How to Dress Up Like a Cholo?

Cholos have a distinct style and look that sets them apart. If you want to dress up like a cholo for a party or costume event, there are some key elements to get right. Discover how do cholos dress by incorporating oversized flannel shirts, baggy khaki pants, and a bandana tied around your head. Embrace lowrider style by opting for oversized sunglasses and donning a beanie. Don’t forget to complete the look with clean sneakers and, if possible, temporary tattoos to add an authentic touch to your cholo outfit from head to toe.

The Cholo Style

First, let’s discuss the cholo style. Cholos emerged from Mexican-American and Chicano gang culture in the 1960s-1980s. The word “cholo” originally meant someone of Indigenous or mixed ancestry. Over time, it became associated with a distinct fashion and attitude.

Some key aspects of the cholo look include:

Baggy khaki pants or Dickies shorts
White tank tops and t-shirts
Flannel button-up shirts
Beanies and bandanas
Creased dress socks
Pendleton shirts buttoned only at the top
Bomber jackets or plaid shirts tied around the waist
Slicked back or spiked up hairstyles

Cholos also often have tattoos across their bodies, hands, and faces. Common cholo tattoos include names, crosses, Aztec or Mayan art, and anything related to their gang or neighborhood.

The cholo look is bold, aggressive, and makes a statement. It emerged from tough inner-city neighborhoods and gang culture. If you want to emulate it, read on for tips on how to pull it all together.

The Cholo Outfit

Let’s start from the top and go through everything you need for an authentic cholo costume.

Hair

Cholos are known for their slick and styled hairstyles. Here are some options:

Slicked back: Use gel or pomade to slick your hair back into a tight style. Create a hard part and ensure there are no loose or messy strands.
Spiked up: Use hair gel to spike your hair up high and stiff. Create a faux-hawk or liberty spikes.
Buzz cut: Shave your head into a very short buzz cut. You can leave a bit of length on top to style into spikes.
Bandana: Tie a bandana around your head, positioning it on your forehead. Make sure it’s tight and wrinkle-free.

Go for a severe hairstyle with strong hold products. Avoid any loose, natural hair. The cholo hairstyle is hard and aggressive.

Shirts

For your cholo shirt, go for:

White tank top: A plain white tank is a cholo staple. Get one with thick shoulder straps and a loose fit. Wear it as an undershirt or on its own.
Plaid flannel: Button up an oversized plaid flannel shirt, but only button the top buttons. Leave the rest hanging open.
Pendleton wool shirt: Pendleton wool plaid shirts are common in cholo fashion. Go for one in black, blue, or red. Button only the top two buttons.
Plain white t-shirt: A plain white tee with a crew or v-neck is another classic. Make sure it’s loose and not fitted.
Wife beater: A white ribbed tank top, AKA a wife beater, is ideal for that cholo look.

Keep your shirts loose and only partially buttoned. Wear a tank or beater underneath for added flair.

Pants

Cholos wear baggy pants or shorts. Here are some cholo pant options:

Khaki Dickies: Dickies khaki work pants are the most popular cholo pant choice. Get them several sizes too big so they sag and bunch around your shoes.
Cuffed Dickies: Cuff your Dickies pants above the ankle for a baggier look.
Dickies shorts: Dickies khaki shorts, cuffed or uncuffed, also work well. Make sure they are loose.
Camo cargos: Baggy camo print cargo pants are a cholo staple. Wear them low on your hips.
Black jeans: Black denim jeans, again worn baggy, are another option. You can cuff them or leave them hanging.

Let your pants sag and make sure they are very loose fitting. Baggy is best for an authentic cholo outfit.

Belt and Accessories

No cholo outfit is complete without the right accessories:

Belt: Wear a wide brown or black leather belt, tipped sideways. The belt buckle should be prominent.
Bandana: Fold up a bandana and place it in your back left pocket. Red and blue bandanas work well. You can also wear one on your head.
Socks: White tube or crew socks are ideal, pulled up and folded over. Make sure they are tall and crisp white.
Shoes: Black and white Converse Chuck Taylors, Nike Cortez, or any black sneaker work for a cholo outfit. Make sure they are clean.
Rosary: Wear a long beaded Catholic rosary around your neck for flair. Bonus points if it has a crucifix.
Knit cap: A black or gray knit cap can top off your cholo outfit, with brim flipped up.
Sunglasses: Don’t forget sunglasses! Classic aviator shades complete the threatening cholo style.

Use accessories like belts, bandanas, and sunglasses to really sell your intimidating cholo costume.

Jackets and Layers

Cholos sometimes sport additional layers like:

Bomber jacket: A black or tan bomber or utility jacket really seals the cholo bad boy look. Choose faux leather or suede.
Plaid shirt around waist: Take a plaid flannel shirt and tie it around your waist or hips. Make sure it’s loose.
Dickies jacket: For another classic layer, go for a khaki Dickies work jacket or coat in a lighter shade.
Puffy down jacket: A black nylon puffer jacket is a warm cholo layer for winter. Keep it partially unzipped.

Tattoos

No cholo costume is complete without some faux tattoos. Here are some ideas:

Cross tattoo: Place a cross tattoo on one of your forearms. Opt for simple black ink.
Name tattoo: Add a name like “Maria” or “Lupe” in Old English or elegant script on your neck.
Teardrop tattoo: Draw or apply a teardrop tattoo in black ink under one eye.
Gang name: Add your fictional gang name across your knuckles or chest. Keep it simple like “South Side Locos”.
Mayan/Aztec art: Draw on some Mayan or Aztec warrior heads, suns, or skulls for an iconic cholo tattoo look.

You can find affordable temporary cholo tattoos online or create your own with eyeliner. Concentrate the tattoos on your face, neck, hands, and arms.

Bringing It All Together

With the outfit pieces covered, it’s now time to pull them all together into a cohesive cholo costume. Here are some tips:

Make sure your clothes are very loose and baggy, especially the pants. Go 2-3 sizes too big.
Only button the first 1-2 buttons on your shirts. Keep them hanging open.
Roll long sleeves up above your elbows.
Keep socks pulled high and shoes clean and crisp.
Have an aggressive facial expression, don’t smile. Scowl and look intimidating.
Get your hair as slick and styled as possible. Use plenty of gel.
Walk with a bit of a strut and sway, with some attitude.
Put real effort into your fake tattoos. Make them dark and prominent.
Practice your gang signs and cholo stance. Stand with chest puffed out, chin raised, leaning back slightly.
Consider adding a prop like a lowrider bike, 40 oz beer bottle wrapped in a paper bag, or a plastic or real handgun.

With the right clothes, hair, accessories, and attitude you’ll embody the classic cholo look. Take it to the next level by adopting the speech patterns, mannerisms, and swagger of a tough LA cholo.

FAQs

FAQ 1: What are the key items I need for a cholo costume?

The essentials are baggy khaki Dickies pants, an oversized white tank top, a plaid flannel shirt worn open, and a knit cap or bandana for your head. Clean white sneakers and fake tattoos complete the look. Prioritize baggy bottoms, prominent tattoos, and slicked back hair.

FAQ 2: Where can I get cheap clothing for a cholo outfit?

Check thrift stores, swap meets, auction sites, and second-hand shops. You can often find distressed Dickies, plaid shirts, and white tees on the cheap from used clothing sellers both online and in person.

FAQ 3: What kind of tattoos should I get for a cholo costume?

Classic cholo tattoos are names, crosses, tears, gang affiliations, Aztec/Mayan art, and anything related to your neighborhood. Use temporary tattoos or draw them on with eyeliner. Concentrate on your hands, arms, neck and face for an authentic look.

FAQ 4: How should I do my hair for a cholo outfit?

Hair should be slicked back tightly with gel or pomade. Or spike it straight up into a faux-hawk or liberty spikes. Shaving your head into a buzz cut also works. Just avoid any loose, natural hairstyles.

FAQ 5: What is the right cholo attitude and body language?

Walk with a strut and sway with attitude. Keep your chin up and chest puffed out. Maintain an intimidating facial expression, no smiling. Throw up gang signs with your hands. Exude confidence and aggression.

In Conclusion

Dressing up like a cholo centers on baggy khakis, plaid shirts, white tanks, slick back hair, and prominent tattoos. Shop thrift stores and second-hand online for affordable cholo gear. Spotting an authentic Gucci bag is as crucial as nailing the attitude for your cholo costume. Just like distinguishing the real deal, mastering the swagger requires keen observation and confidence. So, whether you’re checking for the authenticity of a luxury item or perfecting your cholo look, attention to detail and a bold demeanor are the keys to success.