Costumes are one of the riskiest things to buy online. The size is a guess, the delivery date has a hard deadline, and many sellers do not take costumes back once they are worn or even opened. A few checks before you order can save you a ruined party.

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Work back from the date you need it

Count the days from the event backwards. Subtract the time the seller takes to ship an order, the courier time, and a spare day or two for a delay. One New York costume and magic store says on its shipping page that products are shipped by 2 pm Eastern, that delivery times count weekdays only and exclude holidays, and that most products can ship anywhere in the world, but that customs and duties are not included unless clearly indicated and vary by country. If you order from abroad, see our guide to customs duties and importing and allow extra time.

Last checked: 20 October 2026. Source: the store's shipping policy page.

Measure, and use the seller's size chart

Costume sizes vary between makers more than clothing sizes do. Measure the person who will wear it, with a soft tape: chest, waist and height, and for a child also the inside leg if the costume has trousers. Compare the numbers with the size chart on the product page, not the age on the label. If a costume is a one-size, look for a listed height or chest range. Our guide to reading clothing size charts explains how to compare charts, and our guide to children's clothing sizing shows how much room a child needs to grow.

Check flame-resistance labels and fit

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises choosing costumes that fit well and avoiding overly large or billowy designs. It says long costumes can cause trips, so they should not drag on the ground. It advises looking for flame-resistant fabrics such as nylon or polyester, or for a label that reads "Flame Resistant". A label is a sign of a fabric chosen for resistance, not a promise that the costume cannot catch fire, so keep children away from candles, jack-o'-lanterns and other flames.

Masks, hats and props

  • Masks: the CPSC says a mask should fit securely, have good ventilation and have eye holes that allow full vision. Try it on before the day.
  • Hats and scarves: tie them securely so they do not slip over the eyes.
  • Props: swords, knives and similar accessories should be made of soft, flexible material.
  • Shoes: the CPSC suggests sturdy, well-fitting shoes rather than high heels.
  • Being seen: choose bright costumes and add reflective tape so they are clearly visible to drivers, and have children carry a flashlight.

Last checked: 20 October 2026. Source: CPSC, Halloween Safety Tips for Selecting Costumes and Decor, released 31 October 2012.

Read the return terms before you pay

This is the check that catches most people. The same New York store's refund policy says all transactions are final, with no refunds, returns or exchanges, that partial refunds may be granted at management's discretion, that exchanges are limited to defective or damaged items, and that the customer pays return shipping. For damaged or incomplete items it says to contact the store immediately, within one to two days after the package arrives, and to leave the items untouched and unused. It does not say anything about worn costumes or opened magic sets, so ask before you buy if that matters. Last checked: 20 October 2026. Source: the store's refund policy page.

Other sellers differ, so read the terms of any store you use. Photograph the parcel and the contents when it arrives, and keep the packaging until you are sure it fits. Our guide to online shopping rights and returns explains the rules where you live, and refunds and chargebacks explains what to do if a seller does not respond.

Collectibles and magic sets

For collectibles such as figures and plush toys, check the listed size and whether the box is included, and look for the age grade on anything a young child could use. For magic sets, check what is included and the age range. Our guide to toy age ratings and safety marks explains the labels.