How to Get an Elvis Jumpsuit

Whether you're just starting your career as an Elvis impersonator or you're a serious collector of Elvis memorabilia, an authentic (or at least authentic-looking) jumpsuit will be the jewel in your crown. As you kneel before the crowd after singing a soulful Elvis tribute, you should sparkle like the true King of Rock and Roll when he appeared before audiences in Las Vegas in the later part of his career.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Custom mannequin
• Appraiser (may be needed for insurance)
• Curators
• Display case
• Measurements of height, shoulder width, inseam, waist and shoulders
• Textile conservator

Dress Like Elvis

1. Determine your budget for your Elvis jumpsuit. You should expect to spend more for an Elvis jumpsuit that you will wear nightly as part of an Elvis routine, as compared to one you might wear as a one-off for Halloween or some other masquerade event.

2. Find a reasonable facsimile of Elvis's signature Vegas jumpsuits at your local costume rental shop. Depending on the shop's contract terms, you may be able to rent it for one night only.

3. Commission a tailor who is familiar with the work of Nudie, the tailor responsible for Elvis's look in his later Vegas years, if you want an authentic-looking Elvis jumpsuit for long-term wear.

4. Look for someone who has made tailored jumpsuits as well as someone who has had experience in embellishing clothes with studs, rhinestones and embroidery. These skills are necessary to achieve the bejeweled silhouette of Elvis's Vegas years.

5. Decide whether you want to dress as "thin" Elvis or "fat" Elvis. If necessary, you may need to get a bodysuit to approximate the poundage put on by the king in the last years of his life.

Find a Jumpsuit for Your Memorabilia Collection

1. Talk to the curators of public and private collections of rock memorabilia such as the Hard Rock Cafe collection and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to find out which of Elvis's jumpsuits might still be on the market. It is important to invest in a jumpsuit that is authentic and can be firmly attributed to the king's wardrobe.

2. Seek out auctions of celebrity memorabilia. You should be able to get an advance copy of the auction catalog to preview the merchandise before you phone in your bid or raise your paddle in the auction room.

3. Hire a textile conservator to mount your jumpsuit for display.

Tips & Warnings

• After spending untold sums to purchase an authentic jumpsuit worn by Elvis, talk to your insurance agent about coverage for this one-of-a-kind collectible. You may be required to get an appraisal from an expert in Elvis memorabilia.