Harry and Marv are one of my favourite duos to style because almost nothing has to be bought new. The whole joke lives in thrift-store winter layers: Harry's dark beanie and overcoat against Marv's long coat, untidy curls, gloves and work boots, with a few clues from the traps they walked into. Below are thirty takes on the burglar pair, from a screen-style version to closet, kids', office and parade costumes, each with the clothes, hair, makeup, shoes and a prop that won't hurt anyone. My one standing rule across all of them: the injuries stay cartoon symbols, never realistic burns.
Two Coats, Two Heights, One Obvious Pair
These two are recognised by contrast, so I plan them side by side before either person buys a thing. Harry is the shorter, tidier one: a coat that stops around the knee, a vest showing at the neck, and that dark beanie. Marv is the tall, loose one: a coat to the shin or lower, a cardigan hanging open, and big untidy hair. If your heights run the other way, you can still play it. Give the taller person Harry's short coat and a flat cap-style beanie, and build Marv's height with a high wig and longer layers.
- Keep Harry in greys and Marv in browns so the pair separates in photos.
- Let only one person wear bold plaid; two loud patterns blur together.
- Match one small thing, like the faucet badges, so you look like a team.
1. Classic Harry And Marv Costume
For the classic pair, the coats do most of the work. Harry gets a grey wool overcoat over a brown vest and plaid shirt, dark trousers, black lace-up shoes and a black knit beanie with white craft feathers near the crown. A little grey makeup makes him look rumpled. Marv goes long and loose: a brown or charcoal coat over a cardigan and faded shirt, baggy plaid pants, fingerless gloves and work boots, with tall messy curls or a tousled wig. Cardboard paint cans and canvas bags with removable faucet patches give both of you something to hold.
2. DIY Harry And Marv Costume
Making it yourself is mostly a question of where you hunt. I'd find Harry a thrifted overcoat, a checked shirt, a brown sweater vest, black pants and old dress shoes, then roll a black beanie short and glue the feathers to the hat, never to hair. Marv's layers are a chambray shirt, brown cardigan, oversized coat, plaid trousers, boots, and knit gloves with the fingertips trimmed and the edges stitched so they don't unravel. Tease his hair with temporary spray or use a shaggy wig. Washable charcoal makeup dabbed on both faces, flattened cardboard paint cans with ribbon handles, and paper "H" and "M" name tags finish it.
3. Last-Minute Harry And Marv Costume
Forgot until the day of the party? You can still do this. Harry needs a dark winter coat, a button-down, a sweater vest or cardigan, black pants, a knit cap and scarf, plus a few white feathers held on with fashion tape. Marv takes the longest coat in the house over a blue or grey shirt, loose patterned pants, gloves and boots, with his hair brushed up and out. Brown eyeshadow works as washable dirt on cheeks and forehead. Two grocery bags with paper faucets taped on become the props. Honestly, the layers look better slightly mismatched; these two were never neat.
4. Harry And Marv Trap Aftermath Costume
The aftermath version shows the bad night they had, but in a way a five-year-old can laugh at. Harry wears his plaid shirt, vest, charcoal coat, dark pants, black shoes and feathered beanie, with a red paper doorknob stuck to one glove instead of anything drawn on skin. Marv's faded shirt, cardigan, long coat, plaid pants and boots get a grey iron stamped on one cheek in water-based face paint, kept flat and graphic. Let his wig stand well above the collar. Foam paint cans on ribbon and paper "Oops!" tags pinned to the coats carry the joke without any wounds.
5. Harry And Marv Feather And Iron Costume
Two clues tell the whole story here: Harry's feathers and Marv's iron mark. Harry wears a brown tweed vest over a checked shirt, an oversized grey coat, a dark scarf, black trousers and scuffed dress shoes, with his hair tucked under a beanie covered in soft white feathers. A little grey powder at the temples. Marv layers a blue shirt, brown cardigan and long dark coat over plaid pants, fingerless gloves and work boots, with a tousled medium-brown wig. I paint the iron as a clean silver-grey outline rather than a burn, so it reads as a cartoon. Two light cardboard paint cans keep the photo coordinated in a crowd.
6. Harry And Marv Spider Costume
Marv's spider is the gag people quote, so I build this pair around it. Harry gets a tan plaid shirt, brown vest, dark wool coat, black trousers, lace-up shoes, scarf and a black cap ringed with white feathers. Marv wears a grey-blue shirt, oatmeal cardigan, oversized brown coat, loose plaid pants, fingerless gloves and foam-soled boots, with a brown wig in wild curls. Clip a big plush spider near the top; hard plastic ones with stiff legs poke the wearer and anyone they hug. A cardboard doorknob sign for Harry and a paint-can prop for Marv round it out.
7. Wet Bandits Harry And Marv Costume
Their nickname comes from Marv leaving the taps running, and I'd show water without ever bringing any. Harry wears a charcoal overcoat, burgundy plaid shirt, brown vest, dark pants, black shoes, scarf and feathered beanie; Marv a long brown coat, washed-blue shirt, beige cardigan, patterned trousers, gloves, boots and a shaggy wig. Keep both faces lightly smudged. Removable blue water-drop patches and paper faucets go on canvas bags, and clear blue ribbon hanging from the openings plays running water without a slippery floor. A "Wet Bandits" sign helps photos, but test it: the costumes should still read with the sign put away.
8. Home Alone 2 Harry And Marv Costume
The sequel puts the pair in a winter city, so the layers get longer and heavier. Harry wears a dark grey overcoat over a checked shirt and textured brown vest, straight trousers, black shoes, leather-look gloves, a scarf and the black beanie with feathers along one edge. Marv's coat is roomy and chocolate brown, over a faded shirt, chunky cardigan and loose dark pants, with fingerless gloves, boots and a wig that looks a bit windblown. Light grey makeup on the cheeks reads as travel-worn. A folded paper city map, an empty toy tool bag and a fake newspaper under Harry's arm hint at the city without crowding the outfit.
9. Winter Harry And Marv Costume
If you're outside for hours, the warmth has to be real, not just costume layers that look warm. I put thermals under everything. Harry's plaid shirt, vest, insulated charcoal coat and wool trousers go over a base layer, with thick socks, slip-resistant boots, a feathered beanie, scarf and gloves. Marv wears thermal leggings under his loose plaid pants, a long-sleeve shirt, warm cardigan and oversized brown coat, with full gloves under the fingerless pair so his fingers survive. Fit the wig over a thin wig cap so a hat can go on top if needed. Foam paint cans and laminated faucet signs won't go soggy if it drizzles.
10. Thrift Store Harry And Marv Costume
Secondhand is the most honest way to dress these two, because the slightly worn, mismatched look is exactly right. For Harry, look for a grey overcoat, plaid shirt, brown vest, relaxed trousers, black shoes, a scarf and a plain knit cap you can feather. For Marv, an oversized brown coat, blue work shirt, neutral cardigan, patterned pants, dark boots and knit gloves. Wear is fine; a broken zip or a hem that trips you is not. A secondhand curly wig can be washed in cool water and restyled. Matte brown and grey makeup gives the dusty finish, and old totes take removable faucets and ribbon drops.
11. Budget Harry And Marv Costume
On a tight budget I put the money into nothing and the effort into silhouette. Harry borrows a dark coat and wears it over a plaid shirt and brown sweater, black jeans, plain shoes, a scarf and a cheap black beanie; cotton balls pulled thin work as feathers. Marv needs a long coat, faded shirt, brown cardigan, loose checked pants, gloves and boots. No wig? Mousse and a hairdryer give messy volume, and on short hair, brown yarn curls sewn to a knit cap fake it well. Washable face smudges, paper faucet badges, and cereal boxes wrapped in grey paper as paint cans cost almost nothing.
12. Minimalist Harry And Marv Costume
Some nights you don't want to hold anything, and this pared-back pair suits that. Harry keeps the grey coat, brown sweater vest, white-and-brown plaid shirt, black pants, dress shoes and feathered cap, with one small grey smudge on the cheek. Marv wears a long brown coat over a blue shirt, straight plaid trousers, fingerless gloves, black boots and a messy wig, plus one silver-grey iron outline on his cheek. I move the props onto the coats as a small faucet patch on each lapel. Leave jewellery off so the shapes stay clear, and you can eat and dance freely.
13. Warm-Weather Harry And Marv Costume
Heavy wool coats in a warm climate will make you miserable within the hour, so I swap the weight, not the shapes. Harry wears a light grey duster over a short-sleeve plaid shirt and thin brown vest, cotton trousers, breathable black sneakers and a loose beanie with small white feathers. Marv's brown jacket is unlined, over a soft blue shirt, a light cardigan, loose plaid pants, cotton fingerless gloves and canvas shoes. A ventilated wig or your own hair tousled into curls keeps his head cooler. Use very little makeup, since sweat moves it. Flat faucet signs, empty canvas bags and rolled sleeves keep you cool.
14. Women’s Harry And Marv Costume
When two women play the pair, I'd keep the clothes practical and let the characters stay scruffy rather than turning them glam. Harry can wear a fitted grey coat over a plaid blouse and cropped brown vest, straight black trousers, flat lace-up boots and the feathered beanie, with a short wig or hair tucked in and light shading on the face. Marv layers a long brown coat over a blue shirt and buttoned cardigan with plaid wide-leg pants, fingerless gloves and ankle boots. Long hair can be teased and pinned up into a loose high shape, or covered with a shaggy wig. Matching canvas bags with faucet patches and blue ribbon tie you together.
15. Gender-Swapped Harry And Marv Costume
In a gender-swapped pair, the outline matters more than the cut: Harry stays shorter and compact, Marv taller and untidy. Harry might wear a charcoal belted coat, brown sweater vest, checked blouse, tapered trousers and flat boots, with a feathered beanie over tucked hair and cool grey makeup. Marv can take an oversized chocolate coat over a long blue shirt and textured cardigan, checked wide-leg pants, knit gloves and chunky boots, with a shoulder-length wig in big uneven curls and a metallic-grey iron outline on one cheek. Crossbody tool bags with paper faucet badges free your hands.
16. Plus-Size Harry And Marv Costume
Layered costumes get tight across the shoulders fast, so for a plus-size pair I start by checking that each coat fits over everything else with room to lift your arms. Harry's grey coat is best open-front, over a plaid shirt and a stretchy brown vest, with stretch-waist trousers, cushioned shoes, a soft scarf, gloves and an adjustable beanie with feathers. Marv wears a relaxed brown coat over a breathable shirt and open cardigan, wide-leg plaid pants and supportive boots, with a light wig on an adjustable cap. Keep the grey makeup to small patches. Real clothing beats stiff costume fabric for sitting and walking all night.
17. Kids Harry And Marv Costume
For kids I think in terms of what they'll pull off in the first ten minutes. Harry gets a grey fleece coat, plaid shirt, brown knit vest, black joggers, nonslip sneakers, gloves and a stretchy beanie with felt feathers sewn on firmly. Marv wears a brown fleece jacket, blue shirt, soft cardigan, plaid pajama-style pants, gloves and comfortable shoes, with brown yarn hair sewn to a light cap instead of sticky products. Keep face paint to tiny grey smudges, nowhere near the eyes. Foam paint cans, felt faucet badges, fabric totes, and reflective tape on the back of each coat for trick-or-treating after dark.
18. Teen Harry And Marv Costume
Teens usually want the reference without looking like they tried too hard, which suits these two fine. Harry wears a vintage-style grey coat over a brown sweater vest and oversized plaid shirt, loose black jeans, lace-up sneakers, a dark scarf and the feathered beanie. Marv pairs a long brown jacket with a faded blue shirt, waffle-knit cardigan, checked pants, fingerless gloves and chunky boots, with hair tousled using styling powder or a shaggy wig. A touch of grey on the cheekbones is plenty. Crossbody bags with fabric faucets and small laminated name labels work for school events, dances and group photos.
19. Family-Friendly Harry And Marv Costume
At a community event with lots of little kids, I swap every injury for a paper symbol. Harry wears a charcoal overcoat, checked shirt, brown knit vest, dark trousers, polished black shoes, scarf, gloves and a black beanie with felt feathers, plus a red paper doorknob on one glove. Marv's long brown coat, blue-grey shirt, textured cardigan, loose plaid pants, gloves, boots and tousled wig get a silver paper iron on the coat pocket. Fabric paint-can bags with soft handles and gentle grey makeup keep it funny and nowhere near frightening.
20. Office-Friendly Harry And Marv Costume
At work you still have to type, take calls and walk to meetings, so I keep this pair close to normal clothes. Harry wears a tailored grey coat over a plaid button-down and brown sweater vest, black chinos, loafers and a clean beanie with two felt feathers. Marv wears a structured brown coat, a blue Oxford shirt, neutral cardigan, quietly checked trousers, fingerless-look gloves and ankle boots, with his hair messy but under control. One faint grey smudge each is enough. Silver cardstock faucet pins replace big props, and a flat foam paint can comes out for the photo, then goes under the desk.
21. Black-And-White Harry And Marv Costume
Black and white turns the pair into an old-film still, and the only trick is committing to it fully. Harry wears a medium-grey overcoat, charcoal plaid shirt, black sweater vest, black trousers, polished shoes, gloves and the white-feathered black beanie, with greyscale makeup and no blush. Marv takes a dark grey coat over a pale grey shirt and charcoal cardigan, black-and-grey checked pants, fingerless gloves and boots, with a dark brown wig dusted lightly with temporary white powder. Silver cardboard cans and grey bags with black faucets keep the props in tone. It photographs best against a plain white wall.
22. Colorful Harry And Marv Costume
Swapping the browns for bright colours is a fun twist, but it only works if the shapes stay exactly right. Harry wears a cobalt coat over a red plaid shirt and mustard vest, navy trousers, black shoes, a purple scarf and the black feathered beanie. Marv wears a forest-green coat over a sky-blue shirt and rust cardigan, burgundy plaid pants, gloves and green boots. I keep Marv's wig brown and messy, because his hair is the clue people rely on most once the colours change. Blue-grey smudges, bags with silver faucets and satin drops, and paint cans in coloured paper carry the rest.
23. Cartoon Harry And Marv Costume
The cartoon version exaggerates everything, and that's exactly where people overdo it and can't see or walk. Harry gets an oversized grey coat with a light foam lining, a large brown vest, a bold checked shirt, wide black trousers, rounded shoes, a scarf and a tall feathered beanie. Black fabric tape along the coat seams makes him look drawn. Marv wears a long coat with padded shoulders, an extra-chunky cardigan, big plaid pants, soft gloves, foam-soled boots and a high wig with separated yarn curls. Water-based makeup draws simple cheek lines and raised brows. Big flat paint cans and paper faucets finish it; check that the hat sits clear of your eyes.
24. Glam Harry And Marv Costume
A dressy pair can add shine and still look like two burglars in winter coats. Harry wears a tailored charcoal coat over a bronze satin vest and neat plaid shirt, black trousers, glossy lace-up boots and a velvet beanie trimmed with white faux feathers, with silver-grey makeup blended softly. Marv's long espresso coat goes over a steel-blue shirt and a softly shimmering cardigan, checked wide-leg pants, velvet fingerless gloves and black boots. Style a glossy wig into controlled high waves. The iron becomes a silver shape in glitter gel made for the face. Metallic bags with faucet appliqués and silver paint cans keep it party-ready and fully covered.
25. Pajama Harry And Marv Costume
Pajama Harry and Marv is a cosy indoor joke, and it's the version I'd suggest for a classroom pajama day. Harry wears grey flannel pajamas under a brown quilted vest and a light robe, with rubber-soled slippers, a soft scarf and a feathered sleep cap shaped like his beanie. Marv wears blue thermal pajamas, a chunky cardigan, a long brown robe, plaid lounge pants, fingerless knit gloves and slipper boots, with a yarn wig or loosely teased hair. Small washable grey smudges, stuffed fabric paint cans and pillow-like faucet bags mean you can sprawl on the sofa all evening.
26. Rainy Wet Bandits Harry And Marv Costume
Rain gear is a clever way to play up the nickname, and it's genuinely useful if the forecast looks bad. Harry wears a charcoal raincoat over a plaid shirt and brown vest, waterproof trousers, rain boots, gloves, scarf and a beanie with felt feathers (real feathers clump when wet). Marv layers a long brown raincoat over his shirt and cardigan, loose checked pants, waterproof gloves and tall rain boots, with a clear hood loose enough not to flatten the wig. Waterproof face paint for the grey smudges, big blue felt drops on both coats, and clear umbrellas trimmed with blue ribbon keep you dry.
27. Mugshot Harry And Marv Costume
A lineup is a great entrance gag for a costume contest. Harry wears his grey overcoat, checked shirt, brown vest, dark pants, black shoes, scarf, gloves and feathered beanie; Marv his brown coat, blue shirt, cardigan, plaid trousers, gloves, boots and a tall messy wig. Light grey smudges on both. Each of you carries a foam-board sign with a made-up number, your initial and a faucet symbol. I'd avoid anything that copies real police badges or IDs. A roll-up height chart makes a backdrop for staged photos, but leave it behind when you're walking around. Canvas bags with cardboard drops finish the pair.
28. Photo Booth Harry And Marv Costume
Cameras flatten browns and greys, so for photo-booth wear I raise the contrast. Harry wears a medium-grey coat with a bright red plaid shirt, brown vest, black pants, lace-up boots, a dark scarf and the feathered beanie. Marv goes for a rich brown coat, pale blue shirt, cream cardigan, bold plaid trousers, gloves, boots and an extra-full wig. Draw the grey makeup a little more firmly than usual so it doesn't vanish under the flash. Make props on sticks: a silver faucet, a blue drop, a feather cluster and a grey paint can, and swap them between shots without changing a thing.
29. Parade Harry And Marv Costume
A parade means distance, so I test everything on a walk round the block before the day. Harry wears a light charcoal coat over a plaid shirt and soft brown vest, stretch trousers, cushioned sneakers, scarf, gloves and a snug feathered beanie. Marv's unlined brown coat, breathable blue shirt, open cardigan, loose checked pants, gloves and boots go with a wig pinned firmly to a cap. Set the small patches of grey makeup with setting spray. Flat faucet emblems on zippered crossbody bags beat handheld props, foam cans can hang from wide straps, and reflective piping along the coat hems keeps you visible. You both need to wave freely.
30. Deluxe Harry And Marv Costume
For a contest, the details close up are what judges notice. Harry wears a textured charcoal overcoat, a brown tweed vest, a crisp plaid shirt, black wool trousers, polished lace-up boots, a dark scarf, fitted gloves and a distressed beanie with each feather placed by hand. Marv's oversized chocolate coat goes over a faded blue shirt and a thick oatmeal cardigan, custom plaid trousers, fingerless gloves, work boots and a well-styled shaggy wig. Use cosmetic-grade grey shading and symbolic marks, not realistic injuries. Embroidered faucet patches on matching bags, foam cans and laminated character cards finish the set. Practise standing and grimacing together before you walk up.
A Feathered Beanie That Doesn't Moult on the Dance Floor
Loose craft feathers shed all evening, and hot glue on a stretchy knit pops off as soon as the hat is pulled over your head. I gather the feathers into small bunches, wrap each quill end with a bit of thread, and stitch the bunches onto the beanie by hand. A few stitches at each bunch hold far better than glue and take maybe twenty minutes. If you must glue, use a flexible fabric glue and let it dry overnight with the hat stretched over a bowl, so it sets at its worn size.
Felt feathers are the better choice for kids and for rain. They don't shed, they don't clump when wet, and nobody ends up with fluff in their drink.
Drawing the Iron and Doorknob, and Getting Them Off Again
The trap marks are the funniest detail and the easiest to get wrong. I draw them as flat symbols, not burns: a grey or silver iron outline on Marv's cheek, a small doorknob shape on Harry's palm or glove. A water-activated face paint gives the cleanest edge with a small brush. Let it dry, then press translucent powder over it so it doesn't print onto a coat collar.
- Patch-test any new face paint on the inside of the wrist the day before.
- Keep marks away from the eyes and lips, especially on children.
- Remove with a gentle cleanser or a little oil, not by scrubbing.
Harry Goes Short and Neat, Marv Goes Long and Messy
Every pair above comes back to the same contrast: Harry's compact coat, vest, feathered beanie and dark trousers against Marv's long coat, loose plaid pants, fingerless gloves, boots and wild brown hair. Keep that and you can make them thrifty, colourful, kid-sized, office-friendly or contest-ready. I'd always choose soft props, washable makeup and shoes you can walk in, especially outdoors or in a crowd. Above all, plan the two costumes together, so you read as one duo and not as two people who happened to wear coats.
Related posts:
