Frankie Steinz Costumes and Abracadabra Superstore
These two costume shops both stock the same glittering “Billie Jean” ensemble, which includes a sparkly button-up shirt, black sequined trousers, a spangled black jacket, and a black felt hat. Added flair, like the white rhinestone-studded glove and knit ankle-length leg-warmers, ensure that your moonwalking attempts won’t go unnoticed. Frankie Steinz rents the look for $325 for two days, while Abracadabra charges $250 for three. (Be forewarned—Abracadabra also requires a $600 security deposit, so steer clear of beer spills or inclement weather.) Buy it outright from Abracadabra for $800.
Frank Bee Costume
This Bronx standby offers the full Michael Jackson “Thriller” costume, complete with a squeaky red leather-polyester jacket and matching pants ($60). This is the most widely stocked (and generally lowest priced) full costume, for those who want to sweat it out on the dance floor without worrying about a hefty deposit. Frank Bee also stocks a $30 kit with a Jackson wig and aviators.
Creative Costume Company
This costume-rental shop created this flashy military coat specifically for the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, where it was worn by a dancer in the Michael Jackson tribute number. You can rent it for two days for $255. The jacket sports impressive detailing—sequins, a sparkly sash, and heavy gold braids. And apart from obvious bragging rights, this is a costume that will actually keep you warm on Halloween.
Ricky’s
The beauty chain turned Halloween superstore stocks the entire pantheon of Jackson looks, from “Bad” to “Billie Jean” to military jackets. It also stocks an impressive “Beat It” jacket ($80), a theme we found largely outnumbered by “Thriller” and “Billie Jean” costumes. This one packs a bit more heft than the paper-thin polyester costumes at other shops, with dozens of zippers for added bling. Pick up a Thriller Wig ($20), also at Ricky’s, for a matching mane of curls.
Halloween Adventure
Year-round superstore Halloween Adventure’s “Thriller” costume ($140) looks identical to the one sold at every other costume shop. But for double the price, this one is reversible, flipping from the standard “Thriller” look to a faux-shredded version—post the monster transformation—with scraps of nylon flapping off of it. Alternatively, save cash with the King of Pop costume kit ($40), which comes with a straight black wig, aviator sunglasses, a white sequined glove, and a black satin mask.
Creative Costume Company
Creative Costumes Company’s impressive “Billie Jean” ensemble comes with a flashy sequined button-up shirt and a glinting black jacket with a silver armband. The reflective garb rents for $175 for two days.