Dressing as a Classic Witch: From Folklore to Costume
The pointed hat, broom, and cauldron each have tangled histories, and some popular origin stories are disputed. Here is what the record actually supports about the classic witch costume.
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Reflective Costumes: Making Trick or Treaters Visible After Dark
Dark costumes at dusk are hard for drivers to spot. Research on retroreflective materials and biomotion shows how much visibility a costume can add.
Peter Pan and the History of the Stage Costume
Peter Pan began as a stage role, was played for decades by women, and is now in the US public domain. Here is the costume history behind the boy who would not grow up.
Prop Weapon Policies at Conventions and the Law
Convention weapon policies treat a foam sword, a resin blaster and a wooden staff very differently, and those rules trace back to real firearm-marking law. Here is the legal backdrop.
Do Adult Costumes Follow the Same Safety Rules as Children’s?
Adult and children’s costumes share the general flammability standard, but several child-specific safety rules apply only to items made for children.
Fog, Haze and Smoke at Costume Events: What to Know
Fog and haze machines at costume events produce a glycol or mineral oil aerosol you breathe for the length of your visit. Here is what the research and workplace rules actually say.
Jack o’ Lanterns: The Folklore Behind the Carved Pumpkin
The carved pumpkin on the porch descends from an Irish legend about Stingy Jack and from lanterns cut into turnips, not pumpkins. Here is the folklore and how pumpkins took over.
The Wizard of Oz: Ruby Slippers and Costume History
The ruby slippers were silver in the original novel and turned red only for the Technicolor film. Here is the real costume history behind the most famous shoes in American movies.
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