Fast fashion is killing Halloween 

In the autumn-chilled days creeping up to Halloween, a shadowy phantom looms over the internet algorithms of the fashion-forward: The Amazon Corset. For those fortunate enough to be unfamiliar, the aforementioned piece of clothing is a flimsy, uncomfortable waste of $25 that comes in a rainbow of colors and has staked its claim as a Halloween staple. Its popularity stems from an increasing trend in Halloween costumes moving away from originality and towards minimalism. Come October, the controversies surrounding this corset infiltrate my TikTok feed like clockwork: influencers post costume inspiration featuring The Corset and others declare it an insult to individuality. Sure, it’s cute, but does it deserve its monopoly on Halloween costumes of the present day? I think not. Dear reader, I implore you to remove that Amazon corset from your shopping cart and imagine that I’m holding your hand with not an ounce of condescension when I tell you this: You can do so much better. 

Part of the fun of Halloween is the opportunity to express yourself. Self-expression loses meaning when everyone is wearing some variation of the same thing. Halloween parties have become a sea of people wearing the same cheap corsets and skirts, only varying in color and a token accessory indicating their costume of choice. With the rising global market of online shopping, big brands like Amazon provide people across the world with access to the same products. Social media influencers post itemized Halloween costume inspiration videos, driving audiences to purchase pieces like The Corset in droves. Now, everyone looks the same even on a day entirely dedicated to being unique.  

However, it’s not simply that everyone’s wearing the same few costumes; it’s that they’re using the same cheap materials that get thrown away immediately afterwards.  

The corset is just a slice of the larger issue that is overconsumption and a lack of regard for sustainability. Each year, a staggering 35 million Halloween costumes are trashed in the U.S. alone, generating 5.4 million kilograms of textile waste. I respect the Amazon corset as a low-effort option for those who aren’t into Halloween. Simply consider keeping it around to reuse and minimize waste. However, if you’re trying to escape the tired rotation of cat/angel/vampire, do I have the solution for you. 

Enter “gay Halloween”, the growing internet movement where no costume is too niche. You’ll find people dressed as anything from a specific frame of a ‘90s film to a meme that’s currently trending in an underground community on TikTok. There are three primary rules for gay Halloween: go all out, get as creative as possible and curate pieces from affordable, accessible sources. The concept was popularized (and lovingly mocked) through a meme in the following format: “I hate gay Halloween, what do you mean you’re [insert incredibly niche/funny costume of your choice here]?” 

Predictably, the most unique costumes aren’t being capitalized on by existing retailers. Stores aren’t selling pre-made versions, and accessories may be hard to come by. The solution? A combination of thrifting, swapping pieces with friends, hand-making clothing and accessories and repurposing pieces you already own. Finding a high-quality, unique Halloween costume doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, doing it yourself is often cheaper, more environmentally friendly and leaves you with a process to be proud of. This doesn’t have to be difficult, either. One year, a friend of mine dressed as a humanized version of the University of Connecticut’s chemistry building with clothes she already had. People resonated with her costume because of its creativity, and I still think it’s genius. 

The primary argument against gay Halloween is that the costumes are “too niche” and maybe only one person will be able to identify your costume on sight. What most people don’t understand is that’s entirely the point. Halloween is even more fun when everyone is dressed as something different. There’s a difference between not recognizing someone’s costume because you don’t know the source material and not recognizing a costume because it’s executed poorly. Niche costumes build community! Asking what someone’s dressed as is a great way to spark conversation and learn more about them. Finding that one other person who recognizes your costume forms an instant sense of camaraderie.  

Protecting the art of unique Halloween costumes is more than an overcommitment to a silly holiday. It’s representative of a greater pushback against a loss of creativity, mindful consumption and willingness to put in work. The bottom line: Get creative, go all out, minimize your reliance on big retailers and don’t let anyone tell you your costume is too niche.  

Featured photo credit Creative Commons