Jackson 5 Costume
Bring the ultimate 1970s Motown energy to your next group costume.
The Jackson 5 are music royalty, famous for their infectious Motown hits and vibrant, coordinated 1970s stage outfits. Dressing up as this legendary family band is a crowd-pleasing choice for groups, families, or solo performers looking to channel retro pop stardom. The signature look features bold colors, wide-collar shirts, matching vests or jumpsuits, and iconic retro hairstyles.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $40–120
Try it on
See yourself as Jackson 5
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.
Your photo is sent to Google's Gemini API to make the render and isn't used for training. Renders are AI-generated and labelled.
Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a Jackson 5 costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Jackson 5 costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Retro 70s patterned shirt
A button-down shirt with an oversized, pointed wing collar in a bright color or vintage geometric print.
DIY: Use any bright button-down shirt and pull the collar out over your jacket lapels.
Matching vest or suit jacket
A brightly colored vest, blazer, or matching leisure suit jacket in shades like blue, orange, yellow, or purple.
DIY: Cut the sleeves off an old colorful blazer to make a custom stage vest.
Bell-bottom trousers
High-waisted pants that flare dramatically at the bottom, matching the color of the vest or jacket.
DIY: Sew triangular fabric inserts into the outer seams of regular trousers to create a flare.
Retro afro wig
A classic, voluminous, rounded black afro wig to capture the band's signature 1970s hairstyles.
Vintage toy microphone
A classic silver-topped hand-held microphone prop to complete the lead singer or backup vocalist look.
DIY: Wrap a cardboard tube in black tape and top it with a crumpled ball of aluminum foil.
Platform shoes or boots
White, black, or matching colored boots with a thick retro platform sole.
DIY: Wear clean, classic white retro sneakers or dress shoes.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Jackson 5 costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the bright, wide-collared 1970s button-down shirt, leaving the top few buttons open.
- 2
Layer the matching colorful vest or blazer over the shirt, making sure to pull the large shirt collar out so it sits flat over the lapels.
- 3
Put on the matching high-waisted bell-bottom trousers, securing them with a wide belt if needed.
- 4
Shake out the afro wig to maximize its volume, then secure it over your natural hair using a wig cap.
- 5
Step into your platform boots or retro dress shoes.
- 6
Grab your vintage microphone prop and prepare to bust out some coordinated dance moves.
Makeup & hair
Keep makeup minimal and natural. Focus entirely on the hair by wearing a perfectly rounded, voluminous black afro wig, gently fluffed out with a hair pick for maximum 70s authenticity.
Jackson 5 for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair a Jackson 5 member with a 1970s-era Diana Ross in a glamorous sequin gown.
- group
- Gather four friends to complete the full five-member lineup, wearing coordinated, color-blocked 70s suits.
- kids
- A mini colorful jumpsuit and a small afro wig make an adorable, high-energy costume for kids.
- Plus size
- Leisure suits and stretch-material bell-bottoms offer a comfortable, flexible, and flattering retro fit.
- pet
- A colorful retro pet collar or a small sequined vest for a fun photo op.
Tips
- If you are going as a group, coordinate your color palette (e.g., all blues, or a rainbow of orange, yellow, red, and purple) for maximum visual impact.
- Practice a few simple, synchronized side-step dance moves to really sell the performance.
- Choose breathable fabrics, as polyester 70s-style shirts and wigs can get warm during indoor parties.
- Keep the microphone prop tucked into your waistband or pocket when you need your hands free for drinks or food.
Jackson 5 costume FAQ
- What did the Jackson 5 wear on stage?
- They were famous for matching, vibrant 1970s stage outfits including colorful leisure suits, bell-bottoms, vests, fringe details, and large pointed collars.
- How do you do a Jackson 5 group costume?
- Have each member of your group wear a matching style of 70s vest and bell-bottoms, but in different bright colors like blue, red, green, yellow, and orange.
- What accessories do I need for a Jackson 5 costume?
- The essential accessories are a classic vintage-style microphone, a voluminous afro wig, and retro platform shoes.
Did you know? In their early years, the Jackson family's mother, Katherine Jackson, hand-made many of the group's colorful, sequined stage costumes herself.