Fancy Dresses Price Comparison
Compare 2,245 fancy dresses from Leg Avenue, Amscan, WIDMANN and more — find the best price across dozens of UK retailers in one place.
Fancy Dresses price comparison UK
Fancy dress is one of those purchases where the gap between a great costume and a disappointing one often comes down to a few pounds — and knowing where to look. With 2,245 costumes in our catalogue, ranging from 0 £ for a basic accessory kit to 0 £ for premium, fully accessorised outfits, the range is genuinely vast. What's striking when you look at the data is just how dominant a handful of brands are: Leg Avenue alone accounts for over a third of the catalogue, with an average price noticeably higher than budget rivals like WIDMANN, whose costumes regularly come in well under the market median.
That price gap tells a story. WIDMANN and Boland sit firmly at the accessible end — think straightforward Halloween staples, carnival classics, and themed party outfits that do the job without fuss. Leg Avenue and Amscan push further into the mid-range, with better fabric construction, more complete costume sets, and designs that hold up better over a long evening. At the premium end, Spooktacular Creations stands out with an average price considerably above the rest — these are costumes aimed at buyers who want something genuinely impressive rather than a one-night throwaway.
One thing worth knowing before you buy: costume sizing is notoriously inconsistent across manufacturers. A size L from WIDMANN and a size L from Leg Avenue can differ by several centimetres, so always cross-reference the specific size chart rather than relying on your usual clothing size. This is one of the most common complaints in customer reviews, and it's entirely avoidable. For a full look at what's available, you can also browse Fancy Dress Props & Accessories to complete your outfit, or check Fancy & Toy Masks for the finishing touch.
Timing matters too. Halloween drives a sharp spike in prices and stock shortages from mid-October onwards — if you're shopping for a Halloween costume, buying in September typically saves money and guarantees availability. Boxing Day and January sales are worth watching for anyone planning ahead for a New Year's party or a spring carnival. We track price movements daily across retailers including Amazon, Argos, and Smiffys, so you can set a price alert and wait for the right moment rather than paying over the odds.
How to Choose the Right Fancy Dress Costume
With prices spanning from pocket change to well over 0 £, picking the right fancy dress costume isn't just about the look — it's about knowing what you're actually getting for your money. Our analysis of 2,245 costumes shows that the biggest sources of buyer regret are sizing surprises and incomplete sets. Here's what to check before you commit.
What's actually included in the set
This is the single most important thing to verify before buying. Many costumes listed at an attractive price include only the main garment — no hat, no belt, no accessories. Others are genuinely complete sets. Amscan, for instance, tends to bundle accessories into their mid-range lines, while some WIDMANN entries at the lower end are dress-only. Read the product description carefully and factor in the cost of any extras you'll need to buy separately. A costume listed at 0 £ that requires a £15 wig and a £10 hat is no longer the bargain it appeared.
Fabric quality and how long it needs to last
Most fancy dress costumes use 100% polyester — that's fine for a single evening, but if you're planning to wear it more than once or need it to look sharp in photos, the weight and weave of that polyester matters enormously. Look for descriptions mentioning a lining, structured panels, or heavier-weight fabric. Thin, unlined polyester creases badly, can look cheap under bright lighting, and is often uncomfortably warm. Brands like Leg Avenue and Spooktacular Creations generally use better-quality materials than the very cheapest options, which is reflected in their higher average prices.
Sizing: always check the brand's own chart
Fancy dress sizing is not standardised. A size M from one manufacturer can be a full size smaller than another's. This is the most frequently cited issue in customer reviews across the category. Never assume your usual clothing size will translate — always find the specific brand's size guide and measure yourself against it. Pay particular attention to chest and length measurements. If you're between sizes, size up: a slightly loose costume is far easier to manage than one that's too tight, especially if it has a back zip.
Occasion and theme fit
A costume that's perfect for a Halloween party may look out of place at a children's birthday or a work fancy dress day. Consider the context: how recognisable does the character need to be? How much detail is expected? For Halloween, darker, more dramatic designs work well. For office parties or daytime events, something more lighthearted and less elaborate is usually the better call. Rubie's and Amscan both offer licensed character costumes that score highly on recognisability, which matters if you want people to actually know who you're supposed to be.
Closures and ease of wearing
A back zip that you can't reach alone, a velcro panel that loses its grip after an hour, or an elasticated waist that digs in — these are the practical frustrations that ruin an evening. Check what closure system the costume uses and whether you'll be able to get in and out of it independently. This is particularly relevant for Halloween costumes worn to venues where you may need to visit the bathroom. Adjustable or elasticated designs tend to be more forgiving across a range of body shapes than fixed-zip options.
Care and reusability
If you're spending over 0 £ on a costume, it's worth thinking about whether you can wash and store it for future use. Many cheaper costumes are hand-wash or dry-clean only, and some don't survive even a single gentle machine wash without losing their shape or colour. Check the care label information in the product listing. Costumes with reinforced seams and colourfast dyes are worth the modest premium if you plan to get more than one wear out of them.
- Budget picks (From 0 £ to 0 £) : Mostly basic, single-piece costumes or accessory-led sets from WIDMANN and Amscan. Expect thin polyester, minimal accessories, and variable sizing. Fine for a low-key occasion or a child's party where the costume will be worn once. Don't expect longevity.
- The sweet spot (From 0 £ to 0 £) : Where the majority of decent costumes sit. Boland and Fever offer solid options here — better fabric construction, more complete sets, and more reliable sizing guides. Good value for most occasions, including Halloween and themed parties.
- Mid-range quality (From 0 £ to 0 £) : Leg Avenue and Amscan dominate this bracket with more detailed designs, better finishing, and fuller accessory sets. Noticeably better in photos and under event lighting. Worth it if the occasion calls for something that looks genuinely polished.
- Premium and licensed (Over 0 £) : Spooktacular Creations and select Leg Avenue lines. Heavier fabrics, structured costumes, licensed character designs, and full accessory bundles. Aimed at buyers who want a costume that stands out — or who are serious about cosplay and repeated wear.
Top products
- WIDMANN 03291 fancy dress (WIDMANN) : The most-compared costume in the catalogue and the cheapest entry point by some margin — fine for a throwaway occasion, but don't expect premium fabric or a complete set at this price.
- Boland 79036 fancy dress Fancy costume Adult Male Halloween (Boland) : A solid mid-range Halloween costume for adult men with three competing offers to compare — Boland's construction is reliable, though check the size guide carefully before ordering.
- WIDMANN 07244 fancy dress (WIDMANN) : Good value from WIDMANN's broader range — better finishing than their entry-level pieces, and worth comparing across the three available retailers to catch the best price.
- Amscan 999685 fancy dress Adult (Amscan) : Amscan's adult range consistently delivers better accessory bundles than the price suggests — this is a strong pick if you want a more complete look without stepping into the mid-range budget.
- Boland 83547 Fancy costume Adult Male Police 875 g (Boland) : At 875g this is one of the heavier costumes in the catalogue — that weight translates to noticeably better structure and durability. A genuine step up from thin polyester alternatives at a similar price point.
Related categories
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which size to order for a fancy dress costume?
Always use the specific brand's size chart rather than your usual clothing size — fancy dress sizing varies significantly between manufacturers. Measure your chest circumference and height, then compare against the brand's own measurements. If you're between sizes, order the larger one: a slightly loose costume is far easier to manage than one that's too tight, particularly if it has a back zip or structured bodice.
Are cheap fancy dress costumes worth buying, or should I avoid them?
Very cheap costumes — those at the lower end of the price range — are worth buying only if you need something for a single, low-key occasion. The main risks are thin, uncomfortable fabric that looks poor in photos, inaccurate sizing, and closures that fail during wear. For anything involving photos, a long evening, or a high-visibility event, spending a little more in the mid-range bracket makes a real difference to how the costume looks and feels.
Which fancy dress brands are the most reliable for adults?
Leg Avenue and Amscan are the most consistently reliable for adult costumes in terms of quality and sizing accuracy. WIDMANN offers good value at the budget end but quality varies across their range. Spooktacular Creations is the standout for premium costumes, with noticeably better construction — though their prices reflect that. Rubie's is worth considering for licensed character costumes where recognisability matters.
What's the best time of year to buy a fancy dress costume in the UK?
September is the best time to buy Halloween costumes — prices are lower and stock is plentiful before the mid-October rush. For general fancy dress, Boxing Day and January sales often see significant discounts on costumes from the previous season. Avoid buying in the final week before Halloween if you can: prices spike and popular sizes sell out quickly across retailers like Amazon, Argos, and Smiffys.
Does a fancy dress costume usually include all the accessories shown in the photo?
Not always — this is one of the most common sources of disappointment. Product photos frequently show a complete look including wigs, shoes, jewellery, and props that are sold separately. Always read the 'what's included' section of the product description carefully. If it only lists a dress or tunic, assume everything else in the photo is extra. Completing a costume with separately purchased props and accessories can add significantly to the total cost.
Can fancy dress costumes be machine washed?
It depends on the costume — always check the care label. Many mid-range and premium costumes can be machine washed at 30°C, but cheaper polyester costumes often recommend hand wash or dry clean only to preserve their shape and colour. Costumes with embellishments, sequins, or structured panels are particularly vulnerable to machine washing. If you plan to reuse a costume, prioritise options with clear, permissive care instructions.
Is it worth buying a fancy dress mask separately, or should I stick to costumes that include one?
For most occasions, a separately purchased mask gives you more flexibility and better quality than the basic mask often bundled with a costume. Bundled masks tend to be thin and poorly fitted. Browsing Fancy & Toy Masks separately lets you match a higher-quality mask to any costume, and often works out better value than paying a premium for a 'complete' set where the mask is the weakest component.