When to Order Costumes for Halloween and Book Week

The best time to order a costume is earlier than feels necessary. Costumes are easy to leave until the last minute, and that is when things go wrong. Sizes run out, parcels arrive late, and there is no time to swap anything that does not fit.

This page works back from your event date so you can see when to start.

Start with the date, then work backwards

Pick the day the costume will actually be worn. For Halloween, that is usually 31 October, though your party or school event may fall earlier. For Book Week or World Book Day, ask the school for the exact dress-up day. Some schools hold it on a different day from the official week.

Then count back through these steps:

• The day you need the costume in hand, with a spare day or two before the event.
• Time to try it on and check the fit.
• Time to send it back and receive a replacement, if you need one.
• Delivery time from the retailer.
• Time to choose, and to agree on the choice with a child who may change their mind.

Add those up and you have your order date. If the sum feels too tight, order sooner.

Allow for delivery and exchanges

Delivery times vary. Check the retailer's delivery information at checkout and read it carefully. Look at the estimated arrival dates, and remember that they are estimates.

Busy periods can be slower. In the weeks before Halloween, many people order at once. Give yourself extra room rather than trusting the best case.

Exchanges take a second round of delivery. You send the item back, then wait for the new size. That can double the time you need. Before you order, check the retailer's returns and exchange policy so you know what is possible and how long it may take. If you plan to exchange, you need to order early enough for both trips.

Why popular characters sell out in some sizes

Some characters are popular every year, especially after a new film, show or book release. When many people want the same costume, stock can run low.

Sizes often go unevenly. Common sizes may go first, and the size you need may be gone while others remain. Children's sizes can be especially tight, because a whole class or year group may want the same character.

Waiting rarely helps. If you have found the character and size you want, it is usually better to order than to hope it stays available. If your first choice is gone, have a second one ready.

Try it on early

Try the costume on as soon as it arrives. Do not leave it in the box until the morning of the event.

When you try it on, look at:

• Length and width, including sleeves and trouser legs.
• Whether the wearer can walk, sit and use the toilet without trouble.
• Masks, hats and wigs. Check they stay put and that the wearer can see and breathe comfortably.
• Whether it fits over or under the clothes and layers you plan to use. Cold weather may mean a jumper underneath.
• The label, for care and size details.

If you plan to use face paint, do a small skin test first, well before the day. Children also grow quickly, so a costume that fit in the shop photo may not fit the child you have now.

If something is wrong, you will have time to exchange it. If everything fits, you have time to add the small touches, like a prop or a homemade accessory.

A simple countdown

Use these steps as a guide. Adjust them to your own event.

• 8 weeks before: Talk about ideas. Ask your child or group what they would like to be. Check the school or party details.
• 6 weeks before: Choose a first and second choice. Check sizes and delivery information.
• 5 weeks before: Order. This leaves room for delivery and one exchange.
• When it arrives: Try everything on. Note anything that needs changing.
• 3 weeks before: Send back or exchange anything that does not fit.
• 1 week before: Get accessories and make any small fixes. Do a face paint skin test if needed.
• The day before: Lay everything out. Charge any batteries and pack a spare layer.

If you are already inside these dates, do not worry. Order now, choose the fastest delivery you can, and try the costume on the moment it arrives. A little time still helps.

Whatever the date, the same rule holds. Order early, try it on early, and keep a second choice in mind.