This year, Americans are expected to spend more than $13 billion on Halloween, with almost $3.5 billion spent on costumes alone. Many of these costumes will be worn once and then thrown away. What’s more, most Halloween costumes are made from fossil-based plastics like polyester, which are destined for incinerators and landfills once this year’s frightful festivities come to a close. How many of us have bought a costume that was perfect for the moment but completely dated by the next October? Like all plastic items, synthetic clothing sheds microplastics that harm the air, our soils, water, and our bodies.
Thankfully, you don’t have to sacrifice creativity or style to find solid plastic-free Halloween outfit options. With a little imagination and some simple swaps, you can put together costumes that aren’t full of plastic. Here’s how to make your spooky season less wasteful while still looking absolutely killer.
The Problem with Halloween Costumes
Before we get into solutions, let’s talk about why those mass-produced costume packages at stores are such a nightmare. Most Halloween costumes are made from synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and other plastics derived from fossil fuels. These materials are non-biodegradable, meaning they won’t break down naturally. These types of costumes are also full of chemicals and are low quality by design, made cheaply, and usually fall apart quickly.
Most of these costumes get worn for just a few hours before being relegated to the back of a closet or thrown away, and the plastic packaging these costumes come in only adds to the problem. Between the costume itself, the plastic bag it’s sold in, and all the plastic accessories (masks, props, synthetic wigs), a single Halloween costume can create several pounds of plastic pollution, not to mention the waste and toxins produced during its production.
Look to Your Closet: Basics Are Your Best Friend
The easiest way to create a costume that won’t damage yourself or the planet? Start with what you already have. You’d be amazed at how many iconic looks you can pull together using versatile basics from your existing wardrobe (or a generous family member’s wardrobe)!
That white button-up shirt you wear to work? Pair it with dark sunglasses and a black tie to be a Men in Black agent. Swap the sunglasses for a headband and add a pleated skirt, and suddenly you’re a Gossip Girl. Go head-to-toe in one color and add simple accessories: all pink with a blonde wig, you’re Barbie. Add a wand and tiara to that pink outfit? Now you’re Glinda from Wicked.
Raid your parents’ or grandparents’ closets for authentic vintage pieces. An oversized blazer with shoulder pads, neon accessories, and big hair can transform you into an ’80s icon. Bell-bottoms and a tie-dye shirt are perfect for a ‘60s or ‘70s look. Ask your older sibling if you can borrow an old band t-shirt and ripped jeans to throw it back to ‘90s grunge. Do you or a family member own a pair of scrubs? You can be a doctor or a nurse. Add a clipboard or stethoscope and you’re suddenly official-looking—maybe you just walked out of a hospital, or the set of E.R.
The key is thinking creatively about the clothes you already have. That black dress can be a witch, a cat, Wednesday Addams, or Morticia Addams, depending on your accessories. A flannel shirt and jeans? You’re a scarecrow, a farmer, or a lumberjack.
Thrift Your Way Through
If you need pieces you don’t already own, thrifting should be your first stop. Secondhand shopping is infinitely more sustainable than buying new, and thrift stores are treasure troves for costume hunters. Many thrift chains like Goodwill and Savers actually curate Halloween collections in October, grouping together items that work well for costumes. You can walk in on Halloween morning and find what you need without contributing to new plastic production. Search for clothing made from plastic-free fabrics like bamboo, cotton, hemp, linen, and wool.
Online thrift platforms like Depop, Poshmark, and ThredUp also have great options if you prefer shopping from home, though you’ll need to plan ahead for shipping times.
DIY Your Props and Accessories
One of the most wasteful aspects of Halloween costumes is all the plastic accessories—the masks, props, animal ears, and cheap wigs that shed everywhere. But with some creativity, you can make your own props that look better and cost less than store-bought versions.
Cardboard creations: Cardboard is super versatile. Cut out animal ears and attach them to a headband you already own. Create armor pieces, robot parts, or even full cardboard box costumes (like a vintage TV). Paint with plastic-free tempera paint or cover with natural fabric scraps for a more polished look.
Fabric scraps and old clothes: Turn an old t-shirt into a cape by cutting it up and tying it around your neck. Braid fabric strips to make hair for a rag doll costume. Cut up old jeans to make a scarecrow outfit look authentically worn.
Makeup instead of masks: Instead of buying a plastic mask that fogs up and makes it hard to breathe, use makeup to create your look. Plus, makeup transformations are often more impressive than masks and allow your facial expressions to show through. Look for makeup made without harsh chemicals or microplastics.
Paper crafting: Construction paper, newspaper, or even paper bags can become masks or hats. A paper crown turns any outfit into royalty. Crumpled newspaper stuffed into clothes can make a scarecrow look.
Rethink Pet Costumes
We love including our furry friends in Halloween fun, but let’s be real—most pets tolerate costumes at best. Those elaborate store-bought pet costumes made of synthetic materials often get worn for five minutes of photos before your dog or cat rebels and you never use it again.
Instead of buying a separate costume for your pet, integrate them into your look using items you already have or simple DIY additions. A bandana tied around your pet’s neck can transform them into a cowboy’s sidekick or a pirate’s parrot. You probably already own a bandana, or can easily make one from fabric scraps.
If you want to add a small accessory, make it yourself from safe, comfortable materials. A paper crown attached to their regular collar makes them royalty. A cape fashioned from an old pillowcase (with Velcro for easy removal) is lightweight and simple. Remember that pet safety always comes first. Never use costumes that restrict movement, cover eyes or nose, or contain small pieces they could chew off and swallow.
Borrow, Rent, or Swap
When you need something more elaborate than what your closet can provide, renting is a valid option. You get to wear something special without the long-term commitment or waste.
Rental platforms like By Rotation and Rent the Runway are great for higher-quality costumes—think vintage gowns for Morticia Addams, or elaborate period pieces for historical characters. These platforms often have rent-by-location features, so you can find items nearby even if you’re planning last-minute.
Costume rental shops in your area can offer everything from classic vampire capes to full mascot costumes. While these services aren’t free, you’re paying to use something that will be worn by many people over many years, rather than buying something new that will only be worn once.
When You Must Buy New: Choose Wisely
Sometimes you genuinely need to purchase something new for your costume. When that’s the case, make choices that minimize environmental impact. Look for costumes made from cotton, wool, linen, or other natural materials that will biodegrade. These are admittedly harder to find in the Halloween costume market, but they do exist, especially from smaller, eco-conscious brands.
Take the 4Rs PledgeÂ
Help model plastic-free change and shape the culture we need on Halloween and every day. Take Plastic Pollution Coalition’s 4Rs Pledge to eliminate plastic pollution from your life, and have a Happy Halloween!
