Blues Brothers Costume Guide: How to Dress as Jake and Elwood
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The Blues Brothers costume is one of the simplest classic duo costumes there is: a black suit, a white shirt, a skinny black tie, a black hat and black wayfarer-style sunglasses. It works because the silhouette is so specific. Two people in identical black suits, hats and sunglasses read as the Blues Brothers from across a room.
The characters are "Joliet" Jake Blues (John Belushi) and Elwood Blues (Dan Aykroyd), from the 1980 film The Blues Brothers and their earlier Saturday Night Live sketches. They wear the same outfit, so you tell them apart with small details. Elwood carries a briefcase handcuffed to his wrist, and he was the tall, lean one in the film. Jake was the shorter, stockier one.
Most people can build this from a regular black suit. The sunglasses and hat are the parts you'll probably need to buy.
At a glance
- Difficulty: Easy
- Rough budget: $30–$60 if you own a black suit; $100+ if not
- Best for: Duos, or a whole band in matching suits
- What people recognise first: Black hat + black wayfarer sunglasses together
What you need
- Black hat and wayfarer-style sunglasses set — The two pieces that make the costume. Wear the sunglasses all evening, even indoors; that's in character.
- Slim black suit — Plain, single-breasted, not too tailored. In the film the suits look a little rumpled.
- White dress shirt — Plain white with a standard collar. Keep it buttoned to the top under the tie.
- Skinny black tie — Narrow, plain black, no pattern or sheen. A pre-tied zipper tie is fine.
- Black leather belt — Simple and black; it should disappear under the jacket.
- Black oxford shoes — Plain black dress shoes. You'll be dancing, so comfort matters.
How to put it together
Suit, shirt and tie
- Button the white shirt to the collar and add the skinny black tie, knotted small.
- Put on the black suit trousers and belt, then the jacket, buttoned.
- Leave the suit a little loose. Jake and Elwood are not sharply tailored.
Hat and sunglasses
- Wear the hat level and pulled down slightly at the front.
- Put on the sunglasses and leave them on. Taking them off breaks the look in photos.
Jake or Elwood details
- Elwood: handcuff a black briefcase to one wrist with a toy handcuff, and keep a harmonica in your pocket.
- Jake: a slightly heavier, more rumpled look. Untuck nothing, but don't straighten anything either.
- For photos, stand side by side in matching poses; the film's dance moves are a bonus.
About the character
Jake and Elwood Blues began as a musical act on Saturday Night Live in the late 1970s, created by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. Their 1980 film The Blues Brothers, directed by John Landis, follows the brothers as they reunite their old band to raise money to save the orphanage where they grew up, a quest they famously describe as "a mission from God".
The film is known for its car chases and its music, with appearances from Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, James Brown and Cab Calloway. The black suits, hats and sunglasses were part of the act from the start and have become one of the best-known costume pairings in film. Aykroyd and John Goodman returned for the sequel, Blues Brothers 2000.
Frequently asked questions
What do the Blues Brothers wear?
A black suit, white shirt, skinny black tie, black hat, black wayfarer-style sunglasses and black shoes. Both brothers wear the same outfit.
How do you tell Jake and Elwood apart in costume?
Elwood carries a briefcase handcuffed to his wrist and was the taller, leaner brother in the film. Jake was shorter and stockier. If you're a pair, the taller person usually plays Elwood.
Do I need real Ray-Ban sunglasses?
No. The film's sunglasses are black wayfarer-style frames, and any inexpensive black wayfarer-shaped pair looks the same from a distance.
Can more than two people do a Blues Brothers costume?
Yes. Matching black suits work for a whole group dressed as the band. Some groups add people dressed as other characters from the film, such as the women from Aretha Franklin's diner scene.
Can a woman dress as one of the Blues Brothers?
Absolutely. A black pantsuit or a black skirt suit with a white shirt, skinny tie, hat and sunglasses reads exactly the same.
Further reading
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