How to Make a Detective Costume for Kids

Kids can dress up as a detective by using accessories to get the look just right.

Coming up with kids costumes can include making one from scratch or simply modifying a few commonly found items. Making a detective costume is one choice which can be done without having to start from scratch. Both boys and girls can wear a detective costume and, depending on how much effort you want to put in to the design, you can create an outfit which will make everyone do a double take just to make sure the police have not sent in reinforcements.

Things You'll Need

• Black pants
• White button down shirt
• Necktie
• Black fedora or hat
• Flip top notepad and pencil
• Reading glasses
• White handkerchief
• Black sports jacket
• Fake police badge
• Trench coat
• Fake gun
• Magnifying glass
• Camera attached to neck strap
• Black dress shoes
• White socks

Instructions

1. Dress the child in black pants, a white button down shirt, white socks and flat black dress shoes. Use a thin necktie and place it over the white shirt -- make sure to tie the necktie using a thin knot. Add the black suit jacket over top. Place a folded white handkerchief in the front pocket of the jacket.

2. Put a trench coat on the child over the rest of the costume. Make sure to cinch the belt of the coat. You can use a black, brown or even white trench coat, depending on what you have available. Have the fake gun placed in the inside pocket of the trench coat or use a shoulder holster to hold the fake weapon inside the trench coat.

3. Place a black fedora or hat on the child's head. Pin the fake police badge to the side of the hat. Hang the camera around the neck of the child and have the child carry the magnifying glass in his hand. Place the flip top notebook, with a pencil threaded through the spiral portion, in the other hand. You can also have the child chew gum or suck on a lollipop to complete the look.

Tips & Warnings

• Lay out all the items before getting the child dressed.

• Make sure you have everything before you need to get the child dressed up as a detective.

• Do not use a real gun as a prop, even if it is unloaded. Use caution when sending a fake gun, even as a costume accessory, to a school function or to an event where the prop may not be welcomed.

References

• Oregon State University: Grime Scene Investigation
• Martha Stewart: Homemade Kids' Halloween Costumes
• The Fun Times Guide: Hundreds Of Kids Halloween Costumes You Can Make Yourself