Thriller Michael Jackson Costume
Recreate the King of Pop's most iconic 1980s music video look.
Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' music video debuted in 1983 and cemented the red-and-black varsity-style leather jacket as an instant pop culture icon. This costume is a massive hit for Halloween and retro parties because of its high-energy nostalgia and instantly recognizable silhouette. The look centers around the signature red jacket, matching red pants, and classic 80s loafers.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- ~30 min
- Budget
- $45–120
Try it on
See yourself as Thriller Michael Jackson
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What you need for a Thriller Michael Jackson costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Thriller Michael Jackson costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Red Thriller Jacket
A red faux-leather or vinyl jacket featuring black V-shaped stripes on the front, black cuffs, and a black collar.
DIY: Take a plain red windbreaker or leather jacket and use black electrical tape or fabric paint to create the signature V-stripes on the chest and shoulders.
Red Slim-Fit Pants
Bright red jeans or slim-fit trousers that match the shade of the jacket.
DIY: Use a pair of old white jeans and dye them bright red using fabric dye.
Black Loafers
Classic black leather or faux-leather slip-on penny loafers.
DIY: Use any plain black dress shoes you already own.
White Crew Socks
Slightly slouched white athletic crew socks worn high enough to bridge the gap between the pants and shoes.
Black Fingerless Glove (Optional)
A single black fingerless glove worn on one hand for an extra touch of MJ style.
DIY: Cut the fingers off a cheap pair of black knit gloves.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Thriller Michael Jackson costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the red slim-fit pants, securing them with a black belt if needed.
- 2
Pull on the white crew socks, letting them bunch slightly at the ankles.
- 3
Slip into the black penny loafers, ensuring the white socks are highly visible.
- 4
Put on the red Thriller jacket and zip or button it up halfway to reveal the black lining or a black undershirt.
- 5
Style your hair into a wet-look 1980s jheri curl or put on a themed wig.
- 6
Optional: Apply zombie makeup if you want to recreate the dance sequence look rather than the opening theater scene look.
Makeup & hair
Style your hair into a wet-look, voluminous 1980s curly style using plenty of hair gel or curl activator. For the standard look, keep makeup minimal; for the zombie version, apply pale gray face paint, dark hollow eyes, and fake dirt smudges.
Thriller Michael Jackson for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with a partner dressed as Ola Ray in her signature 1980s blue pants and yellow jacket outfit.
- group
- Have one person play Michael Jackson while the rest of the group dresses as 1980s backup dancer zombies.
- kids
- Available in kids' sizes, featuring a lightweight fabric version of the red-and-black jacket.
- Plus size
- Look for jackets with elastic waistbands or stretch panels for a comfortable fit.
- pet
- A red-and-black dog hoodie designed to look like the iconic jacket.
Tips
- Make sure your pants are slightly cropped or rolled up at the hem to properly show off the white socks and black loafers.
- If you are dancing, opt for comfortable loafers with good grip to avoid slipping.
- Keep the jacket unbuttoned slightly at the top to mimic Michael's relaxed, cool style from the video.
Thriller Michael Jackson costume FAQ
- What kind of jacket does Michael Jackson wear in Thriller?
- He wears a custom red leather jacket designed by Deborah Landis, featuring black V-shaped fabric strips, prominent shoulder pads, and a snap-front closure.
- How do I make a DIY Thriller jacket?
- Start with a plain red jacket. Use black duct tape, electrical tape, or black fabric paint to create the thick V-stripes running from the shoulders down to the center chest.
- Can I do a zombie version of this costume?
- Yes! Simply tear up an old version of the red outfit slightly, apply gray and green face paint, add fake blood, and style your hair to look messy and disheveled.
Did you know? The original red Thriller jacket sold at an auction in 2011 for a staggering $1.8 million to a gold trader who planned to use it to raise money for children's charities.