Stuck for ideas?

This site features over 2000 costumes in sixty or so theme areas. Hopefully, even if you decide not to hire, there's plenty to inspire you. We appreciate that you have chosen to try to hire rather than buy. Our collection is based on outfits different from those found on the Internet, so you stand a good chance of having something unique and capable of creating a good impression, and hopefully, a memorable experience.

 

Some initial questions:

Are you going as a couple, pair or group? There's a theme section for Couples, Pairs, etc. on the site, but whilst some pairings are obvious, others may need negotiation and agreement, especially in these times of political correctness and gender issues.

 

Now, as an individual

Natural, mask or make-up? Your chosen outfit may dictate this, although there are sometimes alternatives – it goes without saying that an overhead mask has problems with talking, eating and drinking (let alone 'breaking character'), so where available, half-face is better. With the vast range of make-up products and online tutorials available, the make-up alternative may be a preferred option: There are differences between cosmetic make-up products and those designed for face/body painting, but always ensure you use products designed for use on the skin. The MU option obviously requires a little more prep time, and, depending on the design and the event environment, it may also need fixing and/or repairing in the course of the event.

 

Wigs

Wigs are something which may also be dictated by the costume, but whilst many enjoy the change of look, others may find them hot and not worth the effort. With some outfits you can, of course spray, backcomb, and use other hair-styling products, etc. Note that with treated/dyed hair, colour from sprays can sometimes be more easily absorbed by the hair folicles. Also, for safety reasons, it is never a good idea to use hair-spray on wigs – use water if you must.

 

Are you looking for figure hugging or comfortable fit?

Not just a female issue – back in the day, superhero/heroine outfits tended to come as lycra/spandex leotards and catsuits, because comic-book artists drew costumes onto human figures. The newer generation have moulded elements which make for a less revealing fit but new versions of, say, Catwoman or Mystique, still favour the skin-tight look.

 

Are you good to 'go'?

Male or female, at any event there is the chance that Nature may call. Nestled in several layers of costume, which might not work the same way as normal clothes, or in your one-piece catsuit, this may become a logistics issue depending on the availability and nature of facilities. Others may be in the same boat, so to speak, and the process may take longer. Plan ahead!

 

Be comfortable in what you wear.

Some historical costumes offer novel wearing experiences – a high waistband (and no flies or pockets) here, a hovercraft-like crinoline or broadening bustle there. There may also be wigs, hats and bonnets to contend with.

In the broader field, whilst it's always good to 'get out of yourself, going radical is all very well so long as you're not having to pull outfits up or down because you're feeling a little over-exposed. Remember, it might look good in the mirror, but you're in it for an evening (or longer).

The same goes for shoes: Although females have always been better at being martyrs to likes of high-heels and stilettos, when it comes to fancy-dress footwear, keep it simple: Again, you're in the shoes all evening, possibly having to dance, and hopefully people are looking at you and your costume, not your feet.

 

How are you getting to the venue?

Sometimes the practicalities involved in arriving at the event are overlooked: If it's a private party, etc., and it's not within walking distance, the answer is probably 'By car', assuming you've a idea about parking availability. Unless you fancy the frisson of a bit of exhibitionism, it helps to ensure you have enough petrol to cover your journey!

 

The alternative is public transport, especially if you're travelling to London or similar. Thus the sub-question arises of 'Are you changing there (Are there facilities?) or going in costume?'. Aside from climatic considerations – you can wear a coat and go for a Big Reveal –, a costumed person or group either create a talking point, or will be studiously ignored by other members of the public. Major point to remember – if your outfit involves any sort of weaponry, keep it well out of sight to avoid any security alert issues.