He-Man Costume Guide (Masters of the Universe)
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He-Man is the most powerful man in the universe and one of the most recognisable costumes of the 1980s. The classic look, from the Mattel toys and the 1983 Filmation cartoon, is a grey chest harness with a red iron-cross emblem, a wide belt, brown fur trunks, furry knee-high boots, wrist cuffs, a blond pageboy haircut and the Power Sword held aloft.
It is a revealing costume by design, but it is easy to make more covered: a tan or flesh-tone long-sleeve top under the harness looks fine in photos and is a common choice. The pieces that matter for recognition are the harness, the hair and the sword. If you'd rather be the villain, our Skeletor guide pairs with this one.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Moderate (the harness takes some work)
- Rough budget: $60–$130
- Time to put on: 20 minutes
- What people recognise first: Chest harness with red cross + blond pageboy + sword
What you need
- He-Man chest harness (or grey faux-leather to make one) — Grey straps crossing the chest with a red cross in a circle at the centre. If making your own, cut it from grey craft foam or faux leather and paint the emblem.
- Brown faux-fur trunks — Short, brown and shaggy. Wear tan bike shorts underneath.
- Wide brown belt with a gold buckle — Sits over the trunks. A plain wide belt with a large rectangular buckle is close enough.
- Furry knee-high boot covers — He-Man's boots are brown fur with a grey top band. Covers over your own boots are easier to walk in.
- Wide grey wrist cuffs — Grey or silver cuffs about four inches wide, one on each forearm.
- Blond pageboy wig — Chin-length, straight, with a full fringe. This is the piece most people skip and shouldn't; the haircut is half the character.
- Power Sword prop — A grey broadsword with a wide, flat blade. A foam version is safer for parties and conventions.
- Flesh-tone long-sleeve top (optional) — For a covered version, or for warmth, under the harness.
How to put it together
Base and trunks
- Put on tan bike shorts and, if you're using it, the flesh-tone top.
- Pull on the fur trunks and the wide belt over them, buckle to the front.
- Pull the boot covers over sturdy boots and fix them under the knee with elastic.
Harness and cuffs
- Put the harness on so the red cross sits in the middle of the chest and the straps cross at the back.
- Tighten it enough that it doesn't shift when you lift your arms.
- Fasten the wrist cuffs.
Wig and finishing
- Pin your hair back and put on the wig, combing the fringe straight across.
- A light bronzing powder on the arms and chest helps the harness stand out in photos.
- Raise the sword overhead with both hands and say 'By the power of Grayskull!' That's the pose.
About the character
He-Man is the heroic alter ego of Prince Adam of Eternia, who raises the Power Sword and transforms to defend Castle Grayskull from Skeletor. He began as a Mattel action figure line in 1982 and became a household name through the Filmation cartoon He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (1983–1985), with his tiger Battle Cat, the Sorceress, Man-At-Arms, Teela and Orko.
Dolph Lundgren played him in the 1987 live-action film, and the character returned in animated series in 2002 and 2021. A new live-action Masters of the Universe film arrived in 2026 with Nicholas Galitzine as He-Man, with a more armoured take on the costume. The classic cartoon version is still the one most people recognise, and the one this guide builds.
Frequently asked questions
What does He-Man wear?
In the classic design: a grey chest harness with a red iron cross in a circle, brown fur trunks with a wide belt, furry knee-high boots, grey wrist cuffs and a blond pageboy haircut. He carries the Power Sword and sometimes a shield and battle axe.
Can I do a He-Man costume without going shirtless?
Yes. A flesh-tone or tan long-sleeve top under the harness is common, and so is a muscle suit, which gives you the cartoon proportions and covers you at the same time.
How do I make the He-Man harness?
Cut two straps and a central disc from grey craft foam or faux leather, paint a red cross on the disc, and join the straps at the back with Velcro. It should sit high on the chest.
What's a good partner costume with He-Man?
Skeletor is the obvious choice. She-Ra, his twin sister, is the classic pairing for couples; Teela, Man-At-Arms, Orko and Battle Cat round out a group.
Further reading
More 80s & Retro costumes
- Adult Skeletor Costume — 80s & Retro