Joshua Graham Costume

Joshua Graham, known as the Burned Man, is one of the most striking figures in Fallout: New Vegas. His wrapped body, dark armor, and calm voice make him unforgettable. If you want to recreate his look, you need a mix of clothing, props, and details that show both survival and style. Below is a detailed guide to help you put the full outfit together.

DIY Costume Items

1. Bandage Rolls
2. White T-shirt
3. Tactical Vest
4. SLCPD and SWAT Patches
5. Ripped Jeans Pant
6. Tactical Belt with Pockets
7. Brown Cowboy Shoes
8. Pistol Prop

Head and Face

1. Medical Bandages

Joshua Graham is remembered most for his wrapped head and hands. Bandages are the key part of his costume. A full pack of medical bandages gives you enough to cover your head, neck, and arms. The goal is to look like a man who walked away from fire, scarred but alive.

Wrap the bandages around your head snugly, leaving space for eyes, nose, and mouth. Do not make them too tight, so you stay comfortable. For a realistic look, layer them unevenly. Slight overlaps and rough edges make it appear natural instead of too neat.

You can also add a light dusting of makeup or brown coloring on the bandages to give a scorched effect. A bit of dirt-like shading makes the wraps look worn from the harsh Mojave Desert.

Upper Body

2. White Long-Sleeve Shirt

Underneath his armor, Joshua wears a simple white shirt. A long-sleeve athletic or tactical shirt works best. The shirt gives a clean base and contrasts with the dark vest on top. Choose a shirt that fits close to the body but allows movement.

Since the sleeves are covered in bandages, the shirt does not need fancy detail. What matters is durability and comfort. Look for moisture-wicking material if you plan to wear the costume for long hours.

3. Tactical Vest

The tactical vest is the armor piece that makes Joshua stand out. He is not just wrapped in bandages, he is ready for battle. A black tactical vest with pouches and straps mirrors his look from the game.

The vest should have a rugged style with visible storage areas. That way, it looks like a piece of gear suited for a survivalist. Wear it snugly over the white shirt. Adjust straps so it does not shift too much while moving.

This vest is the centerpiece of the upper body. Without it, the costume feels incomplete. It balances the light shirt and bandages with heavy dark gear.

4. Police or SWAT Patches

Joshua Graham is not police or SWAT, but these patches give your vest extra character. Adding patches makes the vest look less plain and more like field gear.

You can attach them with Velcro or sew them in place. If you want accuracy, pick patches that have a bold font and a strong tactical style. They will pop against the dark vest fabric.

This small detail helps the costume look layered and authentic.

Lower Body

5. Distressed Jeans

Joshua’s pants are simple but worn. Distressed jeans fit the style perfectly. Look for denim with a faded color and small tears. The rougher they look, the better.

Avoid jeans that are too baggy. Slim or straight cuts work best. They should look like they have been through the desert but still allow you to move easily.

The jeans balance the top half of the costume. His upper body is armored and wrapped, so the pants should look plain but tough.

6. Tactical Belt

The tactical belt is another key piece. It adds bulk and utility to the outfit. Choose a belt with pouches, holsters, or loops. These make it look like Joshua carries survival gear.

Wear it snug around the waist, over the jeans but under the vest. This gives the layered, rugged appearance of someone who is always ready for combat.

You can also attach small props like empty ammo pouches or a knife sheath to complete the detail.

7. Cowboy Boots

Footwear is often overlooked, but it matters. Joshua wears boots that match the desert setting. A pair of cowboy boots works perfectly.

Choose brown or tan boots with a worn finish. Pointed toes and slight heels add western style. The boots should look tough, like something you can walk miles in.

Make sure they are comfortable. Since cosplay often means long hours, cushioned insoles help.

Props

8. Pistol Prop

Joshua Graham is never unarmed. A black pistol replica completes the outfit. It can be a plastic airsoft gun, a toy, or a convention-safe prop.

Keep safety rules in mind. Many events require orange tips or non-working replicas. Always check the rules before bringing one.

The pistol sits nicely in the tactical belt or can be carried in hand for photos. It gives the costume a sense of danger and power.

Putting It All Together

Start with the white shirt and jeans. Add the tactical belt around your waist. Wrap your head, arms, and hands with medical bandages. Next, slip on the vest and adjust the straps. Add patches to the vest for detail. Finish the look with cowboy boots and the pistol prop.

Stand in front of a mirror to adjust bandages and straps. Make sure the wraps look rough but not too messy. The costume should look lived-in, as if you survived fire and still fight on.

Extra Tips for Realism

• Weathering: Dust the jeans, vest, and boots with a bit of dirt or brown makeup. This makes them look worn.
• Layering: Wrap some bandages loosely, others tightly. Variation adds depth.
• Comfort: Use breathable fabric for the shirt and keep bandages secure but not too tight.
• Durability: Secure bandage ends with small safety pins or medical tape so they stay in place.
• Makeup: Shade around the eyes to make them stand out under the bandages.

Character Touches

Joshua Graham is not just a look. He has a personality and style. When wearing the costume, try to show his calm and commanding presence. He moves with quiet strength and speaks with weight.

Practice standing tall, keeping movements deliberate. You can also practice some of his famous quotes if you like staying in character. This makes the costume more than clothing, it makes it a performance.

Why This Costume Works

The Joshua Graham outfit stands out because it mixes two powerful looks. The bandaged survivor and the tactical fighter. Alone, each piece would not be as strong. Together, they show a man who survived fire and came back stronger.

The medical wraps make the costume recognizable. The vest, jeans, and boots make it grounded and believable. With a pistol at the side, the look is complete.

Final Thoughts

Building a Joshua Graham costume takes a mix of simple and tactical items. Each part has a role. The bandages tell the story. The vest shows strength. The boots and jeans ground it in the desert setting. Together, they create one of the most iconic looks in Fallout: New Vegas.

Take your time with the details, especially the bandages and vest. Once everything is in place, you will have a costume that captures both the pain and power of the Burned Man.