Updated October 2026
Michael Jackson changed pop music, and he changed the way pop stars dress. More than a decade and a half after his death in 2009, Michael Jackson’s fashion is still copied on runways, in music videos and on the street: the single sequined glove, the military jackets, the fedora, the white socks with black loafers. KISS Magazine first ran this tribute on August 29, 2011, his birthday. Here is a look at how the King of Pop became one of music’s greatest fashion trendsetters and why his style still matters.
The early years: Motown polish
Michael began as the youngest lead singer of the Jackson 5, and the group’s look was pure late-1960s and early-1970s Motown: matching outfits, bold color, fringe, wide collars and flares. When he launched his solo career with the 1972 album Got to Be There, the image was still sweet and polished, with the floppy cap, big smile and soft afro of a teen idol.
Those years taught him something he used for the rest of his career: on stage, clothes are part of the performance. Outfits had to read from the back of an arena, move with every spin and look good on camera.
1983: the glove, the socks and the moonwalk
The moment Michael Jackson’s style became iconic is usually traced to his 1983 performance of “Billie Jean” on the TV special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever, where he introduced the moonwalk to a huge audience. The outfit was simple but unforgettable: a black sequined jacket, a black fedora, trousers cut short enough to flash white sequined socks, black loafers and a single white sequined glove.
Each piece had a purpose. The short trousers and bright socks pulled the eye to his feet, so every glide and spin was easy to see. The one glove caught the light with every gesture. Almost overnight, single gloves and white socks became a style statement for fans all over the world.
Thriller and the red leather jacket
Thriller, released in 1982, went on to become one of the best-selling albums of all time, and its videos turned Michael into a fashion icon on MTV. In the “Thriller” video, directed by John Landis, he wore a red-and-black leather jacket with a V-shaped design, designed by costume designer Deborah Nadoolman Landis. His co-star in the video was model Ola Ray. In the “Beat It” video he wore another red leather jacket covered in zippers.
Those jackets showed how a single, graphic piece of clothing could become as recognizable as a song. Red leather jackets inspired by Thriller still sell every Halloween and turn up regularly in streetwear collections.
Military jackets and the King of Pop
From the mid-1980s on, Michael made the military-style jacket his signature. His versions had strong shoulders, gold or brass buttons, braiding, epaulettes and buckles, often worn with an armband, slim black trousers and loafers. Many of his stage and red carpet looks were created by his longtime costume designers Michael Bush and Dennis Tompkins, who worked with him for about 25 years.
The military jacket gave him a regal, almost royal look that matched the “King of Pop” title. When strong-shouldered, embellished military jackets swept the runways in the late 2000s, many fashion writers pointed straight back to Michael.
Bad, Dangerous and the buckle era
For the Bad era in 1987, the look turned edgier: black leather, straps and lots of silver buckles. In the 1990s, around Dangerous, he mixed military details with crisp white shirts, armbands, gold accents and dramatic stage costumes. Through every era, a few things stayed the same: a slim, sharp silhouette, a strong contrast between black and white or gold, and details designed to catch the light.
The signature accessories
Michael’s accessories were just as recognizable as his jackets, and they are the easiest part of his style to borrow:
- The fedora. A black fedora finished the Billie Jean look, and a white fedora with a white suit, blue shirt and armband defined the 1988 “Smooth Criminal” video. He often used the hat as a prop in his choreography.
- Black loafers and white socks. Simple penny loafers made it easy to glide and spin, and the white socks made his footwork impossible to miss.
- The armband. A single band worn over a jacket sleeve became a recurring detail in his stage and public looks.
- Aviator sunglasses. In public appearances he often wore aviator-style shades, adding mystery to an already larger-than-life image.
Why Michael Jackson’s fashion still matters
- He made one accessory a brand. The single sequined glove proved that one bold detail can define an entire image.
- He dressed for movement. His clothes were built to dance in, a lesson every performer since has learned.
- He blended uniform and glamour. Military tailoring plus sequins and sparkle became a template for stage dressing.
- He made music videos into fashion moments. Thriller and Beat It showed how a video costume can launch a trend.
- His influence keeps returning. Pop stars still nod to his looks on stage, and designers keep revisiting his jackets, gloves and loafers.
How to wear Michael Jackson-inspired style today
You don’t need a sequined glove to borrow from the King of Pop. Try a structured military-style jacket with slim black trousers, a crisp white shirt and black loafers. Or go for a graphic red leather jacket with dark denim. Keep the rest of the look clean so one statement piece stands out, just like Michael did. For more ideas on making a single bold piece work, see our Style Guide.
Michael Jackson fashion FAQ
Why did Michael Jackson wear one glove?
The single white sequined glove became famous during his 1983 “Billie Jean” performance on Motown 25. It drew attention to his hand movements while he danced, and it quickly became his best-known signature.
Who designed Michael Jackson’s Thriller jacket?
The red leather jacket from the “Thriller” video was designed by costume designer Deborah Nadoolman Landis.
What are Michael Jackson’s most iconic outfits?
The Billie Jean look (black sequined jacket, fedora, white socks, loafers and one glove), the red leather Thriller and Beat It jackets, and his embellished military-style jackets.
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