Doc and Marty Costume
Great Scott! Travel back in time with this iconic 80s duo.
Doc Brown and Marty McFly from Back to the Future are one of cinema's most recognizable duos, making them a perfect choice for couples or best friends. This guide covers Marty's classic 1985 layered look and Doc's signature wild-haired scientist outfit. Together, you'll look ready to jump in the DeLorean and hit 88 miles per hour.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $60–180
Try it on
See yourself as Doc and Marty
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What you need for a Doc and Marty costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Doc and Marty costume — one box instead of 7 pieces.
Marty's Red Puffer Vest
A bright orange-red sleeveless puffer vest, mimicking Marty's famous 'life preserver' look.
DIY: Use a red puffer jacket and carefully remove the sleeves at the seams.
Marty's Denim Jacket
A classic light-wash blue denim jacket worn layered underneath the vest.
Marty's Plaid Shirt
A black and white or blue checkered button-down shirt to wear under the denim jacket.
Doc's White Lab Coat
A standard knee-length white doctor's lab coat with front pockets.
DIY: Use an oversized white button-down shirt worn open.
Doc's Wild Scientist Wig
A frizzy, unkempt white wig that stands out in all directions.
DIY: Tease and heavily hairspray a cheap white wig to make it look wild and messy.
Doc's Protective Goggles
Dark-tinted welding goggles or futuristic silver visor sunglasses.
Marty's Calculator Watch
A retro black digital calculator watch to wear on the wrist.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Doc and Marty costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
For Marty, layer the checkered button-down shirt under the light-wash denim jacket, leaving both partially unbuttoned.
- 2
Put on the bright red puffer vest over the denim jacket to complete Marty's signature layered torso.
- 3
Wear straight-leg blue jeans and classic white sneakers to finish Marty's lower half.
- 4
For Doc, put on a colorful Hawaiian print shirt or a yellow button-down, then layer the white lab coat over it.
- 5
Put on the wild, frizzy white scientist wig and adjust it so it looks appropriately chaotic.
- 6
Slide the dark welding goggles or futuristic silver visor onto your forehead or over your eyes.
- 7
Accessorize Doc with yellow dishwashing gloves and carry a toy remote control or a clipboard.
Makeup & hair
Marty needs simple, feathered 80s-style hair. Doc requires a messy, teased-out white wig; use heavy-duty hairspray to make it stand up wildly if needed.
Doc and Marty for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- The perfect duo costume—one person goes as Marty in the red vest, the other as Doc in the lab coat.
- group
- Add Jennifer Parker in a pink shirt and vest, or Biff Tannen in a green track jacket.
- kids
- A mini Marty in a tiny red puffer vest paired with a toddler Doc in a lab coat is incredibly cute.
- Plus size
- Both outfits feature loose-fitting layers (puffer vests, denim jackets, and lab coats) that are highly adjustable and comfortable for all body types.
- pet
- Dress a dog as Einstein, Doc's loyal sheepdog, wearing a miniature stopwatch collar.
Tips
- Marty's layers can get very warm indoors; choose a lightweight denim jacket and a thin puffer vest if you will be at a crowded party.
- For a great photo op, have Marty look anxiously at his watch while Doc points dramatically into the distance.
- Thrift stores are goldmines for Marty's denim jacket and plaid shirts, as well as Doc's khaki pants.
Doc and Marty costume FAQ
- What kind of vest does Marty McFly wear?
- Marty wears a bright orange-red down-filled puffer vest, which characters in the movie hilariously mistake for a life preserver.
- How do I style Doc Brown's hair?
- Use a white 'mad scientist' wig, tease it out with a comb, and use heavy-duty hairspray to keep it looking frizzy and wild.
- What are some easy props for this costume?
- Marty can carry a vintage skateboard or a retro camcorder, while Doc can carry a clipboard, a toy remote control, or wear yellow rubber gloves.
Did you know? Marty's iconic red puffer vest was repeatedly joked about in the 1955 scenes, where multiple characters asked him if he was a sailor or why he was wearing a life preserver.