Devo Costume Guide: DIY Whip It & Hazmat Look

What You’ll Need

Devo’s visual identity relies on sharp, industrial uniformity. Whether you are assembling the yellow hazmat suit from the late seventies or the sleeveless black stage uniform from the “Whip It” music video, the silhouette hinges on clean geometric lines, industrial workwear, and stark color contrasts.

Both variations share the band’s most distinctive gear: the stepped red Energy Dome and clear industrial eye protection. Because the rest of the costume uses straightforward utilitarian garments, putting together either version comes down to clean lettering and getting the proportions right.

The Energy Dome and Eyewear

The red Energy Dome sits straight across the brow rather than tilted back like a fedora or ball cap. An official Devo Red Energy Dome Hat provides the exact stepped ziggurat shape that defines the entire aesthetic. If the dome feels loose or slides when you walk, attaching a thin strip of self-adhesive foam weatherstripping inside the inner rim keeps it stable without altering the exterior shape.

Pair the dome with Safety Glasses with Clear Frame and Lenses. The band consistently wore basic transparent workshop safety goggles with straight temples and wide side shields. You want clear plastic all around without tinted accents, colored branding, or rubber nose pads that look modern.

Building the Yellow Hazmat Suit

For the band’s signature radiation worker look, start with a Tychem Yellow Coverall with Hood. These disposable suits provide the slick, papery polyethylene sheen seen in early live performances and promotional photos. The fit should remain loose and boxy through the torso and legs, echoing standard industrial protective gear.

To brand the chest, use 3-Inch Self Adhesive Black Vinyl Letters and Numbers to spell out DEVO horizontally across the front. Space the letters evenly across the chest seam, approximately two inches below the collarbone. Because Tychem has a smooth non-porous finish, vinyl stickers adhere firmly; gently pressing each letter down with a flat card prevents air pockets from lifting along the edges. Tuck the attached hood neatly inside the collar so the neckline sits flat beneath the helmet.

The “Whip It” Video Uniform

If you prefer the look from the 1980 “Whip It” video, switch the coveralls for an all-black athletic setup. Start with a Mock Neck Sleeveless Black Top paired with Dockers D3 Classic Fit Shorts in Black. The shirt needs a snug collar that hugs the throat, contrasting with bare arms and the structured shorts.

Cinch the waist with a Black Satin Long Sash Belt tied off to the side, letting the excess fabric hang down along the thigh. The satin sheen breaks up the matte cotton of the shorts and top, matching the stylized theatrical staging from the video.

Footwear and the Whip

Devo paired their stage shorts with Hanes Black Crew Socks pulled straight up toward mid-calf, worn with Black Tuxedo Oxford Shoes. Glossy patent oxfords match the odd blend of formal eveningwear and gym uniform that defines the video. Plain polished black dress shoes serve just as well if patent leather is not on hand.

Carry a 6′ Toy Whip coiled loosely in one hand or looped through the sash belt. A lightweight synthetic toy whip stays manageable in crowded venues, avoids convention weapon policy restrictions, and carries enough length to coil neatly at your hip while you move.