally, your costume should go all out with a white robe, lightning bolt and golden wrist cuffs.
5. ZZ Top
Ralph Arvesen, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
If you’re a music fan, there are numerous excellent options for costume parties. Are there more famous beards in the industry than the guys from ZZ Top? Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill are renowned for their long, light-coloured beards. Commemorate their place in music history with a costume.
A ZZ Top-length beard could take over a year to grow, so it’s best if you already have a long one. Once you reach the preferred length, consider dyeing your beard. Finish your ZZ Top costume with a black jacket, equally dark pants, a guitar and shades.
6. John Lennon
Joost Evers / Anefo, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
John Lennon is one of the most famous musicians in the world. While he kept his face clean-shaven during his early career, Lennon sported a beard by the 1960s. You can also encourage your friends to dress up as the other Beatles. Who will be your Paul, Ringo and George? Alternatively, bring a Yoko of your own and turn it into a couple’s costume.
The John Lennon look is more effortless if you have long, dark hair and glasses. Recreating his beard is manageable because he had a large beard at some points and shorter facial hair at others. Regardless, it helps to wear high-waisted pants, a white shirt and a white blazer to complete the costume.
7. Luke Skywalker
Who could forget one of the most iconic movie franchises of all time? When you dress up as a Star Wars character, others will instantly recognise you at parties. While Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi once held the title for most recognizable Star Wars beards, Luke Skywalker’s return in the sequel trilogy has taken that mantle.
Luke has come a long way from the young man audiences saw racing an X-34 Landspeeder in 1977’s Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. Now Hamill’s Skywalker is older and wiser, with an iconic greying beard to match. Pair it with his iconic robe and green lightsaber to complete the look.
What Guys Need for Costumes
Cosplaying famous characters, athletes and musicians isn’t as easy as buying a costume from a store. You may need to put in more effort to achieve a truly iconic costume. Here’s what you need to maximise your looks.
1. Finishing Wax
Growing a beard might not be enough to achieve your desired aesthetic. If you want to wow your friends with a terrific costume, go the extra mile with finishing wax. This substance lets you shape and hold your facial hair in specific positions. It could come in handy if you want a particular style.
For instance, your costume could require a handlebar moustache. This style requires wax to keep the hair up for the entire holiday. If you get moustache wax, consider the scent and the season. The Chevron Fella is terrific for late autumn and early winter because of its cedarwood and cardamom aromas.
2. Measuring Tape
One of the underrated items in costume-building is measuring tape. Without this tool, you leave many costume elements to chance. Use measuring tape to check your body measurements and ensure you get the correctly sized garments. If not, you could show up to the party with an ill-fitting costume.
Measuring tape is also essential for your beard’s sake. For example, it could help when checking your beard’s progress and aiming for the correct size. If you need a 5-inch beard, use the tool to enhance the accuracy of your facial hair. Pick one up at a local clothing store and get to work.
3. Tailoring Tools
If the clothes don’t fit just right, you shouldn’t throw everything away and start over. Tailoring tools can save the day if you pair them with handy skills. For quick fixes, you may just need scissors and pins. With shears, you can shorten robes or sleeves and make them fit your body.
Serious adjustments may require more elaborate machinery. Learn how to sew and get a sewing machine if you plan to make DIY costumes in the future. Alternatively, ask a friend or somebody else to borrow the equipment.
4. Accessories
Beards are the first step in recreating iconic costumes. However, they’re not the only significant part of your outfit. Remember to grab the accessories that make your representation as authentic as possible. Even the tiny details matter when assembling your costume and getting ready for the night.
For instance, King Arthur wouldn’t be as powerful without his sword. Search for an Excalibur replica to complete your costume and wow everybody in your presence. If you dress up as Gandalf, wear his grey or white robe and bring a pipe to embrace his old, wise demeanour.
5. Comfortable Fabric
December can bring a mixed bag of temperatures, depending on where you live. We have cooler weather and earlier sunsets, so it’s essential to wear comfortable fabrics and stay warm. The last thing you want is a surprise cold front to have you shivering in your costume.
If you want a warm costume, prioritise wool and cotton clothing. These materials are better for thermal care because they trap heat like a cold-weather barrier. You won’t have to worry about the temperatures as much if you wear comfortable and cosy clothes on a chilly night.
6. Beard Butter
A long and cold night could impact your skin, especially if your costume doesn’t have a mask. While your beard provides some protection, it might not stop the weather from drying your face. One of the best ways to prevent this problem is by applying beard butter.
With beard butter, you have better protection from the elements. These products improve facial hair by retaining moisture and mitigating those itchy feelings. Who wouldn’t want to feel comfortable while spending the night partying? Get the Handlebar Joker beard butter for ultimate comfort and style.
7. Makeup
Makeup could be necessary to transform into your desired character or celebrity. Now, you might not need lipstick or mascara to complete the look, but you could use unique products to create wrinkles or other special cosmetic effects. Just make sure it doesn’t mess up your beard.
For instance, dressing up as Jack Sparrow requires makeup as much as the beard braids. Emulating Depp’s character involves using eyeliner, eye shadow and some concealer. You should also consider bronzer to get that suntanned look.
Using Your Beard for Great Costumes
The holiday season is one of the most exciting times of the year because of the joy, food and festivites. If you have a beard, the season gets even better.
Due to the numerous pop culture characters with facial hair, your beard offers numerous dress-up opportunities. However, the ideas don’t stop there. Consider your favourite historical figures, mythical creatures and iconic personalities for your costume.
Jack Shaw is a writer, editor and grooming enthusiast. His explorations of men’s health, fitness and fashion can all be found on Modded, a men’s lifestyle publication on which he serves as the senior writer. Reach out to him via LinkedIn.
