Sho'nuff Costume
Who is the master? Show them with this iconic 80s look.
Step into the ring as the Shogun of Harlem with a Sho'nuff costume from the 1985 cult classic martial arts film *The Last Dragon*. This bold look features a striking red and gold martial arts uniform paired with a wild, commanding hairstyle. It is the perfect choice for movie buffs looking to bring high-energy 80s villain energy to their next event.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $50–120
Try it on
See yourself as Sho'nuff
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 Sho'nuff costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Sho'nuff costume — one box instead of 7 pieces.
Red sleeveless martial arts gi
A red karate uniform top with the sleeves cut off, featuring black trim along the collar and edges.
DIY: Cut the sleeves off a standard red karate uniform and line the edges with black fabric tape.
Red martial arts pants
Loose-fitting red cotton pants matching the gi top.
DIY: Use loose red sweatpants with elastic cuffs.
Gold-trimmed black belt
A wide black fabric sash or martial arts belt featuring metallic gold borders.
DIY: Add gold ribbon or fabric paint to the edges of a wide black fabric belt.
Black and gold arm guards
Black forearm guards or athletic wraps accented with gold metallic trim.
DIY: Wrap your forearms in black athletic tape and add gold vinyl stripes.
Black high-top sneakers
Classic black and white canvas high-top sneakers to reference the famous movie line.
Wild black wig
A voluminous, crimped, or afro-textured black wig styled half-up in a high ponytail.
DIY: Tease a long black wig and pull the top section into a high, messy ponytail.
Round dark sunglasses
Small, round black sunglasses with dark lenses.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Sho'nuff costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the red martial arts pants and the sleeveless red gi top.
- 2
Tie the wide black sash belt around your waist, ensuring the gold trim is visible.
- 3
Secure the black and gold guards or wraps around your forearms and shins.
- 4
Lace up the black and white high-top canvas sneakers.
- 5
Put on the wild black wig, pulling the top half into a high ponytail if not already styled.
- 6
Slip on the round dark sunglasses to complete the Shogun's menacing gaze.
Makeup & hair
Wear a voluminous, wild black afro-textured wig styled with the top half pulled up into a high, dramatic ponytail. Keep facial hair clean-shaven or with a light mustache to match his intense, expressive look.
Sho'nuff for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with Bruce Leroy in his white karate gi and straw hat for an epic martial arts rivalry.
- group
- Add Sho'nuff's henchmen in matching street-style martial arts gear and sunglasses.
- kids
- A mini red karate gi with gold fabric paint accents and a fun wig.
- Plus size
- Use an oversized red karate uniform or wrap robe, securing it with an adjustable wide fabric sash.
Tips
- Use gold fabric paint or gold iron-on vinyl to add custom kanji or accents to the back of the red vest.
- Ensure your high-top sneakers are clean and classic black-and-white for the ultimate movie reference.
- Practice your best 'Who's the master?' delivery to really sell the character in photos.
Sho'nuff costume FAQ
- What shoes does Sho'nuff wear?
- He famously wears black and white high-top canvas sneakers, leading to his iconic line, 'Kiss my Converse!'
- How do I make the gold accents on the gi?
- You can use gold fabric paint, gold bias tape, or iron-on gold vinyl sheets to add the trim and symbols to a plain red karate uniform.
- What is Sho'nuff's hairstyle?
- He wears a wild, crimped, or afro-textured black hairstyle with the top section pulled into a high, dramatic ponytail.
Did you know? Sho'nuff was played by the late Julius Carry, who actually had no prior martial arts experience before landing the iconic role.