Special Agent Seeley Booth’s wardrobe looks like standard federal law enforcement on the surface, but his deliberate departures from bureau uniformity give the outfit its identity. A clean two-piece black suit establishes the base, yet the entire outfit hinges on a handful of defiant, personal touches that cut through the corporate stiffness.
Recreating this costume comes down to balancing professional tailoring with those specific eccentricities. If you wear just a plain suit with a conservative tie, people will assume you are an anonymous agent or an event security guard. The personality lies strictly in the details: the bold buckle, the loud necktie, the patriotic socks, and the credentials.
The Suit and Shirt Foundation
Start with a well-fitted black two-piece suit. Booth consistently wears a modern, structured cut with standard notch lapels rather than an oversized or baggy jacket. A polyester blend works well for convention floors because it resists deep wrinkling throughout a full day of walking, though lightweight wool breathes better if you run warm. Keep the trousers hemmed to a slight break so they sit neatly atop dress shoes while still exposing the ankles when seated.
Beneath the jacket, stick to a stiff white dress shirt with a spread or point collar that stays upright under a necktie. Booth rarely unbuttons or loosens his collar during investigations, so aim for a collar size that closes comfortably around your neck without pinching. French cuffs are unnecessary here; standard barrel cuffs buttoned neatly at the wrist match his functional military-turned-investigator background.
The Signature Rebellious Accents
Booth’s most distinctive piece of rebellion against FBI regulations is his brass-and-enamel belt buckle emblazoned with the word ‘Cocky’ in bold red lettering. It sits prominently at the center of a black leather dress belt. Wear the jacket unbuttoned or tuck the front corner slightly back so the buckle stays visible rather than hiding beneath the jacket hem.
His tie provides the second blast of deliberate nonconformity. Instead of the sober navy or burgundy solids favored by real-world field agents, Booth rotates through graphic, striped, and novelty ties that inject immediate color against his white shirt. A bold diagonal stripe, a bright geometric pattern, or a quirky illustrative design fits his established style. Tie it with a clean half-Windsor knot pulled snug against the collar, with the tip resting right at the top edge of your belt buckle.
Socks and Footwear
The American flag socks are a classic Booth trademark that fans immediately recognize when you sit down. These feature stars-and-stripes patterns in vibrant red, white, and blue. Pull them up high on the calf so they don’t slide down your shins during the day. Whenever you pose for seated photos or kick up a heel, that flash of patriotism against dark trouser cuffs gives away who you are.
Pair the socks with classic black leather dress shoes or oxford shoes with rounded or almond toes. Give them a quick polish so they hold a low-sheen shine. Because you will likely spend hours on concrete convention floors, pick a pair with decent arch support or swap in padded insoles before the event.
Badges and Field Gear
Federal credentials complete the investigator setup. Booth carries a gold FBI shield badge mounted in a black leather flip case or clipped directly to his belt alongside his sidearm holster. He also wears a laminated photo identification badge bearing his name, agency title, and bureau seal, clipped to the breast pocket of his suit jacket or hung from a dark lanyard.
For field investigations, Booth frequently throws on a pair of sleek black sunglasses with dark rectangular or wrap-style lenses. Keep them folded into your jacket breast pocket when indoors, or wear them outside during outdoor photo shoots.
Finally, an FBI agent needs a sidearm. Booth carries a standard Glock-style service weapon. If you are taking this costume to a public comic convention, use an orange-tipped toy gun or an inert foam prop that meets convention safety policies. Pair it with a simple black kydex or leather waistband holster worn on your hip opposite the badge, leaving the orange muzzle clearly visible to staff.
