What are the easiest costumes to thrift?

Decade-specific looks (like the 70s, 80s, or 90s), classic professions (like a detective or reporter), and characters with casual wardrobes (like Scott Pilgrim or Wednesday Addams) are the easiest to find.

How do I sanitize thrifted clothes quickly?

Wash them on a hot cycle with laundry sanitizer, or use a garment steamer to kill bacteria on delicate items that cannot be machine washed.

What should I look for when thrifting a costume?

Look for unique textures, solid colors that match your character, and sturdy outerwear like coats or jackets that define a silhouette.

AI-generated example

Thrifted Costumes

Budget-friendly, sustainable, and entirely unique costumes sourced from secondhand shops.

Thrifted costumes are a popular choice for those looking to save money, reduce waste, and stand out with a completely custom look. By sourcing everyday garments from secondhand stores, you can easily piece together iconic characters, retro decades, or creative concepts. This guide focuses on how to successfully hunt for, modify, and assemble a standout outfit using thrifted finds.

Difficulty: Easy
Time: ~60 min
Budget: $10–30

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40 Thrifted costume ideas

Ranked by how many people are searching for them this season. Open any one for the full guide and to try it on.

What you need for a Thrifted Costumes costume

Vintage or retro base garment
Look for distinctive silhouettes like 70s polyester shirts, 80s windbreakers, or 90s oversized denim.
DIY: Raid your own closet or ask family members for older clothes they no longer wear.
Amazon
Character-specific outerwear
A trench coat, leather jacket, or colorful blazer to instantly define your character's silhouette.
DIY: Modify an existing jacket by cutting off sleeves or adding fabric paint details.
Amazon
Secondhand accessories
Belts, hats, scarves, or costume jewelry that add character and era-appropriate detail.
DIY: Craft accessories using cardboard, safety pins, and metallic spray paint.
Amazon
Fabric paint or dye
Used to distress, color-match, or add custom graphics to your thrifted finds.
DIY: Use diluted coffee or tea to naturally stain and age white fabrics.
Amazon

How to put it together

1
Choose a character or concept with a recognizable silhouette, such as a 90s grunge rocker, a vintage detective, or a classic movie character.
2
Visit local thrift stores with a specific color palette and checklist of garment types in mind.
3
Inspect potential items for fit, quality, and modification potential, keeping an eye out for unique textures and vintage labels.
4
Wash all thrifted garments thoroughly before wearing or modifying them.
5
Use fabric paint, scissors, or dye to alter the garments to match your character's specific look.
6
Layer your pieces together, starting with the base garments and finishing with outerwear and accessories.
7
Add final touches like styled hair, makeup, or simple props to tie the entire secondhand look together.

Makeup & hair

Style your hair and makeup to match the specific era or character of your thrifted outfit, using classic techniques like retro updos or distressed, messy styles.

Thrifted Costumes for couples, groups, kids & more

couples: Create a retro prom couple using mismatched vintage formal wear from the 1980s.
group: Dress as a group of tourists using matching vintage Hawaiian shirts, fanny packs, and khaki shorts.
kids: Piece together a classic detective look using a small trench coat, magnifying glass, and a fedora.
Plus size: Look for oversized vintage blazers, cardigans, or wrap dresses which offer comfortable, adjustable fits.
pet: Repurpose a colorful infant-sized t-shirt or bandana from the thrift store for a quick pet outfit.

Tips

Shop early in the season before thrift stores get picked over for Halloween.
Keep an open mind and look in sections outside your usual size, as vintage sizing varies greatly.
Focus on the structure and fabric of an item; colors can always be changed with fabric dye.
Take a reference photo of your target character on your phone to compare colors and styles while browsing.

Thrifted Costumes costume FAQ

What are the easiest costumes to thrift?: Decade-specific looks (like the 70s, 80s, or 90s), classic professions (like a detective or reporter), and characters with casual wardrobes (like Scott Pilgrim or Wednesday Addams) are the easiest to find.
How do I sanitize thrifted clothes quickly?: Wash them on a hot cycle with laundry sanitizer, or use a garment steamer to kill bacteria on delicate items that cannot be machine washed.
What should I look for when thrifting a costume?: Look for unique textures, solid colors that match your character, and sturdy outerwear like coats or jackets that define a silhouette.

Did you know? Thrift store costume shopping has surged in popularity due to social media challenges where creators attempt to build complete, recognizable outfits for under twenty dollars.