Looking for an edgy and iconic 80s look to rock this Halloween? Then the John Bender costume is a great choice for you.
This John Bender costume is taken straight out of the movie, The Breakfast Club. John Bender is one of the main characters in the movie.
John Bender is one of the kids who gets sentenced to morning detention. He is among other students who, by the end of the film, have nicknamed themselves the breakfast club.
He is the “misunderstood bad boy” type who has led a rough life. He briefly speaks about his childhood and growing up with a neglectful family, which supports why he may be as troubled as he is.

You’ll Need:
- White T-shirt
- Flannel Shirt
- Denim Jacket
- Grey Work Pants
- Red Bandana
- John Bender Wig
- Black Sunglasses
- Half Finger Gloves
- Black Boots
DIY John Bender Costume Guide
John Bender has a bold personality and dresses in a grunge style that makes him quite memorable. Follow our guide to easily dress like John Bender.
John Bender’s attire is all about layers. Start off with a long sleeve white t-shirt; you can use any plain, white tee that you have in your closet.
Then, to complete the top half of the outfit, layer a flannel shirt and a denim jacket over the tee.
For the bottom half of the outfit, go for a pair of grey work pants and black boots.
Add a pair of black sunglasses, a red bandana, and half-finger gloves to match the look. If you want the look to be perfect, consider wearing a John Bender wig.
Put together all pieces, and you’ll be able to channel the rebellious spirit and make a memorable impression at any Halloween party.
Breakfast Club Recreation | Halloween Costume Ideas
John Bender Cosplay Costume
For those who grew up in the 80s, cosplay as John Bender can bring back their feelings of nostalgia and memories.
John Bender dressed in a grunge style well before “grunge” was even an aesthetic. His iconic style is not only famous but easy to replicate.
By having other friends dress up as members of the breakfast club, like Allison Reynolds, Claire Standish, Brian Johnson, and Andrew Clark, you are well on your way to a truly memorable group costume.
About John Bender
John Bender is the iconic character from The Breakfast Club. He is one of the students who received morning detention. Each of the kids has a very distinct personality and a different background, with John serving as the bad boy.
John Bender comes from a neglectful family, which he briefly touches upon during the movie, making him more sympathetic as a character.
John Bender has become a cultural icon, with his attire and attitude being replicated in pop culture references and Halloween costumes.
What is the most famous quote from John Bender?
1. “You forgot ugly, lazy and disrespectful.”
2. “She’s only a tease if what she does gets you hot.”
3. “I’m being honest, asshole. I would expect you to know the difference.”
4. “You’re an idiot anyway. But if you say you get along with your parents, well, you’re a liar too.”