Robert Irwin wears dad Steve’s shirt before every DWTS show, reveals touching ritual that changes everything about his performances

Robert Irwin wears his late father Steve Irwin‘s shirt before every single Dancing with the Stars performance as part of a touching good luck ritual. The 21-year-old wildlife conservationist revealed the heartfelt practice in November 2025, sharing how the tattered shirt keeps him connected to his dad’s legacy throughout the competition.

How the Ritual Started with Steve’s Tattered Shirt

Robert discovered his father’s old shirt while going through Steve Irwin‘s belongings and decided to preserve it for his DWTS journey. The shirt was in rough condition with multiple holes, missing buttons, and significant wear that told the story of how Steve lived his life. Rather than letting it deteriorate, Robert took it to be professionally restored with new buttons and patches while keeping its character intact.

“This is my dad’s shirt. I was going through his stuff and I found this shirt. It’s absolutely tattered and had holes and all sorts in it, missing buttons,” Robert explained in a heartfelt Instagram video shared on November 17, 2025. “So I went and got it all fixed up. New buttons attached. Everything all patched back up again and all the holes repaired.”

The Emotional Connection Behind the Good Luck Charm

For Robert, wearing the shirt represents far more than superstition on the DWTS stage. Each hole, tear, and patch carries meaning from his father’s adventurous life and relentless commitment to wildlife conservation. The ritual connects him to Steve’s legacy during one of the most challenging experiences of his life.

“Each one of the tears and holes and missing buttons tells another story. And this shirt definitely saw a lot. I guess it’s a good example for how dad lived his life: At 100%,” Robert said, reflecting on the profound meaning behind the garment. Before every performance, he puts on the shirt during initial rehearsals in the ballroom, treating it as a moment of spiritual connection with his father before stunning audiences in full costume.

Two Good Luck Charms Keep Him Close to Family

Robert shared that he actually carries two good luck charms with him every Tuesday night at the DWTS studio, both deeply connected to his family heritage. The first is his father’s restored shirt, which he wears during early rehearsals before changing into performance costumes.

The second charm is a ring made from repurposed keys Robert discovered while cleaning out his dad’s office. The ring features the engraving “1638”, representing the address for Australia Zoo at 1638 Steve Irwin Way. “I put it on every Tuesday morning when I go in for the Dancing with the Stars live taping, it’s the most beautiful experience,” Robert revealed, explaining how these two items ground him in family values and his father’s conservation mission.

His Mother Terri and Family Stand Behind the Tribute

Robert’s family has embraced his touching tribute to their late father and husband. His mother Terri Irwin publicly supported the ritual, commenting on Robert’s Instagram post when he first wore the shirt during his DWTS debut in September 2025. “I love that you are wearing your dad’s shirt,” she wrote, showing the family’s collective commitment to honoring Steve’s memory.

The Irwin family continues to celebrate Steve’s legacy through wildlife conservation at Australia Zoo, and Robert carries that mission forward both in his professional work and on the dance floor. Each performance becomes an opportunity to tell his father’s story and demonstrate the impact Steve had on his children and the world.

What Does Wearing Dad’s Shirt Feel Like for Robert Each Week?

Robert described the experience of putting on his father’s restored shirt as profoundly emotional and grounding. “It just keeps me close to home, keeps me close to him. It just feels like a big hug every time I put it on,” he shared, capturing the weight of the ritual. The shirt serves not just as a nostalgia piece but as a powerful reminder of his purpose on the DWTS stage.

“Every time I step out into the ballroom, I represent my message, my dad’s legacy, my home, my family. It is such an honor to get to do that,” Robert said, explaining how the shirt connects his personal identity to his professional performance. The two good luck charms work together to keep him anchored to what matters most while competing at the highest level on network television’s biggest dance competition.

“It just feels like a big hug every time I put it on.”

— Robert Irwin, Wildlife Conservationist and DWTS Competitor

Sources

• People Magazine – Robert Irwin wears dad Steve’s shirt before every DWTS show
• E! Online – Robert Irwin reveals good luck charms from Steve Irwin
• Good Morning America – Irwin family support for DWTS finale