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Jesse Pinkman Costume and Outfit Guide (Breaking Bad)

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Jesse Pinkman Outfits

Jesse Pinkman, played by Aaron Paul in Breaking Bad, has two looks that people recognise instantly. The first is his early-season streetwear: an oversized hoodie or graphic tee, very baggy jeans, a knit beanie and chunky sneakers. The second is the yellow hazmat suit and respirator he wears while cooking with Walter White.

The streetwear version is cheap and comfortable, and much of it may already be in your wardrobe. The hazmat version is the better choice if you're going as a pair with someone dressed as Walter White, because the matching suits make the reference obvious.

Jesse's style changes across the show. In the later seasons, and in the 2019 film El Camino, he dresses more plainly and has a shorter haircut. Most people expect the early, louder version, so that's what this guide focuses on.

At a glance

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Rough budget: $40–$90 (less if you already own baggy jeans)
  • Best for: Couples costume with Walter White
  • What people recognise first: Oversized hoodie + beanie, or the yellow hazmat suit

What you need

How to put it together

Streetwear version

  1. Start with the graphic tee, then the baggy jeans worn low with a belt.
  2. Add the oversized hoodie, unzipped or half-zipped so the tee shows.
  3. Finish with the beanie pulled down low and high-top sneakers, loosely laced.

Hazmat version

  1. Wear the yellow coveralls over a T-shirt and light trousers; they get hot quickly.
  2. Add a half-face respirator (or a toy version), safety goggles and blue or black nitrile gloves.
  3. For a couple's costume, Walter White wears the identical suit; one person carrying a toy clipboard or lab flask makes the scene read better.

Attitude

  1. Jesse's body language matters: a slouch, hands in the hoodie pocket and a lot of "yo".

About the character

Jesse Pinkman is Walter White's former chemistry student and later his partner in Breaking Bad, which ran on AMC from 2008 to 2013. Aaron Paul won three Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for the role. Jesse's story continues in the Netflix film El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie (2019).

Jesse's clothes are deliberately youthful and oversized in the early seasons, which contrasts with Walt's beige, middle-aged wardrobe. As the show goes on and Jesse goes through more, his clothing becomes darker and plainer. For a costume, the contrast between the two characters is the point: if you're going as a pair, keep Jesse loud and Walt dull.

Frequently asked questions

What does Jesse Pinkman wear in Breaking Bad?

In the early seasons: oversized hoodies and graphic tees, very baggy jeans, knit beanies and chunky sneakers. While cooking with Walter White he wears a yellow hazmat suit, respirator and goggles. In later seasons his clothes become plainer and darker.

What should my partner wear as Walter White?

For the hazmat look, the same yellow suit, respirator and goggles. For the Heisenberg look: a black pork-pie hat, dark sunglasses, a goatee and a plain jacket. Shaving your head or wearing a bald cap completes later-season Walt.

Where can I get the yellow hazmat suit?

Yellow disposable or reusable coveralls are sold as protective workwear, and many Halloween shops sell a Breaking Bad-style kit with a toy respirator. Real disposable coveralls are cheap, but they are not breathable, so plan for heat.

Do I need a wig for Jesse Pinkman?

Usually not. Early Jesse has short hair that is mostly hidden under a beanie. If you want the later look, a short buzzed cut is closer.

Further reading

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