Pablo Escobar Costume (Narcos Look)
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When people dress as Pablo Escobar, they are almost always copying Wagner Moura's portrayal in the first two seasons of Netflix's Narcos (2015–2016) rather than photos of the real man. That look is simple: a short-sleeved patterned shirt or sweatshirt, mid-wash jeans, a full black moustache, short curly dark hair and a heavier build.
It's worth saying plainly that Escobar was a real person whose cartel was responsible for a great deal of violence, and some people, particularly Colombians, find the costume offensive. If you go ahead with it, keep it to the Narcos character look and leave out drug or weapon props.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Easy
- Rough budget: $50–$90
- Reference: Wagner Moura in Narcos, seasons 1–2
- What people recognise first: Moustache + curly hair + patterned shirt
What you need
- Patterned short-sleeve dress shirt — Busy patterns in muted colours suit the 1980s setting.
- Short curly black wig — Short and slightly messy; it should look like it hasn't been styled.
- Fake moustache — A full, thick moustache that covers the top lip. Trim it if it's too wide for your face.
- Straight-leg or carpenter jeans — Mid-blue, relaxed fit. Avoid modern slim cuts.
- Crewneck sweatshirt (alternative top) — Some Narcos scenes show him in casual sweatshirts; useful for a cold night.
- Strap-on foam belly — Optional. A little padding changes the silhouette more than any accessory.
How to put it together
Shape and base
- If you're using belly padding, strap it on over a fitted T-shirt so it doesn't shift.
- Put on the jeans and tuck the shirt in loosely, or leave a sweatshirt untucked.
Hair and moustache
- Put on a wig cap, then the wig. Ruffle it with your fingers rather than brushing it.
- Clean and dry your upper lip before applying the moustache, and press it on for 30 seconds.
Final details
- White sneakers or simple loafers fit the period.
- A plain gold watch is a reasonable accessory. Skip drug and gun props: they add little and are often banned at events.
About the character
Pablo Escobar (1949–1993) led the Medellín Cartel in Colombia, which dominated the cocaine trade in the 1980s. The cartel's campaign of bombings, assassinations and kidnappings killed thousands of people, including politicians, police officers, judges and civilians. Escobar was killed by Colombian police in Medellín in December 1993.
His popularity as a costume comes mostly from Narcos, the Netflix series in which Brazilian actor Wagner Moura played him in the first two seasons. Moura gained weight for the role, which is why the costume usually includes belly padding.
Frequently asked questions
What does Pablo Escobar wear in Narcos?
Mostly casual 1980s clothes: short-sleeved patterned shirts, polo shirts or sweatshirts, relaxed jeans and sneakers. The look is completed by his curly dark hair, full moustache and heavier build.
Is a Pablo Escobar costume offensive?
It can be. Escobar's cartel killed thousands of people, and many Colombians object to him being treated as a pop-culture figure. If you wear it, stick to the Narcos character look, and don't add drug or weapon props.
Can I do the costume without a wig?
If your own hair is dark and short, you can tousle it instead. The moustache matters more than the hair for recognition.
What's a good group costume with Escobar?
Narcos groups often add the DEA agents Steve Murphy and Javier Peña: 1980s suits or short-sleeved shirts, aviator sunglasses and a moustache for Murphy.
Further reading
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