How to Make an Easy-To-Do Tacky Tourist Costume

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Baggy khaki shorts

  • Hawaiian shirt

  • Men's socks

  • Sandals

  • Sun visor

  • Fanny pack

  • Camera

  • Binoculars

  • Muumuu

  • Women's white crew socks

  • White sneakers

  • Floppy straw hat

  • Large sunglasses

  • Oversize tote bag

Accessorize your tacky tourist costume with cameras, binoculars and a visor.
Image Credit: Digital Vision./Photodisc/Getty Images

Whether you visit Disney World or New York City, you see one common sight: the tacky tourist. In their loud, inappropriate wardrobes and abundance of sightseeing gear, some tacky tourists are easy to spot. Others exhibit a subtler tacky tourist style, dressing sensibly but unfashionably in sneakers and fanny packs. If you want to create a tacky tourist costume, you can find the items you need at secondhand stores and in your home. Since tacky tourist fashion crosses gender lines, the theme works for men's, women's or couples' costumes.

Advertisement

Man's Costume

Step 1

Wear baggy khaki shorts that hang to your knees. Top the shorts with a Hawaiian shirt in a bright, bold pattern. Use a shirt that's larger than your usual size and leave it untucked so the hem hangs loosely over your waist.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Use socks and sandals for your tacky tourist footwear. You can wear long white athletic socks or dark dress socks, either solid or patterned. Pull the socks up to your knees and wear a pair of men's sandals over them.

Step 3

Accessorize your men's tacky tourist costume with a sun visor that's made from straw, canvas or transparent colored plastic. Wrap a large fanny pack around your waist over the shirt so the pouch hangs in front. Hang binoculars and cameras around your neck.

Advertisement

Woman's Costume

Step 1

Wear a muumuu dress that's larger than your usual size. Choose a brightly colored muumuu in a Hawaiian print or another bold pattern. If necessary, hem the muumuu so it falls below your knees or to mid-calf length.

Advertisement

Step 2

Wear white crew socks and white sneakers on your feet. Fold the tops of the socks down to create cuffs above your ankles. Use heavy, bright white sneakers with thick soles.

Step 3

Complete your women's tacky tourist costume with a large, floppy straw hat. To increase the tacky factor, choose a hat that's embellished with artificial flowers or fruit. Wear large sunglasses with colored plastic frames and carry an oversized tote bag made from colored straw or print canvas.

Tip

Customize your costume to a favorite vacation destination. Instead of a visor or straw hat, wear Mickey Mouse ears, a Statue of Liberty foam crown, or a baseball cap with a logo.

Carry maps, brochures and guidebooks in your pockets, fanny pack or tote bag so they're clearly visible.

Warning

If the costume will be worn by a child, avoid hanging accessories around the neck. They can pose a safety risk.

To avoid damaging a valuable camera, carry an inexpensive model or a toy version instead.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references & resources