Summary: Leonardo DiCaprio’s costume in Titanic has become one of the most iconic and recognizable costumes in film history. From his disheveled hair to the signature leather jacket and boots, the costume perfectly captures the rebel spirit of his character, Jack Dawson. In this article, we will take a closer look at the details of his outfit, the inspiration behind it, and its lasting impact on pop culture.
1. The Leather Jacket
One of the most memorable aspects of Jack’s outfit is his brown leather jacket. Designed by costume designer Deborah L. Scott, it was crucial in establishing Jack’s character as a working-class, insouciant artist. To achieve the perfect authenticity, Scott and her team scoured vintage stores and flea markets until they found a 1940s leather jacket that had the right look and feel.
Made from distressed goat leather with a front zipper and snap-tab collar, the jacket captured the ruggedness and toughness of Jack’s character, while also being functional for the chilly Atlantic weather. According to Scott, the jacket became so popular after Titanic’s release that it inspired a whole new trend in men’s fashion and countless replicas were made.
However, the original jacket worn by DiCaprio during filming has remained out of the public eye, with only a handful of people ever having seen it since its last use on set. It remains one of the most sought-after Hollywood artifacts by collectors and fans alike.
2. The Shirt
Beneath his leather jacket, Jack wears a blue striped cotton shirt with a detachable white collar. Again, the choice of fabric and print was deliberate in indicating Jack’s background as a self-taught artist and his nonconformist attitude towards society’s norms. The horizontal stripes suggest Jack’s rebelliousness and informality, while the detachable collar gives him an air of sophistication and dandyism.
The shirt was custom-made for DiCaprio and took several fittings to perfect. The collar was also detachable so it could easily be swapped out with a fresh one when needed during filming. Additionally, the shirt featured buttons instead of the more traditional studs seen on formal dinner shirts. This small detail emphasized Jack’s working-class status while also serving a practical purpose in making wardrobe changes easier during shooting.
Nearly 25 years after the film’s release, the shirt remains a popular Halloween costume choice, particularly for couples wanting to recreate the iconic scene where Jack sketches a portrait of Rose.
3. The Boots
Jack’s boots were inspired by traditional working-class footwear worn by farmers and factory workers in early 20th-century America. The boots, made by Frye Company, were brown leather lace-ups with heavy, durable soles that reinforced Jack’s physicality and resilience.
According to DiCaprio, he had difficulty breaking in his boots, which led to some on-set mishaps. “There was one scene where Kate had to run away from me in fear, and I just couldn’t catch her because my boots were too stiff,” he recalled in an interview with Vanity Fair. “So I kept slipping and falling down. It was a nightmare.”
Despite these difficulties, the boots became a staple in men’s fashion, especially among fans of rugged Americana and nostalgia for simpler times. Several companies have since produced replicas of the boots, proving their lasting influence on fashion trends.
4. The Hairstyle
In addition to his wardrobe, Jack’s hairstyle was also an essential component of his character’s identity. His shaggy, tousled hair gave him a youthful appearance and further emphasized his free-spirited, nonconformist nature.
To achieve the look, DiCaprio’s hair was cut and colored in a way that made it look as natural as possible, almost like he hadn’t touched it in days. According to hair designer Linda De Andrea, “We wanted it to look like he did it himself—it wasn’t supposed to look professional. So we basically razored and used thinning shears throughout.”
The hair became so popular after the film’s release that it spawned its own trend, with many young men attempting to recreate the style themselves. Today, the look is still fashionable, especially among those looking to evoke a vintage or retro vibe.
5. The Cultural Impact
Titanic premiered in 1997 and quickly became a worldwide phenomenon, grossing over $2 billion at the box office and winning 11 Oscars, including Best Picture. Along with its immense commercial success, the film also had a significant cultural impact that has lasted to this day.
Part of Titanic’s appeal was its timeless quality—the story is set in 1912, but its themes of love, tragedy, and sacrifice resonated with audiences across generations. The film’s symbolism and imagery, including Jack’s iconic costume, have become firmly embedded in pop culture and continue to inspire fashion trends and Halloween costumes.
Moreover, Titanic helped solidify DiCaprio’s status as one of the most talented and sought-after actors of his generation, leading to numerous high-profile roles and eventually an Oscar win for his work in The Revenant. For audiences of a certain age, Jack Dawson will always be one of DiCaprio’s most memorable and beloved characters.
Conclusion:
Leonardo DiCaprio’s costume in Titanic is a testament to the power of costume design in creating truly memorable and iconic characters. From his leather jacket and cotton shirt to his boots and shaggy hair, Jack Dawson’s outfit perfectly captures his working-class background, artistic sensibilities, and nonconformist attitude. The lasting cultural impact of Titanic and its imagery prove that great films have the ability to transcend time and inspire new generations, both on and off the screen.
