Ed Sheeran is a kind costume to pick, because his everyday look is already the costume: tousled ginger hair, a bit of beard, a hoodie or plaid shirt, jeans, sneakers and a guitar. Most of the versions below can be put together from clothes you already own, and none of them need a single stitch if you'd rather not sew. Beyond the casual looks, there are album-symbol T-shirts, a few sharp music-video suits and some sillier disguises. If you'll be walking or dancing for hours, take the lighter prop and the thinner layer every time.
Ginger Hair and a Stippled Beard
Every costume below shares two details, and they matter more than any shirt. Get the hair and beard right and even a plain T-shirt reads as Ed. Get them wrong and the best suit in the room won't save it.
The wig
Look for a short, shaggy wig in a soft copper rather than bright orange, since costume ginger often comes out of the bag almost neon. Straight from the packet it will be flat and too neat, so shake it out, finger-comb it forward and trim the fringe unevenly. A little dry shampoo at the roots takes the plastic shine off synthetic fiber. Keep it away from candles, ovens and hot styling tools, because synthetic wigs frizz or melt with heat.
The beard
Stubble looks more convincing than a drawn outline. I dab a slightly damp makeup sponge into a warm brown or ginger eyeshadow and press it along the jaw, chin and upper lip in light layers. Mixing two shades looks more real than one. Clear brow gel brushed over the top helps it stay, and a dusting of translucent powder stops it rubbing onto your collar.
Patch-test anything new on the inside of your wrist the day before. At the end of the night, an oil cleanser or makeup remover lifts it far more easily than soap alone.
1. Classic Ed Sheeran Plaid Shirt Costume
The red plaid shirt is the version most people will guess first. Wear it open over a plain black T-shirt with slim dark jeans and black or white sneakers, sleeves rolled to the forearm. If your hair isn't ginger, a short messy wig does it, and a light stippled ginger-brown beard along the chin and jaw finishes the face. I always keep the fit loose, because a crisp, tailored shirt makes you look like a different person entirely. A lightweight acoustic or cardboard guitar is the prop, and a simple microphone is easier in a packed room. Everything here can come from a closet or thrift store, which makes it a good first costume.
2. Ed Sheeran Green Hoodie Costume
This is the ten-minute version. Throw a forest-green zip-up hoodie over a black T-shirt, half unzipped so the dark shirt shows, with dark blue jeans and clean low-top sneakers. Rough the ginger wig up with your fingers so the texture is uneven, then add soft beard shading that stops short of looking painted on. For the prop, carry a small acoustic guitar, a guitar-shaped bag or a cardboard instrument, or swap all of those for a small headset microphone if you don't want anything in your hands. It's warm enough for an outdoor party and needs no special clothing.
3. Ed Sheeran Orange Hoodie Costume
Bright orange is louder than the green and much easier to spot across a crowded room or in a group photo. Pair an oversized orange hoodie with a black or charcoal T-shirt, tapered black jeans and white sneakers. Brush the shaggy wig forward so it sits a little messy over the forehead, and keep the ginger beard natural. A guitar and a relaxed, mid-song stance make the reference obvious. If you want one more detail, hang a homemade concert pass on a plain lanyard, but stop there, because the hoodie is the point. It's a good pick for a cold night or a last-minute invitation.
4. Ed Sheeran Mathematics Tour Costume
The tour look is mostly black, which lets the hair and a few bright symbols do the talking. A loose black T-shirt, straight dark pants and supportive black-and-white sneakers make a base you can dance in for hours. Add a short ginger wig with a textured fringe and warm brown shading along the jaw. I cut the math symbols large and simple from colored felt and fix them on with removable tape, because small or fiddly ones disappear from more than a few feet away. Carry a compact acoustic guitar, and wear a small wireless-style microphone near the cheek if you like.
5. Ed Sheeran Divide Album Costume
The Divide shirt is the cheapest graphic version here. Put a large black division symbol on a bright blue T-shirt with fabric tape or removable felt, and measure so the two dots sit evenly above and below the bar, since a lopsided symbol reads as a random pattern. Black jeans and blue, black or white sneakers. A tousled ginger wig and restrained beard makeup. Carry a guitar on a blue strap, or a flat cardboard one if you want it lighter, and keep a handheld microphone in a back pocket between photos. Leave everything else plain. It slots straight into an album-themed group.
6. Ed Sheeran Multiply Album Costume
Multiply is black and green, and it's the easiest symbol to cut: two strips of green felt crossed in the middle. Put the X large on a plain black T-shirt, with dark skinny jeans and casual black sneakers. Removable fabric tape means the shirt goes back to normal afterward, and on a cotton tee it holds fine for an evening. A messy ginger wig and softly blended beard shading come next. A green guitar strap, or a thin green ribbon tied around the headstock, links the prop to the shirt. Keep the face natural rather than stage-sculpted. Adults, teens and older kids can all wear this one.
7. Ed Sheeran Equals Album Costume
Equals is the colorful one, so it rewards anyone who enjoys making things. Decorate a white or black T-shirt with removable patches in blue, red, yellow, green and pink, then put a clear equals sign in the center so the album still reads at a glance. On a black shirt the colors pop harder; on white, the paint-splash effect looks closer to the cover. Relaxed black pants and bright sneakers. A textured ginger wig and a light ginger-brown beard in washable makeup. Cover a compact guitar in removable stickers, or simply match the strap to one shirt color.
8. Ed Sheeran Plus Album Costume
Plus is the earliest album look and the most low-key. Attach a large orange plus sign across the chest of a dark charcoal T-shirt, with faded black jeans and orange-accented sneakers or neutral canvas shoes. Style a short ginger wig into loose, untidy waves and keep the facial hair makeup subtle around the chin. An orange guitar strap ties it together, and a lightweight microphone helps in photos. Breathable cotton is worth choosing if you'll be indoors all night, because a wig in a warm room gets hot quickly. Unpolished is the goal here.
9. Ed Sheeran Thinking Out Loud Costume
This is the dressed-up dance version. A crisp white button-down with neatly rolled sleeves, a fitted black vest, tailored black trousers and smooth black dress shoes. Leave the collar open a button or two so it doesn't tip into wedding-guest formal. The wig should look tousled on purpose, and the beard softly defined. I'd swap the guitar for a vintage-style microphone here, which keeps your hands free if anyone wants to recreate the dance. A single white paper flower is a nice touch. Fresh skin and lightly groomed brows finish the face.
10. Ed Sheeran Shape Of You Boxing Costume
The training-montage look is the sporty, family-friendly one. Layer a gray zip-up hoodie over a fitted black athletic shirt with black joggers and supportive trainers. Wrap your hands in clean fabric strips or wear light padded gloves. Real boxing gloves make it impossible to hold a drink or a phone, so wraps are usually the better trade. Mist the wig with a little water for a just-trained texture, and keep the beard shading light. A small gym towel over one shoulder, and a water bottle instead of a guitar for a crowded room.
11. Ed Sheeran Galway Girl Costume
Galway Girl calls for a cozy pub-session feel. A dark green plaid overshirt, open with the sleeves rolled, goes over a black T-shirt, with fitted blue jeans and worn brown boots. Choose boots with flat cushioned soles, because this is a costume for dancing. Messy wig, softly stippled beard. A compact acoustic guitar or a small tambourine carries the music theme; the tambourine is lighter and surprisingly fun at a party. A green fabric wristband adds one coordinated detail. No exaggerated props needed, so it suits public events and casual gatherings alike.
12. Ed Sheeran Perfect Winter Costume
This winter version is the one to wear outside on a cold night. A cream cable-knit sweater under a navy wool-style coat, dark trousers, warm socks and brown lace-up boots with grippy soles. Style the wig into windswept waves and keep the beard natural so it frames the face. A light acoustic guitar and a neutral knitted scarf. An artificial snowflake ornament is fine for photos, but skip loose glitter, which stays in the knit for months. Keep the palette muted. Every piece works afterward as an ordinary cold-weather outfit.
13. Ed Sheeran Castle On The Hill Costume
Castle on the Hill is countryside nostalgia in very ordinary clothes. A faded blue hoodie under a medium-wash denim jacket, worn open so the hoodie color shows, with black jeans and brown hiking-style boots. The short, windswept ginger wig is the most noticeable piece, and a light beard keeps the face recognizable. Carry a small guitar on a worn strap, or a cardboard one painted in natural wood tones, and add a canvas backpack as if you're heading home for the weekend. Each part goes straight back into your regular wardrobe after Halloween.
14. Ed Sheeran Bad Habits Pink Suit Costume
The pink suit is the boldest look on this list and a big change from the hoodies. A bright pink blazer and matching trousers, a patterned shirt and polished black ankle boots. The face is a playful glam-vampire take: pale foundation, softly darkened eyes and a messy ginger wig, with no wounds or fake blood. Pale foundation creeps onto a pink collar, so set it with translucent powder and leave the collar slightly open. Carry a pink microphone, tinted glasses or a light feather accessory. Hem the trousers properly, because a too-long hem trips you on the first staircase.
15. Ed Sheeran Shivers Sequin Suit Costume
Sequins catch every light in the room, which is the whole appeal. A sequined blazer in blue, silver or bright pink goes over a plain dark shirt, with matching tailored trousers and sleek black boots. Textured wig, natural beard, and softly blended color on the eyes. Carry a metallic microphone rather than a guitar, since a guitar strap drags across sequins and pulls them loose. Sequin seams can also scratch the inside of your arms, so wear long sleeves under the blazer. If full sequins feel like too much, a blazer with shimmering lapels and matte trousers gets most of the effect.
16. Ed Sheeran Sing Puppet Costume
The puppet version is funny without a full-face mask. A black T-shirt, black jeans and bright red sneakers, plus a shaggy ginger wig and a rounded ginger beard drawn a little fuller than usual. Pink blush and slightly heavier brows give the cheerful puppet face. Carry a miniature guitar or a flat cardboard one. If you add strings, tie thin craft cord loosely to removable wrist cuffs and keep it short, as anything that trails gets stood on. Add a colorful wristband, and pull plenty of exaggerated faces in photos so the joke lands.
17. Ed Sheeran Panda Costume
Here the silly onesie does the work, and you add the singer on top. A loose black-and-white panda onesie goes over a breathable black base layer, with black sneakers. Keep the hood down most of the time, or the wig and beard vanish. Decorate a light guitar with removable black-and-white circles. A small black nose and soft gray shading around the eyes, friendly rather than mask-like. Black fingerless gloves look like paws but still let you grab things. It's warm, so it's great for a cold outdoor night and less fun at a crowded house party.
18. Ed Sheeran Cowboy Costume
The western version comes almost entirely from a thrift store. A plaid button-down tucked loosely into straight blue jeans, a brown vest, a simple belt, comfortable cowboy-style boots and a soft wide-brim hat. I push the hat back on the head so the ginger wig shows at the front; pulled low, it hides the one detail that makes it Ed. Natural ginger beard. A guitar on a patterned strap, and a red bandanna at the neck. Stop there. Pile on more accessories and it turns into a generic cowboy.
19. Ed Sheeran Astronaut Costume
The astronaut take is more unusual but keeps the key details. A white utility jumpsuit with mission-style patches you design yourself, white high-tops or light costume boots, and a removable foam helmet. Carry the helmet under one arm or keep it open, because a closed helmet hides the hair and beard and gets hot fast. Sling a small cardboard guitar across your body on a crossbody strap. A few silver accents on the cheekbones add a futuristic touch while the face stays friendly. Keep every patch fictional instead of copying a real agency's badge.
20. Ed Sheeran White Suit Costume
A white suit turns the casual musician into a music-video character. White blazer and matching trousers, a pale shirt and tan or white dress sneakers. A loosely styled wig and carefully blended beard. The beard makeup is what I'd worry about here: ginger-brown cream rubs onto a white lapel the moment you touch your face, so set it with powder and keep your hands away from your chin. A slim gold microphone and a neutral pocket square. If a full white suit feels too formal, wear the blazer with cream chinos instead.
21. Ed Sheeran Celestial Yellow Hoodie Costume
Yellow is the cheeriest of the hoodie looks. A sunflower-yellow hoodie over a navy T-shirt, dark cargo pants and white high-tops. Cut blue stars and small planets from felt and tape them on, keeping them off the inner arms where they rub and peel. Messy wig, light beard. Carry a small guitar on a dark blue strap, perhaps with a star charm near the strap button. A few tiny silver dots around the eyes suggest a night sky without covering your face. It's warm and comfortable enough for a long outdoor evening or trick-or-treating with kids.
22. Ed Sheeran Soccer Fan Costume
Music plus soccer makes a good group theme. Wear a blue short-sleeve jersey over a long-sleeve base layer when it's cold, with black athletic pants, blue socks and soccer-style sneakers rather than cleats, which slip on indoor floors. Tousled wig, soft beard. A foam ball under one arm and a mini guitar in the other hand is the full version, though one prop is easier in a small space. A blue-and-white scarf adds color. Use a plain jersey with homemade numbers instead of a team's logo.
23. Ed Sheeran Navy Red Carpet Costume
For a dressed-up celebrity look, go with a tailored navy suit and a crisp white shirt, no tie, plus polished brown shoes and a matching belt. Tousled wig, subtle beard; with tailoring this sharp, the hair is what stops it reading as just a nice suit. Carry a small metallic microphone or a painted cardboard award, and tuck a white pocket square in the breast pocket. Check the jacket fits through the shoulders with your arms raised, since you'll be posing and waving all evening. It suits a glamorous dress code and fits right into a red-carpet group.
24. Ed Sheeran Tartan Suit Costume
Tartan gives the costume a bold British feel. A red, green and navy plaid blazer with matching or solid dark trousers, a black shirt and polished loafers or ankle boots. A fluffy ginger wig with a side-swept fringe and warm beard makeup along the jaw. A guitar on a plain black strap balances the busy pattern, and I'd skip any other patterned accessory. A matching tartan suit is hard to find secondhand, so a tartan blazer with black pants is the usual route, and it reads just as clearly.
25. Ed Sheeran Wedding Singer Costume
Picture Ed playing a friend's wedding. A light gray suit, white shirt, pale blue tie and brown dress shoes, with a tousled wig and natural beard to keep the reference clear. Tie a removable white ribbon around a light acoustic guitar and pin a small artificial flower to the lapel; that signals the occasion without turning you into the groom. A standing microphone is a fun photo prop at home. I check for room in the arms before anything else, because guitar poses strain a tight sleeve at the shoulder seam. It's good for indoor parties where a hoodie would feel too casual.
26. Ed Sheeran Street Busker Costume
The busker is all thrifted layers. A burgundy hoodie under a worn denim jacket, black jeans and sturdy brown sneakers, slightly mismatched on purpose. Messy wig, lightly stippled beard. Carry a guitar, and set out an empty soft case only for supervised photos so nobody trips over it. A handmade set-list card on the case beats loose clutter, and a small reusable cup can hold picks or wrapped candy. It's warm and easy to move in, which makes it one of the better outdoor choices.
27. Ed Sheeran Loop Pedal Performer Costume
This one nods to the solo shows where he builds a song up layer by layer. A plain black T-shirt, dark cargo pants, and red or black sneakers. Short ginger wig, natural beard, and a guitar on a strap worn across the body. The fun part is a pretend loop pedal: a small painted cardboard box with colorful paper buttons, fixed to a short shoulder strap so you carry it rather than leave it on the floor in a crowd. A headset microphone keeps your hands free. It's an easy build for musicians and DIY fans.
28. Ed Sheeran Security Guard Costume
This disguise comes from a music video where Ed cycles through a run of character changes, and secondhand clothes suit it perfectly. A navy security-style shirt with plain patches, black cargo pants, a practical belt and comfortable black boots. The wig and beard need to stay visible, so skip the cap or wear it pushed back. Carry a foam flashlight, a clipboard and a small guitar keychain. Keep every badge made-up rather than copying a real agency. People get it at a glance, and it's very comfortable for walking.
29. Ed Sheeran Dog Walker Costume
The dog walker is the funniest of the disguises. A bright Hawaiian-style shirt over a plain T-shirt, khaki shorts or relaxed trousers, colorful crew socks and comfortable sneakers. Tousled wig, soft beard, and a canvas crossbody bag with a mini cardboard guitar peeking out. Clip several bright leashes to plush dogs and keep them short, because long leads wrap around your own legs and everyone else's. Sunglasses go pushed up on the wig. The whole outfit is thrift-store territory, which fits the spirit of the video.
30. Ed Sheeran Bride Costume
The bridal disguise ends the list on a joke. A simple white suit or a modest ankle-length dress with white sneakers keeps it easy to walk in. Add a short ginger wig, a neatly blended beard and a light shoulder-length veil clipped in at the crown. When I fit a veil over a wig, I clip it through the wig and into a few strands of real hair, or the veil drags the wig backward. A small paper bouquet with a mini guitar charm tucked among the stems. Soft pink cheeks and lip balm. Skip long trains, high heels and big accessories in crowded spaces. It's chaotic in the right way.
Carrying a Guitar Through a Party
A real acoustic guitar is heavy, awkward in a doorway and easy to knock into someone. If you bring one, put it on a strap and swing it onto your back between photos, and choose a small travel guitar over a full-size one if you have the option. A ukulele held with confidence fools more people than you'd expect.
For a cardboard guitar, trace the outline onto two pieces of corrugated cardboard and glue them together with the corrugations running in opposite directions, which stops the body from bending. Tape a wooden ruler or dowel down the back of the neck, because the neck is where cardboard guitars snap. Paint it a wood tone, draw the sound hole in black, and run a few lengths of string or embroidery thread from the bridge to the headstock.
An Album Symbol for Each Friend
The math symbol shirts make an easy group costume. Each person takes one album, Plus in orange, Multiply in green, Divide in blue and Equals in a mix of colors, and everybody wears the same ginger wig and beard. Agree on one shirt style and one shade of jeans so the group reads as a set. Cut the symbols to the same size, roughly the width of the chest, and line them up at the same height on each shirt before anyone fixes them in place.
The Hair and Guitar Carry Every Version
Every version here works on almost any budget, from a free closet raid to a thrifted suit. The easiest is still a plaid shirt, jeans, sneakers, a ginger wig, beard makeup and a guitar. Album symbols, bright suits, music-video disguises and stage props make it more specific. Keep accessories light and layers breathable, and wear shoes you're happy to stand in for hours. Removable felt, fabric tape and cardboard let you change ordinary clothes without ruining them. Above all, keep the hair, beard, colors and musical prop easy to read, because those four together are what make people say his name.
Related posts:
