DIY Boondock Saints Costume Guide

What You’ll Need

Connor and Murphy MacManus have one of the most practical looks in film cosplay because almost everything they wear comes from durable, real-world street clothing. The entire aesthetic relies on heavy Boston winter layering, utilitarian gear, and a few specific religious and weapon accessories that immediately identify who you are portraying.

Whether you are putting together Connor or Murphy, the outfit is nearly identical. The difference comes down to which side you stand on and the specific Latin word tattooed on your trigger finger. Because the clothes themselves are everyday garments, the trick is getting the silhouette and weight right so the outfit looks lived-in rather than like random thrift store finds thrown together.

The Pea Coat Silhouette

The centerpiece of the entire outfit is a heavy black wool pea coat. In the film, the brothers wear classic double-breasted naval-cut coats with broad notched lapels and anchor buttons. You want a coat with enough structure in the shoulders to support being worn unbuttoned over a shoulder holster without sagging or pulling awkwardly. A wool blend gives the fabric the substantial, matte texture seen on screen while holding its shape through long convention days. If the coat is too light or tailored like a modern slim-fit jacket, the silhouette loses that rugged late-nineties Boston street look.

Shirt and Denim Base

Under the coat, both brothers wear a plain black mock turtleneck rather than a full fold-over turtleneck. A mock neck stays close against the throat without bunching up under the heavy coat collar, leaving plenty of room for the rosary beads to sit flat against your chest. A soft sueded cotton knit breathes better than synthetic blends, which makes a noticeable difference once you are indoors wearing wool.

For pants, stick to classic straight-leg denim like medium-wash Levi’s 501s. You do not want modern skinny jeans or heavily distressed designer denim; the MacManus brothers wear straightforward, working-class jeans that sit comfortably over black tactical boots. Let the pant legs stack naturally over the boot collars rather than tucking them in tightly. Standard black service or tactical boots complete the lower half and provide solid foot support if you are walking convention floors for hours.

Holsters and Sidearms

A dual shoulder holster worn over the mock neck and beneath the pea coat is what transforms ordinary street clothes into the vigilante gear seen in the firefights. A vertical or horizontal rig in black leather or durable synthetic webbing works well, provided the straps sit comfortably across your shoulders. Keep the coat unbuttoned or draped loosely over your shoulders so the holster straps and sidearm grips remain visible.

For the sidearms, a pair of black Beretta-style airsoft pistols matches the brothers’ signature weapons. Check your event’s specific weapon policy before bringing any replica firearm on-site, as most conventions require bright orange muzzle tips, zip-tie peace bonding, or pre-cleared inspection tags. Never bring metal replica guns or functional airsoft equipment with live batteries or gas into a public venue.

Rosary, Tattoos, and Sunglasses

The two defining details of the brothers are their rosary beads and their hand tattoos. Each brother wears a dark wooden bead rosary featuring a cross pendant hanging visibly outside the collar. The rosary should be long enough to drape midway down the chest over the dark shirt, giving sharp contrast against the black fabric.

On the hands, Connor has “VERITAS” inked across his right index finger, while Murphy has “AEQUITAS” on his. Temporary tattoo transfers or a steady hand with fine-tipped cosmetic pens let you replicate the lettering along the proximal phalanges. If you are cosplaying as a duo, standing with arms crossed and fingers pointed outward mirrors the iconic prayer stance from the film.

For outdoor photos or bright lighting, dark wrap sunglasses like the Ray-Ban Predator 2 style match the sleek, functional eyewear the brothers throw on during daytime jobs. They slide easily into a coat pocket when you are indoors, making them one of the easiest accessories to manage throughout the day.