Here are our Wild West costume ideas, along with photos from our customers, for costuming for our games set in the 1800s USA: Way out West and Who Shot the Sheriff.
(And don’t forget we have a free version of Way out West.)
Toy guns and knives: Check with your host before incorporating toy weapons (guns or knives) as part of your costume.
Cowboys and ranchers
Outfit: Plaid or chambray shirts, leather vests, jeans, cowboy boots, wide-brimmed cowboy hats, and a bandana tied around the neck.
Accessories: Spurs, lasso, leather gloves, or a flask.
Optional Props: Playing cards, or a cigar.
Saloon girls and entertainers
Outfit: Brightly colored corset-style tops, ruffled skirts, fishnet tights, and high-heeled boots.
Accessories: Feathered headpieces, chokers, lace gloves, or beaded jewelry.
Optional props: A parasol, or fan.
Miners and prospectors
Outfit: Oversized flannel shirts, suspenders, worn trousers, boots, and a battered hat or bandana.
Accessories: A small pickaxe, a burlap sack for “gold,” or a tin cup.
Optional props: A pipe, lantern, or gold pan.
Native American characters
Avoid stereotypes like headdresses, war paint, or sacred symbols. Instead, focus on practical historical attire inspired by trade and lifestyle.
Outfit Tips: Earth-toned clothing with simple patterns or fringe (e.g., buckskin-style shirts or tunics). Leather moccasins or simple sandals. Accessories like belts or sashes inspired by practical uses, such as carrying tools.
Fabrics: Choose plain fabrics or woven materials (plaid blankets were a common trade item during the period).
Accessories: A handwoven bag, beaded jewelry (if appropriate), or a wide-brimmed felt hat for a mixed-trade look.
Props: A walking stick, woven basket, or historical trade items (e.g., tin cups or tools).
Outlaws and bandits
Outfit: Dark, dusty shirts and vests, trousers with suspenders, boots, and wide-brimmed hats or kerchiefs covering the face.
Accessories: Fake ammunition belts, a satchel for stolen loot, or a deck of cards.
Optional props: Fake dynamite sticks, or a bottle labeled “whiskey.”
Lawmen and marshals
Outfit: Long duster coats, dark vests, white or dark shirts, boots, and a Stetson hat.
Accessories: A tin star badge, a pocket watch, or handcuffs.
Optional props: A law book, or scrolls of wanted posters.
Preachers and undertakers
Preacher outfit: Long black coats or frock coats, white shirts with simple black ties, and dark trousers.
Undertaker outfit: Black suits with a high-collared shirt, black gloves, and a stovepipe hat.
Accessories: A Bible, cross necklace, or rosary for preachers. Undertakers might carry a small shovel or a measuring tape.
Optional props: A lantern, bottle labeled “tonic,” or ominous-looking scrolls.
Bartenders and saloon keepers
Outfit: White or striped shirts with rolled-up sleeves, black trousers, suspenders, and an apron.
Accessories: A pocket watch, fake mustache, or a bow tie.
Optional Props: An empty whiskey bottle, glass mugs, or a cleaning rag.
Townsfolk
Men: Simple shirts, suspenders, trousers, and work boots or shoes. Optional waistcoats or straw hats for farmers.
Women: Long skirts, simple blouses, aprons, shawls, or bonnets. Avoid lace or frills for a more modest, hardworking look.
Accessories: Wicker baskets, tools, or fabric scraps for a “working-class” feel.
More Wild West costume ideas
For even more Wild West costume ideas, you can have a look at the photos that other customers have sent us.
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