When it comes to iconic style, few artists have left a mark quite like Michael Jackson. Not only was he a musical genius, but he also had an impeccable eye for fashion. From his single glove to his gravity-defying lean, every piece of his wardrobe was meticulously chosen. Let’s dive into some fascinating secrets behind his costumes, especially why he wore smaller clothes toward the end of his shows.
1. The Mystery Behind Smaller Costumes at the End of His Shows
Michael Jackson’s performances were legendary not only for his music but also for his intense dance routines. By the end of a show, he often lost up to five pounds through sheer exertion, with his waist shrinking by an inch. To ensure his clothes showcased his movements perfectly, he wore slightly smaller costumes as the show progressed. This subtle adjustment kept his silhouette sleek and allowed his audience to appreciate every move.
2. Defying Gravity with Custom Shoes
One of Michael’s most jaw-dropping moves was the 45-degree forward lean featured in the “Smooth Criminal” video. His custom shoes played a crucial role in making this illusion possible. Designed with a V-shaped clasp on the heel, these shoes could latch onto a nail embedded in the stage floor, allowing him to lean far forward without tipping over. But, to pull it off, he needed incredible core strength and balance – a feat not just of technology but of Michael’s own physical prowess.
3. The Single Glove That Sparked a Fashion Trend
One of Michael’s most recognizable fashion choices was his single white glove. This wasn’t just a style statement; it was also a practical choice rooted in his battle with vitiligo, a skin condition causing patches of his skin to lose pigment. Wearing one glove instead of two made it more than just a cover-up – it became an iconic part of his image, adding a touch of mystery and sparking endless fascination.
4. The Signature Armband on His Jackets
If you’ve ever noticed, almost every jacket Michael wore had an armband on the right sleeve. This distinctive addition was a deliberate choice to make his outfits unique. But it also became a symbol for his fans, sparking curiosity and speculation. Some believed it was a tribute, while others saw it as a personal statement. In the end, the armband added to the allure of Michael’s carefully crafted persona.
5. The Meaning Behind the “777” on His Jackets
On several of Michael’s jackets, the number “777” appears – and it’s no random choice. Michael, the seventh child in his family, chose this number as a nod to his birth order and to reflect his lucky number. Interestingly, his birth year (1958) also factors into this symbolism: add 19 and 58, and you get 77. This number became part of his personal brand, a small detail that fans continue to find fascinating.
6. The Deliberately Worn Shoes
For Michael, every detail mattered, down to the state of his shoes. He preferred them scuffed and worn, explaining that polished shoes were too slippery for his high-energy dance moves. At one point, his managers had his shoes polished, which infuriated him because he felt it jeopardized his ability to perform. The worn leather provided the perfect grip and control for his legendary moves, and he wasn’t about to sacrifice that for appearance.
7. The Classic White Socks That Caught the Spotlight
You can’t talk about Michael Jackson’s style without mentioning his white socks. While seemingly simple, they served an important purpose: drawing attention to his feet. Paired with black loafers, the white socks became a visual highlight, catching the stage lights and emphasizing every slide, shuffle, and step. No one else wore white socks quite like Michael, making it an instantly recognizable part of his look.
8. Finger Taping for the Spotlight
Michael often wrapped his index, ring, and pinky fingers with white tape. This unique detail wasn’t random – it was a clever technique to catch the spotlight. The white tape drew attention to his hand movements, which were integral to his dance routines. Taping only three fingers added a touch of mystery, prompting fans to wonder about its significance. It was yet another way Michael set himself apart, adding to his enigmatic presence on stage.
9. The Random Letters “CTE” on His Jackets
Among the many curious details on Michael’s costumes were the letters “CTE” stitched onto his jackets. Surprisingly, these letters had no deep meaning. In the ’90s, Michael’s costume designers created a few new shirts, and he requested some random letters be added to the epaulets. They drew “CTE” at random from a hat containing the entire alphabet, creating a detail that fans would speculate about for years.
Conclusion
Michael Jackson’s costumes were more than just clothing – they were an essential part of his identity. Each element, from his single glove to the armband on his jackets, was carefully chosen to reflect his personality, enhance his performances, and captivate his audience. He wore smaller clothes at the end of his shows to fit his shrinking frame after hours of intense dancing, and his wardrobe was full of other details that made fans wonder, speculate, and admire.
His attention to these tiny details made his performances unforgettable and turned his outfits into iconic symbols. Michael Jackson’s wardrobe wasn’t just about fashion; it was about crafting an unforgettable image that has lived on long after the final curtain fell.
