If you’ve watched Dragon Ball Z at any point in your life, you already know that Goku is the guy with the kind of personality that makes you root for him no matter what. And he’s got this lowkey vibe that makes him instantly likable. Now, if you’re thinking of building a look around Goku’s vibe, especially for cosplay or even for lowkey casual wear, you’re not alone. His outfits have always leaned toward comfort with a splash of color. But his Goku leather jacket is the kind of piece you can wear to a fan event and still keep on for late-night snacks afterward.
There’s no need to overthink it. The jacket does the heavy lifting, and the rest of the outfit falls into place if you know what you’re going for. Now let’s walk through the full outfit so you can build the whole look from head to toe.
The Signature Dragon Ball Z Goku 59 Leather Jacket
The heart of this whole look is the Goku leather jacket. It’s inspired by Goku’s Dragon Ball Z design but tweaked just enough to look wearable outside of comic cons. The orange and black color combo is hard to miss, and the “59” patch on the sleeve is a subtle detail that fans will appreciate. The jacket has a bomber and varsity vibe with ribbed cuffs, collar, and hem that give it a classic shape. When you throw it on, wear it unzipped. The cut is slightly cropped, so if you’re taller, make sure your shirt peeks out just a little underneath. Storage is no problem with two front pockets and two inside pockets. You have plenty of room for your phone and wallet.
The Layering Tee
Underneath the goku leather jacket, you want to keep things simple. Goku’s casual vibe is all about being unbothered and ready for anything, so go with a loose-fitting white crew neck t-shirt. It should sit slightly below the waistline of the pants. The tee adds contrast against the orange jacket and helps keep the whole outfit grounded. You can even size up one level if you want that laid-back streetwear look. There’s something about this combination that just works.
The Right Pants
Now let’s talk bottoms. Goku isn’t the type to wear tight jeans or anything stiff. His outfit calls for light wide-leg pants that move with you. These pants are high-waisted which makes the whole look feel even more true to the character. This piece might be the most important when it comes to balancing the jacket. Finding the exact shade of green can be tricky but any pale or sage green will do enough to get the point across. The key is the loose comfortable fit, not the exact color matching. I’ve worn wide-leg pants like these before for a con, and they made a huge difference in comfort throughout the day.
Yellow Belt
This one’s easy to overlook, but the yellow belt ties everything together. It’s a simple wide belt and it wraps once around the waist. The belt breaks up the top and bottom of the look while adding another pop of color that feels authentic. It’s like Goku’s old martial arts belt got a modern update. You can wear it tight or slightly loose depending on what feels more natural to you.
Footwear
Footwear is usually the part people forget about until the last minute, but it matters more than you think. Goku’s known for his fast moves and martial arts skill, so the boots or shoes you wear should reflect that spirit. You’ve got two easy options: brown ankle-high martial arts boots or simple, dark-toned casual shoes. Either choice will work, but make sure they’re light and flexible. I went with faux leather boots last time and they really pulled the outfit together.
Getting the Iconic Goku Hair
Goku’s spiky hair is almost as recognizable as his orange outfit. If you’re going for a complete cosplay look, a Super Saiyan wig is worth considering. For conventions or photoshoots, look for a spiked blonde wig that resembles the Super Saiyan transformation. These typically come pre-styled, but you might want to use some wig gel or hairspray to keep those spikes pointing upward all day long. If you have your own hair and it’s the right length, you can try styling it with strong-hold gel and hairspray to create those signature spikes.
Note: For a more casual look, skip the wig entirely. The orange jacket is recognizable enough that people will still know who you’re portraying without going full Saiyan with your hairstyle.
Posing and Character Mannerisms
Half the fun of cosplay is acting the part. Goku has several signature poses that fans will recognize instantly. The Kamehameha stance with hands cupped at your side is probably the most well known. Practice this pose in front of a mirror before heading to any event. When taking photos try to incorporate his happy, somewhat naive expressions along with his more serious battle poses.
Wearing the Goku Outfit in Different Settings
One of the best things about the goku 59 jacket approach to cosplay is how versatile it is. Let’s look at some ways to wear the outfit for different occasions.
Anime Conventions
At cons go all out and wear the full outfit including the wig and all accessories. This is where fellow fans will appreciate the detail in your cosplay. Wear the jacket unzipped over the white tee, with the green pants and yellow belt and proper footwear.
Casual Fan Meetups
For more relaxed gatherings with fellow anime fans you can tone it down a bit. The goku leather jacket is the centerpiece but you can skip the wig and some of the more obvious props.
Final Thoughts
Remember that cosplay is about having fun and expressing your fandom in a way that feels good to you. There’s no right or wrong way to wear your goku jacket. What matters is that it brings you joy. So power up your wardrobe with this iconic jacket, and carry a bit of Saiyan spirit with you wherever you go.
