Patrick Bateman Costume

Patrick Bateman is one of film’s most unsettling yet stylish characters. Played by Christian Bale in American Psycho, Bateman has a sharp, businesslike wardrobe paired with an unnerving personality. His most famous look is a mix of Wall Street class and violent chaos: a tailored suit, slicked hair, and that iconic clear raincoat over it.

If you want to recreate his look, you need to get the style right down to the smallest detail. This guide breaks down each piece you’ll need to make it happen, plus how to wear it with the right attitude.

DIY Costume Items

1. Short Brown Wig
2. Pinstripe Suit
3. Two Tone Shirt
4. Suspenders
5. Plaid Tie
6. Sunglasses
7. Rain Coat
8. Foam Axe
9. Fake Blood
10. Cassette Player
11. Shoes

Patrick Bateman Costume Breakdown

1. Wig or Styled Hair

Patrick Bateman’s hair is a key part of his image. It’s medium length, parted, and slicked back with a glossy finish.

If you have similar hair, you can style it with gel or pomade for that firm, wet look. Comb it straight back from the forehead and smooth the sides tight against the head.

If your hair is too short, too long, or a very different texture, a wig is your best bet. Choose one with a medium brown shade and soft waves that can be brushed back. Make sure it looks natural. You don’t want a cheap, costume-shop shine.

2. Pinstripe Suit

Bateman spends much of the movie in tailored suits. For the iconic raincoat scene, he wears a dark pinstripe suit.

Look for a two-piece or three-piece suit in navy or charcoal with thin white pinstripes. It should fit snugly on the shoulders with a slim waistline. Avoid baggy cuts. Patrick Bateman dresses for style and control, so the tailoring must be sharp.

The trousers should be straight cut, hitting right above the shoe with no bunching.

3. Light Blue Dress Shirt

A crisp light blue dress shirt adds contrast to the dark suit.

Go for a classic button-up with a pointed collar. Cotton or a cotton blend works well for that stiff, pressed look. Keep it freshly ironed and wrinkle-free.

Make sure it fits well across the shoulders and chest. Bateman’s style is always neat and precise.

4. Suspenders

Suspenders are a subtle but important detail. Bateman wears them with confidence, showing them off when he takes off his jacket.

Choose a pair in a dark color like navy. They should have leather tabs or clips that attach to your trousers.

Wear them over your shirt, under your suit jacket. Keep them adjusted so they sit flat and don’t sag.

5. Red Patterned Tie

The tie adds a pop of color to the otherwise cold look. In the movie, Bateman wears a red tie with a subtle plaid pattern.

Go for a silk or silk-like fabric for a smooth finish. The pattern should be sharp but not loud. Avoid cartoonish or overly bright designs.

Tie it in a Windsor knot for a strong, symmetrical shape. The tie should touch the top of your belt buckle.

6. Black Sunglasses

Bateman’s sunglasses give him an extra edge of arrogance.

Choose black frames with a simple, sleek shape. Avoid oversized lenses or trendy shapes that look modern. You want that late 80s, early 90s business style.

Wear them straight and firm, not tilted or casual.

7. Clear Raincoat

The clear raincoat is the signature piece. It’s what makes this costume instantly recognizable.

Look for a knee-length transparent raincoat with front buttons and pockets. It should be loose enough to fit over your suit without wrinkling it.

The plastic should be thick enough to hold its shape, not flimsy. This piece will be worn open or closed depending on your preference, but for the “scene” look, button it up.

8. Axe

The axe is Bateman’s most infamous accessory.

Use a fake prop axe for safety. Choose one with a wooden handle and a silver blade. If you want to add detail, dab some fake blood on it for dramatic effect.

Carry it in your right hand for photos, but don’t wave it around in public.

9. Fake Blood Spray

If you want to go for a gory effect, fake blood spray is perfect.

Use it lightly on the axe blade, hands, or even the raincoat. Avoid overdoing it. A few splatters look more realistic than coating everything.

Spray from a distance to get a natural splatter effect.

10. Portable Cassette Player with Headphones

Bateman has a strong love for music in the film, and the cassette player nods to the era.

Get a small silver or gray portable player with black foam-covered headphones. Even if it’s not functional, it adds a perfect touch.

Wear it on your belt or keep it in hand for photos.

11. Black Dress Shoes

Complete the look with sleek black leather dress shoes.

Choose a pointed or slightly rounded toe style. They should be well-polished and in good condition.

Wear them with black dress socks for a clean, continuous line.

Putting It All Together

Here’s the step-by-step process to assemble the full Patrick Bateman look.

• Start with grooming. Style your hair or put on the wig. Make sure it’s slicked back and glossy.
• Put on the dress shirt. Tuck it in neatly.
• Add suspenders. Adjust them so they sit comfortably over your shoulders.
• Tie the red patterned tie. Use a Windsor knot for a sharp finish.
• Slip on the pinstripe suit. Keep the jacket buttoned for a formal look.
• Step into your black dress shoes. Make sure they’re polished.
• Add the clear raincoat. Button it up if you want the exact movie scene look.
• Grab the sunglasses. Wear them straight and confidently.
• Hold the axe. Keep it in one hand for that chilling touch.
• Spray fake blood if desired. Add splatters for a horror twist.
• Clip on the cassette player. Headphones can hang around your neck or be worn.

Performance Tips

The Patrick Bateman costume is more than just the clothes. The way you carry yourself sells the look.

• Posture: Stand tall with squared shoulders.
• Facial expression: Use a controlled smile or a cold, neutral face.
• Voice: Speak in a calm, measured tone.
• Gestures: Move with precision. Don’t fidget.

Optional Add-Ons

If you want to push the look further, you can add:

• A business card case with fake “Pierce & Pierce” cards.
• A prop phone from the late 80s.
• A newspaper or Wall Street Journal tucked under your arm.

Final Thoughts

The Patrick Bateman costume works because it blends Wall Street polish with unsettling menace. Every piece, from the slicked hair to the clear raincoat, helps tell that story.

Whether you’re aiming for a creepy Halloween vibe or a movie-accurate cosplay, sticking to sharp tailoring and clean details will make your costume stand out.