DIY Lost Tourist Costume: Easy 10-Min Build

DIY lost tourist costume built from button-down shirt, sunglasses and camera or phone on, and paper map

AI-generated concept photo

Time10 minEffortEasy

⏱️ We timed it, but results may vary.

Plan this costume →No signup · 2 minutes.

Wrinkled clothes, a crumpled map, and one luggage tag worn backwards on the shoulder. The tag is the punchline. Ten minutes, easy: a button-down shirt, sunglasses and a camera on a strap, and a paper map. Crumple the map for real; flat maps look like you just bought them.

2 of 5 things covered, counting basics we assume you have.

Tap a supply to tick what you own.

Still need:

Button-down shirtSunglasses +1Luggage tag

Update my pantry

Tip: ask strangers for directions to somewhere obvious, in character, all night.

Materials

Button-down shirt, 1 (own, to wrinkle on purpose)
Sunglasses and camera or phone on a strap, 1 set (own)
Paper map, 1 (make: print one at home, or draw a fake map on printer paper)
Luggage tag, 1 (buy: office supply store, or make: index card with string)
Clear tape, 1 roll (own)

Steps

Wrinkle the button-down shirt on purpose.
Stuff it in a bag overnight, or ball it up and sit on it.
Write a fake name and hometown on an index card.
Punch a hole in the card.
Tie on the string.
Tape the luggage tag backwards on one shoulder.
Fold the map wrong-side-out.
Hold it upside down.
Hang the camera around the neck.
Put the sunglasses on top of the head.
Walk around looking at the map upside down.
Optional pro finish: ask strangers for directions to somewhere obvious, in character, all night.

Start this costume in the planner

Common questions

What is the difference between Hawaiian shirt and lost tourist?

The map plus the confusion. Hawaiian shirt is a vibe; lost tourist is a character. Add the upside-down map and the asking-directions bit and it becomes a costume.

Socks with sandals, really?

Really. It is the single most recognizable tourist signal on earth. White socks, sandals, confidence.