Costume Origins

The practice of dressing up and wearing costumes (called guising) was practiced in Scotland, in the mid 1890’s.Money, fruit and cakes were the rewards for these early guisers who would dress up and go door to door. In Kingston, Ontario, the first instances of guising were recorded in 1911.

Costume parades were often used as part of the All Saints Day and All Souls Day celebrations in the United Kingdom in the 18th century. Immigrants to America, brought their customs along with them.

Costumes were aimed mostly at children through the mid 20th century. The majority of Halloween costumes were designed to represent the scarier beings. Devils, skeletons, witches, and other monsters were frequently depicted, and worn by children.

With the arrival of such movies as Star Wars, the costumes tended to switch over to more of a science fiction and superhero trend.

As the 20th century came to a close, more and more adult costumes were introduced to the market. Baby costumes were also becoming the in thing.

 

 

 

Baby Costumes

 

Baby costumes are really quite the rage these days. You name it, there is probably a costume to be found. Whether you want to dress your precious little one a a cute as a bug in a rug ladybug, or a dairy calf-it is available somewhere. I can’t for the life of me think of anything cuter than a baby in a costume!

Costumes for babies are also available in a bunting style so your little bundle of joy can keep warm on those crisp autumn nights.

Plan to take plenty of pictures of your little ones. These are memories you will most definitely want to look back on in the future!

Children’s Costumes

Children’s Halloween costumes can be found representing a wide variety of areas:

  • Classic costumes
  • Career oriented costumes
  • Superhero costumes
  • Princess costumes
  • Pirate costumes
  • Ninja costumes
  • Fairy costumes
  • Barbie costumes
  • Monster High costumes
  • Vampire costumes
  • Zombie costumes

The list could go on. Whatever is trending in pop culture for children, tweens and teens is bound to be available. Kids are not lacking for a costume to choose from these days!

Make sure you let your children decide what their costume is going to be at this stage of their lives. You might be pleasantly surprised-or perhaps a little creeped out at what they want to be. Let them revel in their independence. Please remember that Halloween is supposed to be fun!

 

 

Adult Costumes

You name it, it’s probably out there. Adult costumes are big business these days. No matter what you want to dress up as, just use your imagination. From the sexy to the sublime, you are sure to stand out at the next masquerade party!

Pirates, vampires and zombies are very popular adult costumes these days. Use your imagination and combine a couple of them. How about a zombie pirate for instance?

Adult sexy costumes for Halloween are really trending this year as well. If you want to add a little spice to your life, consider one of theses. Oooh-la-la!

 

 

 

DIY Halloween Costumes

Homemade costumes can be as unique as your imagination is wild. This type of costume can also be a money saver. Just look around the house and see what can be repurposed. How about a duct tape mummy? A cardboard robot? The possibilities are endless.

Many ideas can be found online for homemade costumes as well. Martha Stewart has a bunch of creative ideas for homemade costumes. You might also check out The Daily Green, for many ideas using recycled materials!

 

Costumes For Pets 

Pet costumes are very popular. More costumes for our four-legged friends are continuing to come out on a regular basis. Yes, they have Halloween costumes for our four-legged friends too! Our pets are part of the family, don’t they deserve to be part of the festivities as well? You can dress your poodle as a princess, or your pug as a bumble bee for instance. Cats have a different take on being dressed in costume. Due to their independent natures, some may be a little more reluctant than others.

 

 

 

 

Cats Strike A Pose With Halloween Costumes: 

 

Vintage Costumes

While wearing these isn’t recommended, they are great from a collectors point of view. The old Collegeville and Ben Cooper costumes from the mid 20th century were not only cool, they had stunning box graphics as well. The Wacky Owl features a lot of neat vintage costume photos from the turn of the 20th century through the 1950’s.