Marv Murchins Costume Guide

How to dress like Marv Murchins from Home Alone.

Marv Murchins Cosplay: At a Glance

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Estimated cost: $40-$70
  • Time required: 30-60 minutes
  • Main colors: Brown, mustard, dark gray and green
  • Best for: Halloween, Christmas parties, Wet Bandits duos and Home Alone groups

ABOUT MARV MURCHINS:

Marv Murchins, portrayed by Daniel Stern, is one half of the comedic criminal duo known as the Wet Bandits. He is characterized by his goofy demeanor and clumsiness, often serving as the foil to his more assertive partner, Harry. Marv’s lack of intelligence leads to a series of mishaps as he attempts to break into the McCallister home. 

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Estimated cost: $40-$70
  • Time required: 30-60 minutes
  • Main colors: Brown, mustard, dark gray and green
  • Best for: Halloween, Christmas parties, Wet Bandits duos and Home Alone groups

How To Dress Like Marv Murchins

1. COAT – The first accessory you will need for a festive Marv Murchins cosplay is an oversized brown pea coat.

2. SWEATER – Next, you will also want a retro-style cardigan in mustard yellow and maroon.

3. JEANS – And a pair of baggy or loose-fitting denim jeans in dark grey.

4. GLOVES – A pair of fingerless, green-knitted gloves is also an absolute must.

5. FOOTWEAR – Your choice of footwear is really up to you, grey, black, or brown shoes will all work just fine.

6. FACEPAINT – Use a red or pink face paint to draw the mark left behind by Kevin’s iron.

7. CROWBAR – A crowbar is a must-have accessory for any house burglar looking for some easy Christmas pickings.

8. TOY SPIDER – Finish your look with a fake tarantula which can be stuck to your coat with double-sided adhesive.

Marv Murchins costume guide.

More Wet Bandit Cosplay Ideas

For a funny Christmas costume idea, you can’t go far wrong with our Marv Murchins and Harry Lyme guides from the ill-fated Wet Bandit crew.

For a full family Home Alone costume, be sure to check out our complete collection below!

Or, see one of our many other Christmas-themed collections from The Grinch to A Christmas Carol for even more inspiration!

Home Alone Costume Collection

Marv Murchins Costume: FAQ

What does Marv wear in Home Alone?

Marv wears a long brown coat over layered shirts, a cardigan or vest and dark loose-fitting trousers. Add fingerless gloves, sturdy boots, curly brown hair and light facial stubble to reproduce his disheveled winter appearance.

How do you create Marv’s iron mark with makeup?

Make a paper template based on the bottom of an iron and hold it gently against the face. Apply red, pink, brown and charcoal makeup around the openings to produce the burned outline, but never place a real iron against your skin.

What props can you carry with a Marv costume?

Use a foam crowbar, fake tarantula, pillowcase loot bag or feathers attached to a knit cap. All tools should be lightweight costume props rather than genuine metal equipment.

Why are Marv and Harry called the Wet Bandits?

Marv leaves the water running in the houses they rob, flooding them as a signature. He names himself and Harry the Wet Bandits, although Harry considers the idea likely to help the police identify them.

Who plays Marv in Home Alone?

Marv Murchins is played by Daniel Stern in Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. His height, curly hair and exaggerated reactions distinguish Marv from his shorter partner, Harry.

How do you make Harry and Marv Wet Bandits costumes?

Dress Marv in a brown coat with curly hair and an iron-shaped makeup mark. Harry should wear a darker overcoat, gray knit cap, scarf and feather or burn effects. Add Kevin McCallister for a three-person Home Alone group costume.