A tourist is one of the few costumes most people can put together from their own wardrobe tonight, and it still gets a laugh. The trick is not the floral shirt on its own; it's committing to the whole character, from socks pulled up under sandals to a map you keep opening the wrong way round. Below are solo looks, couples, groups and families, plus versions that behave themselves at school, at work, for little ones, for plus-size bodies and for expecting parents. Nearly all of them come together from closet basics, a thrift run and a few paper props you can make at the kitchen table.
Thrifting the Shirt That Sets Up the Joke
Almost every look below starts with a holiday shirt, and the second-hand rail is the best place to find one. Here's what I look for, because the wrong shirt can make a tourist look like someone who simply dressed nicely for summer.
- A large, busy print. Big flowers, parrots, palm trees or a map of an island read from across a room; small neat prints don't.
- Rayon or cotton over shiny polyester. Rayon drapes and breathes, while thin polyester clings and gets sweaty under a camera strap.
- A size up. A tourist's shirt hangs loose and boxy, and the extra room means you can layer a long-sleeve tee underneath on a cold night.
- Kids' and men's sections, whoever is wearing it. The loudest prints are often there, and a slightly oversized fit suits the character.
Wash a thrifted shirt before wearing it, and check the buttons. Older shirts often have one loose, and it's a two-minute fix with a needle before it falls off halfway through the night.
1. Classic Tacky Tourist Costume
Start with the loudest tropical shirt you can find and wear it open over a bright tank top. High-waisted khaki shorts with a chunky belt, white crew socks pulled high and brown sandals give you the classic mismatch. When I put this one together, I look for a shirt with a big, busy hibiscus or parrot print, because a small print just reads as a nice shirt from across the room. A straw hat, big sunglasses and a fanny pack sit on top, with a light camera round your neck and a paper map covered in circled sights. A little rosy blush across the cheeks and nose suggests a day in the sun. It's at its funniest when you point at everything in every photo.
2. Beach Vacation Tourist Costume
Picture someone who packed the entire beach into one outfit. A bright swimsuit goes under a loose cover-up or an oversized button-down, with printed board shorts if you'd like more coverage. Flip-flops, big sunglasses and a floppy hat do the rest, and the hair can stay a bit tousled. Keep the face dewy with pink cheeks and bright lip balm. Carry a rolled towel, an inflatable beach ball and a tote of sunscreen bottles and brochures. The stripe of white sunscreen on the nose is the gag that lands; I use a white cream face paint for it, not real sunscreen, because real zinc creams smear across everything you hug. For an indoor party, wear a fitted tee under the cover-up and you won't be cold.
3. Airport Tourist Costume
The airport traveller is basically the outfit you'd wear on a long-haul flight, turned up a notch. A matching tracksuit or leggings with a big sweatshirt, compression-style socks and white sneakers are the base. Add a neck pillow, sleep mask, headphones and a crossbody passport holder, and pull your hair into a messy bun or under a cap. A little extra shading under the eyes says red-eye flight. Paper luggage tags with made-up destinations on a small wheeled case, a clear toiletry pouch and a printed boarding pass finish it. This is one of the most comfortable costumes on the list, which is a fair reason to pick it. Then check your watch and hurry towards an imaginary gate.
4. Cruise Ship Tourist Costume
The cruise passenger is the tidy one in the tourist family. A navy-and-white striped shirt, white Bermuda shorts and deck shoes or clean sneakers make a crisp base, with a light windbreaker knotted over the shoulders and a canvas belt. Keep hair smooth and makeup fresh, with coral blush and a glossy lip. The captain-style souvenir hat is what tells people it's a cruise rather than a yacht club, so don't skip it. Add sunglasses, a lanyard with a homemade cruise card, binoculars and a folded schedule of imaginary deck games. A small rolling case for arrival day is a nice extra. Then keep pointing at the horizon as if you've just spotted land.
5. Safari Tourist Costume
A wildlife-watching tourist is about kit, not culture, so build it from neutral outdoor clothes rather than anything that borrows from a real people. A beige utility shirt, olive cargo pants or long khaki shorts, sturdy hiking boots and a lightweight vest with lots of pockets are the core. A wide-brim sun hat over a braid or low bun suits it, with warm bronzer and natural makeup. Binoculars, an illustrated animal checklist and a toy camera are safe, readable props. A water bottle and small canvas backpack finish it. The pockets are useful too; you can carry your phone and keys without a bag. Every so often, raise the binoculars and quietly announce a rare sighting across the room.
6. Ski Resort Tourist Costume
You don't need snow to play a ski holiday tourist, just colour. Layer a bright puffer over a fitted turtleneck and insulated-looking pants or plain leggings, add thick patterned socks and flat winter boots with grip. Goggles rest on your forehead and a knitted beanie keeps you warm, which makes this the one to choose for a cold outdoor night. Two braids or short hair peeking out from the hat both suit it. Rosy blush on the cheeks and nose fakes windburn. Use cardboard poles and a hand-drawn resort map rather than real equipment, and clip a lift-ticket tag to your zip. A puffer gets hot indoors fast, so wear a thin layer underneath that you'd be happy to strip down to.
7. Rainy City Tourist Costume
The rainy city tourist is half practical and half silly. A bright waterproof jacket over a striped sweater, straight jeans or cropped trousers, patterned rain boots and colourful socks set it up. Hair can be a low ponytail or slightly damp-looking waves, with waterproof mascara and rosy cheeks. Carry a clear umbrella, a folded city map and a small camera in a crossbody bag, and add a bucket hat or rain bonnet if you like. Paper attraction tickets in your pocket help. Open the umbrella only outdoors or for a photo, since the ribs are at eye level for everyone near you. Indoors, keep turning the map upside down and asking where the landmark went.
8. Theme Park Tourist Costume
A theme park visitor lives in comfortable shoes and runs on enthusiasm. A bright graphic tee with a generic roller coaster on it, denim shorts or light joggers, ankle socks and cushioned sneakers are the base, with a sweatshirt tied round the waist. A high ponytail or a playful ear-shaped headband handles the hair, and the makeup can stay cheerful and simple. Pile on a fanny pack, a water bottle, a handheld fan and a lanyard of homemade ride passes. I'd keep the shirt print generic rather than tied to a real park, since the joke is the type of tourist. Then check the map constantly and announce which imaginary ride everyone needs to queue for next.
9. Road Trip Tourist Costume
This one captures the rumpled feeling of eight hours in a car. A vintage-style destination tee, relaxed jeans, a zip-up hoodie and slip-on sneakers make the base, with odd socks and a baseball cap. Hair can be a loose braid or deliberately flattened under the cap, and a hint of under-eye shading shows the miles. Carry a folded road map, an oversized key ring, a travel mug and a snack bag. A cardboard steering wheel is a great photo prop and weighs almost nothing; I cut it from a double layer of box card so it doesn't flop. Hand-lettered road signs can go on a backpack. Then insist your shortcut will save at least ten minutes.
10. Backpacker Tourist Costume
The backpacker should look ready to hike all day without actually carrying a load. Wear a wicking tee, zip-off cargo pants, hiking socks and sturdy walking shoes, with a light rain shell. A small backpack across both shoulders is the core prop, and I stuff it with crumpled paper or a pillow rather than real gear so it looks full but weighs nothing. Strap a rolled foam mat on the bottom, clip a reusable cup to the side and sew on a few destination patches. A neck wallet, a guidebook and a water bottle finish it. Keep makeup natural with a little pink blush. Adjust the straps now and then and explain that you're travelling with only the essentials.
11. Luxury Tourist Costume
Not everyone wants to look tacky, and the luxury traveller is the polished alternative. A flowing matching set, wide-leg trousers or an elegant midi dress under a tailored jacket make the base, with loafers, ballet flats or low block heels you can stand in for hours. Glossy waves or a sleek bun, luminous skin and a neutral lip suit it. The props carry the joke: oversized sunglasses, a silk-look scarf, a structured tote, a wheeled case, a homemade first-class boarding pass and an itinerary in a fancy passport cover. Without the luggage, this just looks like a nice outfit, so bring the case. Then politely ask whether the party has a private lounge.
12. Travel Influencer Tourist Costume
The travel influencer is the costume that's really about behaviour. Wear a matching linen-look crop top and wide-leg pants or a bright midi dress with clean white sneakers, plus layered necklaces, statement sunglasses and a small crossbody. Polished waves, glowing skin and a glossy neutral lip are part of the character. A phone on a selfie stick and a cardboard ring light are the key props; I make the ring from a paper plate with the middle cut out and a strip of white card round it, which is light enough to hold up all night. A mini tripod and a handwritten content schedule can peek out of a tote. Keep stopping to pose, and ask for 'one more' casual-looking photo.
13. Lost Tourist Costume
Confusion is the whole costume here, so every detail should point the wrong way. A bright polo or tropical shirt, cargo shorts, high socks and walking sneakers are the base, with a sun visor, a fanny pack and a small backpack worn slightly crooked. Hair tousled under the visor, pink cheeks. Cover yourself in folded maps, brochures and handwritten directions, hold one map upside down and hang a compass from your neck. Souvenir keychains, a camera and mismatched stickers add to it. Make sure the maps are folded small or taped down, because a big open sheet blocks your view in a crowd. Then turn in slow circles and walk off confidently in the wrong direction whenever someone helps.
14. Sightseeing Photographer Tourist Costume
This tourist has one mission: photograph everything. A breathable button-down, a utility vest, relaxed cargo pants and cushioned walking shoes make a practical base, with a bucket hat and sunglasses pushed up on the forehead. Keep hair low and makeup natural with a little bronzer. Hang a light camera round your neck, carry a second toy lens and tuck a mini tripod into a crossbody. A real camera is fine if it's light, but a heavy DSLR swinging on a strap all night gets tiring and knocks into people, so a toy or an old compact is smarter. A folded shot list of landmarks, food and group portraits finishes it. Frame imaginary shots with your hands and keep asking everyone to squeeze in.
15. Senior Bus Tour Tourist Costume
The bus tour costume celebrates organised group travel, and it's kindest when the joke is the tour, not age. A pastel polo, pressed Bermuda shorts, white crew socks and cushioned sneakers are the base, with a light windbreaker or cardigan, a sun visor and big sunglasses. A neat short wig or carefully combed hair keeps it tidy. Subtle makeup and rosy cheeks are plenty. The name-tag lanyard and a printed bus schedule are what sell it, along with binoculars, a compact camera and a waist pack of pretend tickets and peppermints. I'd make the name tag big and easy to read, since that's the detail people notice first. Keep counting your friends and reminding them the bus leaves in five minutes.
16. Museum Tourist Costume
If you'd rather not wear a floral shirt at all, the museum visitor is the quiet, clever option. A black turtleneck or simple blouse, tailored trousers or a midi skirt and supportive loafers make the base, with a light cardigan over the shoulders. A neat bun, defined brows and a soft neutral lip keep it polished. The props do the identifying: a folded gallery map, audio-guide-style headphones, reading glasses and an entry sticker on your lapel. Without those, you just look smart, so make the sticker bold. Comfortable shoes matter, because this character has supposedly been on their feet in galleries for hours. Then study the party decorations very seriously and whisper your thoughts.
17. Camping Tourist Costume
The camping tourist mixes sightseeing humour with warm outdoor clothes, which makes it a good pick for a chilly night. A plaid overshirt over a thermal top, cargo pants, lace-up hiking boots, thick socks and a quilted vest give you texture without bulky gear. Braids or a knitted beanie suit it, with warm blush and a few drawn-on freckles in brown eyeliner pencil. Carry a small backpack with a rolled blanket, a metal-look cup, a flashlight and a campground map. A cardboard lantern is a safer indoor prop than anything with a flame; I put a small battery tea light inside if I want a glow. Add binoculars, then spend the party hunting for the best imaginary campsite.
18. Souvenir Collector Tourist Costume
The souvenir collector is the one costume where more really is better. Start with a destination tee, denim shorts or casual trousers and sneakers, then knot a few extra souvenir shirts round your shoulders and waist, loosely enough to move. A cap covered in pins, a canvas tote of patches, sunglasses, a camera, a fanny pack, postcards, keychains and paper tickets pile up the joke. Pins on a cap get heavy and pull it sideways, so I fix the bigger ones to the tote and keep only small ones on the hat. A small rolling bag with made-up destination stickers is a bonus. Hand out imaginary postcards and tell the story behind every trinket.
19. Matching Tourist Couple Costume
Two people in nearly identical holiday clothes are funnier than one. Choose matching tropical shirts, khaki shorts, white crew socks and brown sandals or sneakers, then give each person a straw hat, big sunglasses and a fanny pack in a different bright colour. That one colour difference stops you looking like a uniformed group and makes the photos more fun. Keep hair windswept under the hats, add rosy cheeks and a stripe of white face paint on each nose. One partner carries the big map, the other the camera and selfie stick, with matching luggage tags and tour badges. Then stand side by side and point confidently in opposite directions.
20. Honeymoon Tourist Couple Costume
The honeymoon pair is sweet rather than silly, and needs nothing formal. One partner wears a floral sundress with flat sandals, the other a tropical shirt, tailored shorts and loafers or clean sneakers. Coordinate by colour, not by matching pieces; I usually pull one colour from the dress print into the shirt so they look like they packed together. Soft waves for one, a tidy style for the other, fresh makeup and rosy cheeks. Matching sun hats, sunglasses, cameras and carry-on bags tie it together. Homemade 'just married travellers' tags on the luggage and a shared destination map are the story props. Souvenir flower necklaces and matching passport holders finish it. Then ask everyone to take your photo.
21. Tourist And Tour Guide Couple Costume
Splitting the roles makes this couple read even when you're on opposite sides of the room. The tourist goes loud: floral shirt, khaki shorts, high socks, sandals, a bucket hat and a camera, plus exaggerated rosy cheeks. The guide goes neat: a polo, cargo trousers, walking sneakers and a visor with a proper-looking name tag, with clean natural makeup. Give the guide a small flag, a clipboard, a headset and a schedule, and the tourist a map, binoculars and souvenir tote. The flag is the piece I'd put most effort into, since a bright flag held up is visible over a crowd. Then the guide points at landmarks while the tourist snaps away.
22. Tourist And Landmark Couple Costume
A tourist plus a landmark is a clever duo, and the Statue of Liberty is the easiest landmark to wear. The tourist keeps it simple in a souvenir-print shirt, shorts, white socks, sneakers, a sun hat and a camera. The landmark partner wears a long sea-green dress or matching green top and pants with green flats, plus a foam crown and a light torch prop. Craft foam crowns cut flat lose their shape, so I bend the spikes and glue the band into a ring before attaching them. A neat updo and a little green shimmer suit the statue; rosy cheeks suit the traveller. A map, a small suitcase and city postcards link you. Pose as if you've just reached the big stop on the trip.
23. Family Road Trip Tourist Costume
A road trip family is easy because everyone can wear their own comfortable clothes. Adults wear destination tees, jeans, hoodies and sneakers, children wear bright tees, joggers and supportive shoes, and matching caps or homemade travel badges tie you together. Hair stays casual, and makeup is a touch of blush for adults and optional for little ones. Give each person one safe prop, such as a map, a soft neck pillow, a toy camera, a snack bag or a light suitcase, so nobody is overloaded. A cardboard roadside sign with a made-up destination makes a good group photo. Arrange everyone as if you've just tumbled out of an overcrowded car, with one reading directions and one asking if you're there yet.
24. Family Beach Tourist Costume
A beach family is cheerful and adapts to every age. Dress everyone in tropical shirts, cover-ups, board shorts or summer dresses layered over ordinary tees and shorts, with flip-flops that have a back strap, sun hats and sunglasses. Loose flip-flops come off on stairs and in a crowd, which is why I'd put younger kids in sandals that buckle. Adults get bright blush and a white stripe of face paint on the nose; for children it's optional. Hand out light props like towels, beach balls, empty sunscreen bottles, toy binoculars and totes. Coordinating prints connect the group without anyone wearing the same thing. Then pose as if you're fighting for the last spot of sand.
25. Group Bus Tour Tourist Costume
The bus tour gets funnier with every friend who joins. Put everyone in different pastel polos, floral shirts, Bermuda shorts or comfortable trousers, with crew socks and walking sneakers, then tie the group together with matching visors, sunglasses, lanyards and small waist packs. Hair can be neat and practical, short wigs included, and makeup subtle. Give each person a different light prop so nobody carries the same thing. Choose one friend as the leader with a numbered paddle and a schedule; I'd make the paddle from stiff card on a paint stirrer so it stays upright when raised. Stay close, count heads often and line up neatly as if you're waiting to get back on the bus.
26. Group Cruise Tourist Costume
For a cruise group, a shared palette does more than matching clothes. Pick navy, white, coral and turquoise and let everyone wear what they like within it: striped shirts, white shorts, breezy dresses, polos, deck shoes, sandals or clean sneakers. Sun hats, sunglasses, lanyards and light jackets over the shoulders keep the theme consistent. Fresh makeup with coral blush and glossy lips suits it. Give each person one cruise activity prop, like binoculars, a deck map or a homemade entertainment schedule, and let just one person wear the captain-style hat so it stays special. For photos, line up along an imaginary rail and point at a distant island.
27. School Spirit Day Tourist Costume
For a school spirit day, the costume has to survive a full day of hallways, desks and stairs. Layer a bright floral shirt over a plain tee and wear knee-length khaki shorts or relaxed trousers, white crew socks and supportive sneakers instead of sandals. Most school dress codes are fine with a bucket hat outside but not in class, so keep it easy to take off, and park the sunglasses on top of your head. Minimal makeup or just pink cheeks is plenty. A small fanny pack, a folded map and a toy camera give enough detail without being a distraction. Add a lanyard of homemade tickets and a school-safe brochure, then point at the library as if it's a major sight.
28. Office Friendly Tourist Costume
At work, the joke has to be recognisable while you still look like you can take a meeting. A colourful tropical shirt buttoned properly, tailored khaki trousers or a knee-length skirt, and loafers, flats or clean leather sneakers do it. Hair smooth, everyday makeup with a bit more rosy blush. A tidy crossbody, a sun hat, sunglasses and a compact camera carry the character, and the hat comes off at your desk. A folded map and a lanyard with a made-up conference-tour badge add a little office humour. If the print is very loud, a plain cardigan over it tones it down for the morning. Then ask colleagues to recommend the best attraction near the break room.
29. Kids Tourist Costume
Children need a tourist costume they can run in. A bright printed shirt over a cotton tee, pull-on shorts or joggers, comfy ankle socks and sneakers with secure fastenings are the base. A soft bucket hat and bendy sunglasses resting on the brim finish the head. Kids pull off anything itchy or tight within the hour, so I stick to soft cotton and avoid elastic straps round the head. Makeup is optional. A small waist pack, a toy camera, a paper map and light binoculars are enough; skip heavy luggage and anything with long cords. Let them carry a tiny backpack covered in homemade destination stickers and point excitedly at imaginary animals.
30. Toddler Tourist Costume
For a toddler, every piece should be soft, light and quick to take off. A bright button-front shirt worn open over a breathable cotton top, elastic-waist shorts and supportive slip-on sneakers with soft socks are the base, and a flexible sun hat is the one detail that makes it a tourist. Leave hair natural or in little pigtails and skip makeup. Swap any hard props for a fabric waist pouch and a soft toy camera, and attach a small cloth or paper map to a little backpack. A plush travel pillow is cute and doubles as a comforter. Any strap or cord near the neck is a strangling risk at this age, so keep the camera off a neck strap and stay close while they play.
31. Plus Size Tourist Costume
A plus-size tourist should be built around how you like your clothes to fit, not around hiding. A flowing tropical shirt over a fitted tank, with stretchy Bermuda shorts, wide-leg linen-look pants or a breathable midi skirt, gives you a lot of choice. Cushioned sandals or supportive sneakers, with soft crew socks if you want the classic mismatch, keep you comfortable. Loose waves or braids under a wide-brim hat, glowing skin and a bright lip suit it. Choose an adjustable fanny pack or a roomy crossbody; many fanny packs run short on the strap, so check the length before the day. Sunglasses, a light camera, a map and a souvenir tote finish the character.
32. Maternity Tourist Costume
During pregnancy, comfort comes first and the joke comes second. A stretchy tropical-print dress, or maternity leggings with a long floral button-down, is the base, with supportive sneakers or cushioned sandals that strap on securely. A light cardigan tied over the shoulders gives a layer you can take off quickly if you get warm. Hair in a loose braid or low bun under a sun visor, with rosy blush and tinted balm. Keep accessories light: a small crossbody, sunglasses, a map and a little camera. The neck pillow is the clever prop here, funny and genuinely useful if you need to sit. Skip heavy backpacks and wheeled cases in crowds, and pose with a hand-lettered 'babymoon sightseeing tour' sign.
33. Retro 1980s Tourist Costume
An 1980s tourist is all bright colour and sporty layers. A neon windbreaker over a graphic holiday tee, high-waisted shorts or colour-block track pants, scrunched crew socks and chunky white sneakers set the decade straight away. A high side ponytail or a fluffy short wig, blue or purple eyeshadow, strong pink blush and glossy lipstick finish the face, kept playful. Add a visor, mirrored sunglasses, a wide belt bag and a big toy camera, a paper map and a few souvenir buttons. A cassette-player-style prop clipped to the waistband is the detail that dates it. Thrift shops often have real nylon windbreakers from the period; they rustle when you move, which only helps.
34. 1990s Tourist Costume
The 1990s traveller is relaxed denim plus practical kit. Tuck an oversized souvenir tee into high-waisted denim shorts or straight jeans, and add a colour-block windbreaker, white crew socks and sturdy sneakers. A scrunchie, a claw clip, a middle part or a bucket hat each date it nicely, with brown-toned lipstick and matte blush. A disposable-style camera on a wrist strap is the giveaway prop, along with a small nylon backpack, a paper guidebook and a postcard. A plastic watch with a bright band and narrow sunglasses add to it. I'd skip anything too fussy; the decade's look was casual, and a tidy outfit undermines it. Then take snapshots all night and tell everyone they'll have to wait for the film.
35. Last Minute Tourist Costume
Out of time? You almost certainly own this costume already. Wear your brightest button-down with shorts, casual trousers or jeans, white socks and sandals or sneakers. Any sun hat, cap or visor works, with sunglasses on top. Hair can stay as it is. Rosy blush across the cheeks and nose gives the sun-kissed look in seconds. A tote or belt bag, a phone or light camera on a secure strap, an empty water bottle and a hand-drawn map are enough. In my experience, the sock-and-sandal combination and the map do most of the work, so if you only manage two things, make it those. It takes minutes and still reads clearly.
Shorts in October Without Freezing
The awkward truth about a tourist costume is that it's summer clothes worn on an autumn night. If you're trick-or-treating or the party spills outside, plan the warmth in so it still looks deliberate.
- Wear skin-tone or white leggings under shorts. Paired with high white socks, they read as part of the joke rather than a cover-up.
- Put a thermal long-sleeve top under the tropical shirt. An open shirt over a plain layer is exactly how real travellers wear them.
- Swap sandals for sneakers with the white socks. Cold, wet feet will end your night faster than anything, and the sock look still works.
- Tie a windbreaker or hoodie round your waist. It fits the character and you can put it on the moment you need it.
Paper Props in Ten Minutes
Most of the fun details here are printed or hand-drawn: a boarding pass, luggage tags, attraction tickets, a map with circled sights. I make them on thick paper or card rather than plain printer paper, because thin sheets crumple in a pocket within the hour. Punch a hole in each tag and use a ribbon or a loop of string, not tape, so they stay put on a bag. If you want one prop to really carry the costume, make the map big and keep it folded until someone asks you for directions.
Socks, Sandals and a Map Do Most of the Work
The tourist costume works because everyone already recognises the character. Start with ordinary holiday clothes, a tropical shirt, comfortable shoes, a sun hat and a camera, then let the props and your behaviour finish the job. Pick a version that suits your event, from a solo look to a whole bus tour of friends, a family road trip or something tidy enough for school or the office. Keep accessories light and shoes secure so you're comfortable for hours. After that, enjoy playing the part: study the map, point at imaginary landmarks and act delighted at every stop.
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