Costume Information

Paddy's Market, where Halloween fervour reigns supreme, transports you to a realm of wonder! Explore a vast collection of terrifying costumes, from frightening vampires to playful witches, available from our costume shops. This Halloween, get into the spirit of the season by dressing up like your greatest fantasy.

Historical Background

Halloween costumes originate from Celtic traditions, where people wore disguises to ward off spirits. Over time, they evolved into playful representations of various characters, monsters, and pop culture icons, enhancing the festive spirit of Halloween.

Materials

Halloween costumes are made of a variety of materials, including polyester, spandex, and replica leather, and are sometimes embellished with exquisite features such as sequins, feathers, and false fur. The selection includes everything from classic monsters and superheroes to modern figures, so there's something for every Halloween style and inclination.

Costume Variations

Witch
Black dress or robe
Pointed hat
Broomstick
Witch's brooch or necklace
Green face paint or makeup
Optional: Fake warts or nose

Vampire
Black or red cape
White shirt with ruffled collar
Black pants or skirt
Fangs
Fake blood or red lipstick for bloodstains
Pale face makeup

Zombie
Torn and tattered clothing
Face paint or makeup for a decayed look
Fake blood
Messy hair
Limb prosthetics or fake wounds

Ghost
White sheet with eye holes cut out
Chains or ghostly accessories
Pale face makeup
Optional: Glowing eyes with LED lights

Pirate
Striped shirt or blouse
Vest
Bandana or tricorn hat
Eye patch
Toy sword or prop pistol
Boots

Costume Fun Facts

Origins in Ancient Traditions: The tradition of wearing costumes on Halloween traces back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, where people would disguise themselves to ward off ghosts. They believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred, and costumes helped to avoid being recognized by spirits.

Popular Costume Trends: Over the years, Halloween costume trends have shifted dramatically. In the early 20th century, homemade costumes were common, often featuring ghosts, witches, and devils. Today, popular costumes are influenced by pop culture, including characters from movies, TV shows, and even viral internet memes.

Pet Costumes: Dressing up pets for Halloween has become a big trend. According to the National Retail Federation, millions of Americans spend on costumes for their pets, with popular choices being pumpkins, hot dogs, and superheroes.

Record-Breaking Costumes: The world record for the largest gathering of people dressed as vampires is held by the city of Doswell, Virginia, where 1,039 people dressed as vampires on October 25, 2011.

Economic Impact: Halloween costumes are a significant part of the holiday's economic impact. In the United States, consumers spend billions of dollars annually on costumes for adults, children, and pets. This makes Halloween one of the most lucrative holidays for retailers.

Costume Contests: Costume contests are a popular feature of Halloween parties and events. Some contests offer significant prizes, ranging from gift cards to cash rewards, for the best and most creative costumes. These contests encourage participants to be more inventive and elaborate with their costume designs.