Buying Halloween costumes from a thrift store provides a fun, affordable, and eco-friendly alternative to buying new, single-use outfits. Many packaged Halloween costumes are made from cheap synthetic materials, mainly plastics like polyester and nylon. Usually worn once and then thrown away, over 83% of these costumes are made from plastics that can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. Their short usage period adds to the larger waste problem caused by fast fashion.

Here are some advantages of thrifting for your Halloween costume. You can save money because thrift stores sell clothing at much lower prices, letting you craft a great costume without overspending. Instead of paying $50 for a flimsy, packaged costume, you can find durable, high-quality items for a fraction of the cost. This is especially a smart choice for families with kids who quickly outgrow their costumes.

Unleash your creativity! While packaged costumes offer limited choices, a thrift store is a treasure trove of inspiration for creating unique and personalized outfits. Treasure hunting in thrift stores can be fun; you never know what might spark your next idea. Think creatively and combine unexpected items—like turning a vintage dress into a zombie prom queen or using a flannel shirt as part of a lumberjack or scarecrow costume.

Here are some ideas on thrifting a Halloween costume

  • Have a costume idea, but be open to unexpected finds that could lead to something even better.
  • Check the accessories, props, and toy sections for key finishing touches like hats, scarves, jewelry, and wigs.
  • Build a base with solid-colored shirts or pants and then add details.
  • Go with easy-to-create thrifted costumes like a scarecrow, a ‘70s disco star, a vampire, or a ghost.
  • Go thrifting with friends or family to make the experience more fun and creative.

Go green and cut waste. Buying secondhand gives a used item a second life and prevents it from ending up in a landfill. You also reduce your carbon footprint by lowering the demand for new production, which consumes a lot of energy and water. Thrifting supports the “circular economy” by keeping clothing in use longer. A thrifted costume is a guilt-free way to enjoy the holiday. It’s a chance to celebrate with a unique, budget-friendly, and earth-conscious outfit, making Halloween less scary for your wallet and the planet.

Let’s reduce, reuse, and recycle. Until next time, Happy Thrifting!