Best Halloween Costumes of 2024: 46 Options for Everyone, From Kids to Adults

While some of us (like me) were still embracing the last weeks of summer, many shoppers got ahead of Halloween—which seemed to roll out in stores just after the Fourth of July. If bare shelves (or bare minimum selections) are what you’re seeing in-store, you’re in luck: I’ve rounded up a guide to the best Halloween costumes for everyone, even your pets, ranging from scary to silly and cool to creepy…and all available online. Cue up the “Monster Mash,” stock up on sweets, decorate those gourds, and prepare to play dress up all October long.

Best Halloween costumes for kids

Best Halloween costume for babies

Best Halloween costumes for teens

Best Halloween costumes for men

Best Halloween costumes for women

Best Halloween costumes for families

Best Halloween costumes for groups and couples

See also: Best Dog Halloween Costumes>>>

What to consider when buying a Halloween costume online

When shopping for Halloween costumes, especially for younger kids, think about a few things before you hit “add to cart.” If you can, go to brick-and-mortar stores and try costumes on in person. It is no fun to find the perfect one and only have it not fit when it’s time to trick or treat or the day of the school Halloween parade, which has happened in our house on one or more occasions. Get your costume early, make sure it fits, and have a backup plan to avoid Halloween hysterics when a costume is too big or too small.

Should it be homemade?

My favorite costumes growing up were made by my grandmother or loaned to me by my mother’s friend, who had a killer wardrobe of roaring ‘20s dresses. I am all for hitting up Goodwill, the Salvation Army, and other thrift stores for odds and ends or visiting a costume swap—popular in the Halloween happy village we call home—but sometimes you don’t have the time or talent.

Who’s wearing it? Age and size matter

When choosing a baby or toddler costume, consider purchasing one that doesn’t obstruct their view and makes it easy to maneuver them in and out for a quick change. Onesies are a great choice, and costumes that can double as PJs are even better. As children grow older, check their masks to make sure they can see out of them, and hem or cut costumes that drag on the ground, making it easy to trip while trick-or-treating.

Some costumes are sold as one-size-fits-all, and others may have measurements slightly larger or smaller than clothing sizes. To avoid disappointment, as previously mentioned, check any garment's measurements before purchasing and try it on, if possible. If you are an adult, make sure your costume doesn’t rip easily, is warm enough if you plan on being outdoors for a long time, and definitely (speaking again from experience) don’t skimp on comfort.

Can the wearer see out of it? Visibility matters

As mentioned above, a potential pitfall of costumes that come with masks is that wearers can’t see. Halloween is typically chaotic during trick-or-treating hours, and dusk (and, of course, night) can greatly reduce visibility. Among the tips given by the global nonprofit Safe Kids Worldwide include giving children flashlights and glow sticks or even adding reflective material to the back of their costumes.

Is it comfortable?

Not all Halloween costumes are created equal in terms of comfort. If you or anyone in your family is wearing their costume for long periods, try it on and leave it on for at least an hour to test its comfort. I did this with my then-6-year-old, who wanted to wear a very tight superhero costume. We lasted about 15 minutes and switched to something a little easier on their limbs.

Pro tip for parents with young kids and toddlers: Check that the costume doesn’t fit too tightly anywhere and that they can easily remove it if and when nature calls. Also, some one-piece costumes are made of fleece, making it easy to get overheated.

How to stay safe on Halloween

Trick or treating is a fun way to celebrate Halloween but you want your kids to stay safe. Safe Kids Worldwide suggests the following:

• Choose facepaint over masks because the latter can impede visibility.
• Wear light colors or reflective tape on your costume.
• Drive slowly and carefully (or, better yet, not at all) when traveling in residential areas.
• Use headlights at dusk when younger kids might be out and about trick or treating.
• Make sure costumes fit properly and won’t trip you up as you walk.
• Consider the age and maturity of your child before you let them trick-or-treat alone.
• Tell your tweens and teens to stay with a friend or group of friends and travel to well-lit homes and familiar neighborhoods.