Why Michael Jackson Wore a White Glove on His Right Hand Pics Where We Saw His Bare Arm

• Michael Jackson was known for his dazzling music and dance moves, but also his unique fashion choices.
• One of his most iconic accessories was the white glove he wore on his right hand, which became a symbol of his persona.
• However, the glove was not just a style statement, it meant something more.

The famous white glove worn by Michael Jackson when he performed Billie Jean at the Grammy Awards in 1983 is seen on display at "Michael Jackson: The Official Exhibition" held at the 02 Arena on October 26, 2009 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jackson, affectionately known as the King of Pop, was a global icon whose influence extended beyond music, shaping worldwide pop culture. The most defining feature of Jackson's persona was his distinctive fashion sense, which became integral to his identity.

Whether on stage or in music videos, Jackson was frequently seen donning a single, crystal-encrusted glove. This iconic accessory became so emblematic of his persona that it inspired fashion designers like Virgil Abloh, who honored the music legend in the Louis Vuitton Men Fall/Winter 2019 collection.

Michael Jackson seen on November 20, 2003 in Santa Maria, California | Source: Getty Images

The collection, which included show invitations shaped like Jackson's signature glove and monochrome outfits and studded jackets reminiscent of Jackson's wardrobe, underscored the lasting impact of his style. Jackson's approach to fashion was audacious and inventive.

In his book "Moonwalk," he stated, "My attitude is if fashion says it's forbidden, I'm going to do it." The singer was bold with his choices and conceived the white glove, the bits of white tape on his fingertips, and the uniforms. He even envisioned that marching down steps with dozens of blue-suited policemen would look impressive.

Younger Jackson's typical attire comprised black loafers, white socks, a black mask, black slacks, and a white, and occasionally blue oxford long-sleeved shirt over a white T-shirt. Going against the prevailing fashion norms of the '60s and '70s, the King of Pop embraced white socks, a trend he never thought would become popular.

Michael Jackson performs on stage during a royal concert in July, 1996 in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei | Source: Getty Images

His fashion choices, often deemed unconventional, ultimately became trendsetting statements. Jackson's former British bodyguard, Matt Fiddes, provided a glimpse into the pop icon's distinctive fashion choices, revealing that they often carried deeper meanings.

Michael Jackson leaves the Adlon Hotel on November 19, 2002 in Berlin | Source: Getty Images

Fiddes shared that Jackson was deeply concerned about global health and anticipated a pandemic similar to COVID-19. This foresight led him to adopt his signature surgical mask, a preventive measure to avoid illness and the subsequent disappointment of his fans by having to cancel concerts.

Michael Jackson at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse on May 4, 2005 in Santa Maria, California | Source: Getty Images

His unique fashion choices also served to maintain his enigmatic public persona. He recognized the allure of mystery and leveraged it to his advantage, wearing surgical masks and applying tape to his nose to pique public and media interest. He believed these unconventional fashion choices helped him sustain his status as one of the most intriguing figures on Earth.

Michael Jackson at the Santa Barbara County Courthouse on November 13, 2002 in Santa Maria, California | Source: Getty Images

Another one of Jackson's most recognizable fashion elements was the white tape he wore on his fingertips during concerts. Music supervisor Michael Bearden, who had the chance to ask Jackson about this peculiar practice, revealed that Jackson did it because it "feels good."

Michael Jackson performs on stage on April 20, 2002 in Pasadena, California | Source: Getty Images

More importantly, the white tape drew attention, highlighting his hand movements during performances. This, coupled with his white socks, made his dance moves more noticeable to fans, even those at the back of a concert venue, as the white color would reflect the light. Jackson's fashion choices also reflected his philanthropic commitments.

Michael Jackson performs on stage sporting a white sequined shirt and matching socks in 1994 | Source: Getty Images

In 1992, he founded the Heal the World Foundation, a charity dedicated to helping children globally. Jackson used his platform to raise awareness for the charity, often inviting underprivileged children to enjoy the theme park rides at his home, Neverland. One way he drew attention to the charity was by wearing an armband.

Michael Jackson seen on May 26, 2005 in Santa Maria, California | Source: Getty Images

This iconic accessory was not merely a fashion statement but a symbol of his dedication to alleviating the suffering of children worldwide. The singer was also known for the single glove often sported on his right hand. This glove was more than just a fashion accessory as it served to cover a skin condition he had grappled with for his entire life.

Michael Jackson performing on stage on August 18, 1992 | Source: Getty Images

This was confirmed by those close to him, including the late actress Cicely Tyson, a friend of Jackson's, who revealed that the glove was initially designed to hide the early onset of vitiligo on his hand. Tyson, who shared a fashion designer with Jackson in the 1980s, was present during the creation of the glove and confirmed its intended purpose.

Michael Jackson sports a white glove during a first concert at Madison Square Garden on September 7, 2001 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Jackson's dermatologist, Dr. Arnie Klein, disclosed that Jackson was afflicted with vitiligo, a condition causing the skin to lighten in blotches, and a form of lupus that resulted in rashes and skin flaking on his scalp. Jackson's condition was severe, leading to a speckled appearance all over his body, with his face and hands being particularly difficult to treat.

Michael Jackson accepts an award from CBS and The Guinness Book Of World Records celebrating "Thriller" as the largest-selling album of all time on February 7, 1984 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

In his book, Jackson revealed that he had been donning the glove for quite some time, even during some of his tours in the 1970s. However, it was not until the release of "Thriller" in 1983 that the glove began to draw significant attention. Jackson believed that wearing a single glove was cool and distinctive, setting him apart from the norm.

Michael Jackson performs on stage on May 3, 2002 | Source: Getty Images

The Emmy-winning television journalist Lee Thomas, who also suffers from vitiligo, identified with Jackson's experience. In his memoir, "Turning White," he discusses his physical and mental struggles as an African-American man dealing with the skin condition.

Michael Jackson seen on April 8, 2003 in Santa Maria, California | Source: Getty Images

Like Jackson, Thomas also wore a glove on one hand to cover the white spots caused by vitiligo. Dr. James Norlund, a dermatologist who never treated Jackson, observed that the singer's use of gloves and lipstick aligned with the patterns of vitiligo, as the spots often first appear on the hands and face, including the lips.

Michael Jackson performs on stage sporting bandages on three fingers of his right hand in 1993 | Source: Getty Images

Dr. Klein treated Jackson's vitiligo with a cream that gradually bleached his darker pigmentation to balance his skin color. He clarified that this treatment, not a rumored desire by Jackson to be white, resulted in the lightening of his skin over the years. In a 2023 interview, Jackson's son revealed that his dad's skin condition made the singer insecure.

Jackson first publicly addressed his skin condition during an interview with Oprah Winfrey. Confronted with questions about the noticeable transformation in his skin color from childhood and whether this indicated a change in his racial identity, Jackson responded with evident unease.

Michael Jackson seen on April 20, 2005 in Santa Maria, California | Source: Getty Images

He reportedly disclosed, "I have a skin disorder that destroys the pigmentation of the skin. It's something I cannot help, but when people fabricate stories that I don't want to be who I am, it hurts me." He further explained that he used makeup to balance out the blotches on his skin caused by the disorder, emphasizing that it was a problem beyond his control.

Michael Jackson seen on May 6, 2005 in Santa Maria, California | Source: Getty Images

When Winfrey probed whether Jackson was uncomfortable being Black, he responded assertively, "I'm a Black American. I'm proud to be a Black American. I am proud of my race. I am proud of who I am. I have a lot of pride and dignity."

Michael Jackson at The 2003 Radio Music Awards on October 27, 2003 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images

In a separate interview, Jackson's dermatologist, Dr. Klein, confirmed that the pop icon had vitiligo. He clarified that the condition is not more prevalent in Black people, but it is more noticeable in them due to their dark skin. Dr. Klein also debunked rumors about Jackson's desire to be white.

Michael Jackson seen on May 2, 2005 in Santa Maria, California | Source: Getty Images

He asserted, "Michael was black. He was very proud of his black heritage. He changed the world for black people." In the face of this condition that threatened to overshadow his public image, Jackson resorted to measures such as tattooing his lips pink and his eyebrows dark, as revealed by his autopsy.

Michael Jackson at the 26th Annual Grammy Awards on February 24, 1993 in Los Angeles, California| Source: Getty Images

However, these physical changes did not define him. Instead, Jackson will be remembered for his extraordinary talent, his groundbreaking music, and significant contributions to the entertainment industry. Throughout his career, Jackson received numerous awards that attest to his musical genius.

Michael Jackson at the 35th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 24, 1993 | Source: Getty Images

He was honored with 13 Grammy Awards, including the prestigious Grammy Legend Award and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. His album "Thriller" won multiple Grammy Awards and remains the best-selling album of all time.

Michael Jackson receives the Diamond Award during the 2006 World Music Awards on November 15, 2006 in London | Source: Getty Images

In addition to his Grammy accolades, Michael Jackson received 6 Brit Awards, 5 Billboard Music Awards, and an impressive 24 American Music Awards. His remarkable achievements also earned him a place in the Guinness World Records, holding 28 records.

ncG1vNJzZmimlazAb63MqKSapZFjsLC5jm1pa2hhZ3q4tNhmpKKbmJayrXnJmpqkq5%2Bjeri70Z5kmmWnnba1sYygo6iulWO1tbnL