Costume 1920s Gangster Basics
The 1920s gangster look grew out of everyday menswear of the decade: a three-piece suit, often in pinstripe or dark wool, a white or dark shirt, a wide tie or bow tie, suspenders and a felt hat. What made it gangster was attitude and contrast, such as a black shirt with a light tie, a hat tilted forward, or two-tone shoes.
To build a costume quickly, start with what you have: dark trousers and a white shirt. Then add an accessory set with a hat, suspenders and a tie, or a vest costume set if you want the waistcoat as well. A pocket watch on a chain, armbands on the sleeves and a pocket square make the outfit more convincing in photos.
Guys Gangster Costume Ideas
Three easy characters work for most parties. The boss wears a dark pinstripe suit, a wide tie and a fedora. The bootlegger wears a waistcoat, rolled sleeves, armbands and a newsboy cap. The gentleman gambler wears a vest, a bow tie and a pocket watch. Choose one and keep the colors dark, with a single accent such as red or gold.
Our sets run from accessory-only kits to vest costumes in sizes up to 6XL, so larger frames can join the theme too. Check each size chart before ordering.
Mens 20s Gangster Costume Accessories
Accessories carry most of the look. A black fedora or a newsboy cap sets the era; suspenders keep high-waisted trousers in place; a bow tie or a wide tie adds polish; armbands, or sleeve garters, suggest a speakeasy bartender or card player. Browse suspenders, bow ties and newsboy caps to complete or upgrade any set.
Flapper and Gangster Costume for Couples
The most popular couple's costume of the decade is a flapper and a gangster. Pair a gangster set with a sequin or fringe dress from our flapper dresses, and match one color between the two outfits, such as a red tie with a red dress or a gold pocket square with a gold dress.
Gangster Costume Halloween Tips
For Halloween, add a toy prop violin case or a dollar-sign bag for humor, slick the hair back with a little gel and draw on a thin mustache. Order early: delivery usually takes 10 to 20 business days, so plan for early October.
For a group, assign each friend a different role, such as the boss, the bookkeeper, the driver and the bartender, and give each one a signature accessory. It makes the theme fun for guests and gives great variety in photos, while dark colors and matching hats keep everyone clearly part of the same gang.
Gangster Costumes FAQ
What does a 1920s gangster costume include?
Usually a suit or vest, a white or dark shirt, suspenders, a tie or bow tie and a fedora or newsboy cap.
Do your sets include trousers?
Accessory sets do not; vest sets include the vest and the pieces shown in each option photo.
Are there plus sizes?
Yes, the vest costume set goes up to 6XL.
When should I order for Halloween?
By early October, as delivery takes 10 to 20 business days.
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