So it's now 'mainstream' to post on the internet what your halloween costume is, and hipsters hate mainstream. Well, I hate hipsters, so here's mine pictured below

I loved Action Man as a kid, especially the 'old' 90's Action Man with the black and orange outfits. So, to pay tribute to this I assembled a quick costume together. If you want to copy it, here's a step by step guide:

1: The top

Action man at his coolest never went anywhere without being dressed in a combination of orange/black top. So, to achieve this look, I used an old spare hi-visibility t-shirt, conviniently orange with black cuffs. You can pick these kind of t-shirts up at most good hardware store that sells builder's tools, jackets, belts and the like, but I had a spare from work so no expense here!

I hand drew the 'AM' logo on to both sleeves with a black biro and permanent marker for added looks and to save expense, but I believe it is still possible to pick up Action Man stickers and/or patches if you look around. All depends how much you want to spend on a costume, but the hand drawn logos still look good!

2: The Assault Vest

The most important accessory, above and beyond the plastic M16 usually provided with a figure, is the assault vest Action Man uses to carry the tools needed to beat the bad guys!

I used a Viper Tactical Load Bearing Assault Vest, which I normally use for airsoft events, and can be picked up at most army surplus stores and online form plenty of retailers. It cost me £20 from a friend (Apprx $35-40) but assault vests usually retail about £35-80 depending on make (apprx $60-120)

You don't 'need' an assault vest, but if you have the money, or if you already use them, then definatly add it.

3: The Bottoms

Jeans, with top tucked in, matching plenty of mid 90's-early 00's Action Man figures. He's more of an 'international police-officer' in appearance and deeds, rather then a mercenary, so combats should be avoided if you want to maintain an authentic look.

4: Extra Accessories

I decided to go with fingerless bike riding gloves and boots for this costume that I already own. The boots are desert beige, matching most of the figures from the 90's period, so any good timberland or construction worker's boots will work. Fingerless gloves are also a common feature on many Action Man figures, tying in the whole 'international cop' look nicely.

If you don't own boots, wear black trainers as these are also common footwear used by Action Man. What ever you do, avoid 'white' trainers or Converse trainers unless you really have no other footwear!

Additional acessories I would reccomend for those loking for something different are headcaps, prefferably plain (Action Man doesn't naturally sport 'Armani' clothes) and a headset. Handcuffs and the like are options, but may make you look more like an undercover or plainclothes officer rather then Mr Action himself.

And that's that. Obviously, what I've written is a guide to how I put my outfit together and some tips for those looking to go down the Action Man route, but it's halloween so you don't need to strictly follow it. Put on a t/shirt and draw the logo on with a biro if you so please, and remember you don't need to sink money into this. Everything I used I already had lying around, so get creative with your old tit-tats!