Walk into your local Halloween store and what do you find? An assortment of colorful wigs, masks straight out of a nightmare—and only a few (if any) plus-size costume options in sight. Even if the costume fits, the price alone is enough to scare you away. When in-store and online ensembles miss the mark, it’s time to get creative and think outside the box.
We asked the fearless fashion lovers on the Dia&Co team about their experiences shopping for plus-size Halloween costumes and the answers may not surprise you. Read on to learn how 4 team members ended up finding their favorite costumes—and maybe even get inspired to create your own unique Halloween look this year!
“In college, I ordered a plus-size costume online before I identified that way. I ended up looking like a middle school principal on safari. I went to the store on Halloween day and my options were sexy cop or sexy nurse. I went with cop and felt miserable the entire night. When I was a kid, my grandma would make all my costumes because I was too chubby for the kids’ costumes. One creation that stands out was when I wanted to be a ‘diva’ at age nine. No one in particular—just a ‘diva.’ I couldn’t find a Britney Spears-style headset mic, so my dad just grabbed one of the headsets from his office and took the cord out. I felt so cool.”
Sydney, Communications Manager
“I’ve been plus size my whole life, so it’s been difficult to find a Halloween costume in my size. Because of size inconsistencies and body shaming by store sales associates, I haven’t bought a costume at an actual store in years. I now do my best to recreate a costume I want from pieces I have in my closet (my go-to is a Harry Potter look), or I do some shopping on Etsy for a custom-fit piece (this tends to be very pricey). My favorite costume to date has to be the Esmeralda dress I got two years ago. The designer took my measurements, so it fits like a dream!”
Marlena, CX Associate
“Being plus size my whole life, I’ve struggled with finding a Halloween costume. Party City is one of the biggest places around, but their options don’t go up high enough in size. Most of my costumes are usually pieced together, either from my own wardrobe or Goodwill, plus accessories from the costume store. My favorite costume I’ve worn wasn’t store bought. I wanted to dress up as a pin-up girl, but I couldn’t find a costume that fit. I had to wear a dress I got years before and my own shoes. My favorite part was that my hair actually cooperated when I tried to do the victory rolls and curls. Plus, my makeup looked great.”
Lisa, CX Associate
“It was always traumatizing as a plus-size kid to shop in the adult section because you didn’t fit the kids’ costumes. Now, as an adult, the plus-size options are either horrible or super sexy—and not in a good way. For what a plus-size, official costume costs, I’m better off doing it myself. So I usually buy a piece here, buy a piece there, and make a few adjustments with how-to sewing videos. This year’s Mrs. Lovett (from Sweeney Todd) outfit is a winner! I’m in love with the skirt, but need to find the right apron to go with it.”
Karolina, CX Lead
Looking for more great costume ideas? Check out how you can style a spooky look
using the items in your closet!
