Run-D.M.C. Costume
Rock the house with the ultimate 1980s hip-hop style.
Run-D.M.C. is one of the most influential hip-hop groups of all time, pioneering both a new sound and a legendary fashion aesthetic in the 1980s. Dressing up as the group is a popular choice for retro parties and Halloween because their look is instantly recognizable and comfortable. The signature style consists of a black Adidas tracksuit, a black bucket hat, unlaced sneakers, and thick gold rope chains.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $40–120
Try it on
See yourself as Run-D.M.C.
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 Run-D.M.C. costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Run-D.M.C. costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Black Track Jacket
A black zip-up track jacket with three white stripes running down the sleeves.
DIY: Use a plain black zip-up jacket and fabric paint or white tape to add three parallel stripes down the sleeves.
Black Track Pants
Matching black track pants with three white stripes down the sides.
DIY: Use plain black sweatpants and apply white fabric tape down the outer seams.
Black Bucket Hat
A classic black felt or cotton bucket hat, worn low.
DIY: Use any plain black bucket hat you already own.
Gold Rope Chain
A thick, chunky faux-gold rope chain necklace.
DIY: Paint a thick plastic toy chain with metallic gold spray paint.
White Sneakers
Classic low-top white leather sneakers, worn without laces and with the tongue pushed out.
DIY: Use any white sneakers you own, remove the laces, and pull the tongues forward.
Thick Black-Rimmed Glasses
Square, thick-framed black glasses (specifically for the Darryl 'D.M.C.' McDaniels look).
DIY: Pop the lenses out of cheap black plastic sunglasses.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Run-D.M.C. costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on a plain black or white t-shirt as a base layer.
- 2
Wear the matching black track jacket and track pants set.
- 3
Remove the laces from your white sneakers, slip them on, and push the tongues out so they stand up.
- 4
Place the black bucket hat on your head, tilting it slightly downward.
- 5
Layer one or two thick gold rope chains around your neck.
- 6
If going as D.M.C., put on the thick black-rimmed glasses to complete the look.
Makeup & hair
Keep hair simple or hidden under the bucket hat. Facial hair like a neat mustache or goatee fits the classic Joseph 'Run' Simmons or Darryl 'D.M.C.' McDaniels look.
Run-D.M.C. for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up as two members of the group, or go as a rapper and a retro boombox.
- group
- Go as the full trio: Run, D.M.C., and Jam Master Jay behind a portable DJ deck.
- kids
- A miniature black tracksuit, tiny white sneakers, and a soft black bucket hat make an adorable retro outfit.
- Plus size
- Tracksuits offer a highly flexible, comfortable fit; look for athletic brands that offer extended sizing.
- pet
- A small black dog hoodie with white stripes painted on the sleeves and a tiny gold chain collar.
Tips
- Keep the track jacket unzipped halfway to show off your gold chains and t-shirt.
- Make sure your sneakers are clean and bright white to contrast with the dark tracksuit.
- Practice classic 80s hip-hop poses, like crossing your arms over your chest.
- Wear comfortable socks since your shoes will be unlaced and loose.
Run-D.M.C. costume FAQ
- What shoes did Run-D.M.C. wear?
- They famously wore Adidas Superstar sneakers, completely laceless with the tongues pushed out.
- Can I wear a different color tracksuit?
- While black with white stripes is their most iconic look, they also wore red or blue tracksuits occasionally.
- How do I keep my laceless shoes from falling off?
- You can use double-sided fashion tape inside the shoe tongue or wear snug-fitting slip-on style sneakers that look like classic lace-ups.
Did you know? Run-D.M.C. loved Adidas sneakers so much they released the hit song 'My Adidas' in 1986, which led to the first-ever endorsement deal between a music group and an athletic brand.