Back to the Future Costume
Travel back to 1985 with Marty McFly's iconic layered look.
Back to the Future is a beloved sci-fi classic, making Marty McFly one of the most recognizable pop-culture icons of all time. This guide focuses on Marty's signature 1985 outfit, characterized by his layered shirts and bright red puffer vest. It is a comfortable, nostalgic choice that is perfect for movie fans and retro themed events.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $45–120
Try it on
See yourself as Back to the Future
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What you need for a Back to the Future costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Back to the Future costume — one box instead of 7 pieces.
Red Puffer Vest
A bright red, sleeveless down-style puffer vest, worn open.
Denim Jacket
A light-wash, button-up denim jacket with the sleeves rolled up slightly.
DIY: Use an old denim jacket from a thrift store and fold the cuffs back.
Black and White Plaid Shirt
A long-sleeved, button-down plaid or checkered shirt worn under the denim jacket.
Burgundy T-Shirt
A simple crewneck short-sleeve t-shirt worn as the base layer.
DIY: Any dark red or maroon t-shirt will work.
Straight-Leg Blue Jeans
Classic medium-wash blue jeans in a relaxed, straight-leg cut.
White Retro Sneakers
Classic white leather tennis shoes with red accents, like vintage high-tops or low-tops.
DIY: Use plain white sneakers and add red tape or fabric marker for the side stripes.
Digital Calculator Watch
A black plastic retro digital calculator watch worn on the left wrist.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Back to the Future costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the burgundy crewneck t-shirt as your base layer.
- 2
Layer the black-and-white plaid shirt over the t-shirt, leaving it completely unbuttoned.
- 3
Put on the light-wash denim jacket over the plaid shirt, leaving it unbuttoned, and roll the cuffs up once to show the plaid sleeves underneath.
- 4
Put on the bright red puffer vest over the denim jacket, keeping it open.
- 5
Put on the straight-leg blue jeans and secure them with a simple brown leather belt.
- 6
Lace up your white retro sneakers and strap on the black calculator watch.
- 7
Optional: Carry a skateboard or a replica pink hoverboard as the ultimate 80s prop.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair in a feathered, messy 1980s look using a bit of pomade or hairspray for volume. No makeup is required, keeping the look natural and casual.
Back to the Future for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair Marty McFly with Doc Brown in a white hazmat suit, or Jennifer Parker in her floral shirt and pink vest.
- group
- Add Doc Brown, Jennifer Parker, and Biff Tannen in his green track jacket to form a full movie group.
- kids
- A miniature red puffer vest, jeans, and a toy hoverboard make an adorable, easy kid's costume.
- Plus size
- This layered look is highly adjustable; choose relaxed-fit denim and a lightweight puffer vest for maximum comfort.
- pet
- Dress your dog as Einstein, Doc Brown's loyal sheepdog, wearing a miniature stopwatch collar.
Tips
- Keep the layers lightweight so you do not overheat while wearing four shirts/jackets indoors.
- Roll the denim jacket cuffs back just enough so the plaid shirt cuffs peek out beneath them.
- For photos, hold a retro camcorder or strike a pose checking your watch with a shocked expression.
Back to the Future costume FAQ
- What kind of vest does Marty McFly wear?
- Marty McFly wears a bright orange-red sleeveless puffer vest, which other characters in 1955 hilariously mistake for a life preserver.
- How do you style Marty McFly's sleeves?
- Wear the plaid shirt cuffs down, but roll the denim jacket cuffs up slightly so the plaid pattern is visible at your wrists.
- What are the key props for a Marty McFly costume?
- The best props are a classic skateboard, a pink hoverboard, a retro video camcorder, or a silver cassette player with headphones.
Did you know? In the movie, Marty's iconic red puffer vest is repeatedly mistaken for a life preserver by citizens of 1955, who ask him if he just jumped off a ship.