Marty McFly and Doc Brown Costume
Great Scott! Travel back to 1985 with this iconic sci-fi duo.
Marty McFly and Doc Brown from Back to the Future are one of cinema's most recognizable duos, making them a top choice for couples and best friends. Marty's look is defined by layered 1980s casual wear, while Doc Brown stands out in his eccentric scientist gear. Together, they create an instantly recognizable, nostalgic sci-fi aesthetic.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $60–180
Try it on
See yourself as Marty McFly and Doc Brown
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
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What you need for a Marty McFly and Doc Brown costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Marty McFly and Doc Brown costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Marty's Red Puffer Vest
A bright red, sleeveless quilted puffer vest worn open over layers.
DIY: Use a red winter vest you already own or find one at a thrift store.
Marty's Denim Jacket
A classic light-wash blue denim jacket, worn buttoned halfway.
Marty's Checkered Shirt
A black and white short-sleeved checkered button-down shirt worn under the denim.
DIY: Any dark plaid or grid-patterned button-down shirt works.
Doc's White Lab Coat or Jumpsuit
A white knee-length lab coat or a white hazmat-style jumpsuit with a radiation symbol on the back.
DIY: An oversized white button-down shirt can mimic a lab coat in a pinch.
Doc's Wild White Wig
A messy, frizzy, shoulder-length white wig to capture the eccentric scientist hair.
DIY: Heavily backcomb and hairspray a cheap white wig to get the signature messy look.
Doc's Accessories
Black protective tool goggles worn on the forehead and a yellow tool belt or fanny pack.
DIY: Use dark sunglasses pushed up onto the head or forehead.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Marty McFly and Doc Brown costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
For Marty: Put on a red t-shirt, layer the checkered button-down shirt over it, add the light-wash denim jacket, and top it off with the red puffer vest.
- 2
For Marty: Wear straight-leg blue jeans, cuff the bottoms slightly, and put on classic white sneakers with red accents.
- 3
For Doc: Put on a colorful Hawaiian shirt and khaki pants, then layer the white lab coat or white jumpsuit over them.
- 4
For Doc: Put on the wild white wig, shaking it out to maximize the frizz and volume.
- 5
For Doc: Position the black safety goggles on your forehead, just above the wig line, and strap on a yellow tool belt or fanny pack.
- 6
For the final touch, have Marty carry a skateboard or camcorder, and have Doc carry a toy remote control or clipboard.
Makeup & hair
Marty needs simple, feathered 1980s brown hair. Doc Brown requires a wild, frizzy white wig; use white face paint or powder to pale out the eyebrows to match the hair.
Marty McFly and Doc Brown for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- One person goes as Marty McFly in the red vest, and the other goes as Doc Brown in the white lab coat.
- group
- Add Jennifer Parker in a pink shirt and floral vest, or Biff Tannen in a green track jacket.
- kids
- A miniature Marty in a tiny red vest and a toddler Doc in a small white lab coat make an adorable sibling costume.
- Plus size
- Both looks rely on loose-fitting layers (puffer vests, denim jackets, and lab coats) which are highly adjustable and comfortable for all body types.
- pet
- Dress a dog as Einstein, Doc's faithful sheepdog companion, using a simple stopwatch collar.
Tips
- Marty's costume is highly layered, making it excellent for cold Halloween nights, but you can omit the denim jacket if it is warm.
- For Doc's wig, use a little hair gel or styling wax to make individual sections stand up in crazy directions.
- Carry a printout of the 'Save the Clock Tower' flyer as an easy, cheap prop that adds instant authenticity.
Marty McFly and Doc Brown costume FAQ
- What kind of shoes does Marty McFly wear?
- Marty wears classic white Nike Bruin sneakers with a red swoosh. Any retro white leather sneakers with red details will work perfectly.
- How do I make a cheap Doc Brown costume?
- Use a standard white lab coat or white painter's overalls, wear a colorful Hawaiian shirt underneath, and buy a cheap mad scientist wig.
- What props should Marty and Doc carry?
- Marty is best paired with a retro skateboard or a vintage video camcorder. Doc fits perfectly with a yellow toy remote control, a clipboard, or a toy DeLorean.
Did you know? The iconic red puffer vest Marty wears is repeatedly mistaken for a 'life preserver' by the residents of 1955, which became one of the film's running jokes.