Costume Sizing Guide: How to Get the Right Fit Without Trying It On First

The fastest way to get a costume that fits is to use our sizing scan on the product page before you buy, since manual measuring with a tape measure is the fallback option, not the first one. Costume sizing runs differently brand to brand and even style to style, so "I'm a size 12" does not reliably translate. Below is how the scan works, what to do if you're between sizes, and real size availability for popular styles right now.

In this article

• Why do costumes run smaller than regular clothes?
• How do I find my size for a costume?
• What do I do if I'm between two sizes?
• Costume size chart: adult, kids and plus
• How is kids' costume sizing different?
• What if it doesn't fit and the party is tomorrow?
• FAQ

Why do costumes run smaller than regular clothes?

Most costumes are cut for a single night, not for daily wear, so manufacturers use less ease (the extra room built into the pattern) to keep fabric costs down and the silhouette tight enough to photograph well. A jacket, dress or jumpsuit costume in a "Medium" is not the same Medium as a t-shirt brand you already own. This is the single biggest reason costume returns happen, and it has nothing to do with the size you actually are.

It also means you cannot reliably size by age or by your usual clothing size alone. That is exactly the problem our sizing scan is built to solve.

How do I find my size for a costume?

For adults, the easiest and most accurate way is our sizing scan, found on the product page for most adult costumes. Look for the "Start My Scan Now" prompt near the size selector. It walks you through a quick scan on your phone and gives you a personalised size recommendation for that specific costume, rather than a generic chart.

Using the scan and completing it successfully before your order ships also qualifies you for our Size Fit Guarantee. If the recommended size doesn't fit, you can exchange it for the correct one. Skipping the scan, or ordering a size other than the one it recommends, means the guarantee doesn't apply, so it's worth the extra minute even if you're confident on sizing already.

If you'd rather not scan, or you're shopping for a costume the scan doesn't cover, a tape measure still works as a fallback. Measure your chest or bust under the arms at the fullest point, your waist at your natural waistline, and your hips at their fullest point, then compare those numbers in centimetres to the size chart on the specific product page, since charts vary between styles even within the same store.

What do I do if I'm between two sizes?

If you've used the scan, go with its recommendation rather than your own instinct, that's the point of using it. If you're sizing manually and you're between two sizes, size up. A costume that's slightly loose is an easy fix with a belt, a safety pin, or simply rolling a sleeve, while a costume that's too tight can split a seam or simply not close at all.

The exception is anything advertised as stretch fabric or "one size fits most", where a snugger fit is intended. If the product description does not mention stretch fabric, treat it as a fixed-cut garment and size up when in doubt.

Costume size chart: adult, kids and plus

Below are three popular styles with their real Australian size ranges, so you have an actual reference point. Stock levels shown are current at time of writing, since even an "in stock" product can have specific sizes sold out while others remain available. For the most accurate result on any of these, use the sizing scan on the product page rather than relying on this table alone.

Costume	Sizes available now	Fit notes
Cowgirl Womens Costume	Small, Medium, Large, Extra Large	True to size, full range currently in stock
Texan Gunfighter Men's Wild West Costume	Medium, Large, Extra Large	True to size, full range currently in stock
Grease Pink Ladies Jacket Embroidered	Extra Small (AUS 4-6), Large (AUS 16-18), Extra Large (AUS 20-22)	Runs true to size. Small and Medium are currently sold out, check stock before settling on a size

How is kids' costume sizing different?

The sizing scan is built and calibrated for adult bodies, so kids' costumes still use age-range sizing rather than a scan. The same underlying rule applies though: a "7 to 9 years" costume is built around an average for that age, not your child specifically. A tall, narrow seven year old and a solidly built seven year old will not fit the same Medium.

If your child is tall for their age, size up to the next age bracket rather than going by birthday alone. If they're between brackets and the costume has any adjustable elements (an elastic waist, velcro tabs, ties), the smaller size with adjustment room usually works better than a larger size that's loose everywhere.

What if it doesn't fit and the party is tomorrow?

For a too-tight costume, prioritise the closure points first: let out any adjustable waistband, swap a button for a safety pin behind the fabric line, or wear it open over a plain top in the same colour if it's a jacket-style piece, the way the Grease Pink Ladies Jacket is often worn anyway. For a too-loose costume, a bulldog clip or hidden safety pin at the back seam can take in several centimetres in under a minute, and a belt fixes most waist issues on dresses and jackets instantly.

The better fix is avoiding the problem before you order. Use the sizing scan if the costume offers one, order with at least a few days of buffer before the event, and if you're not confident on sizing, call or message the store rather than guessing. Checking variant level stock before you buy also avoids the scenario where your size is the right one but happens to be sold out that week.

Frequently asked questions

Do costumes run small or large compared to normal clothes?

Most costumes run smaller than equivalent everyday clothing in the same labelled size, because they're cut with less ease. If you're unsure, use the sizing scan on the product page rather than relying on your usual size.

What is the sizing scan and how does it work?

It's a quick body scan you complete on your phone from the product page. It gives a personalised size recommendation for that specific costume, and completing it before you order qualifies you for our Size Fit Guarantee.

Should I size up or down if I'm between sizes?

If you've used the sizing scan, follow its recommendation. If you're sizing manually, size up unless the listing specifically says the item is stretch fabric or one size fits most. A slightly loose costume is easy to adjust; a too-tight one usually isn't.

How do I know if a specific size is actually in stock?

Check the size selector on the product page itself. A product can show as available while a specific size, like Medium in some of our styles, is sold out. Selecting the size will confirm whether it can be added to cart.

Can I return a costume that doesn't fit?

If you used the sizing scan and ordered the recommended size, you're covered by our Size Fit Guarantee and can exchange for the correct size. If you skipped the scan or ordered a different size to the one recommended, the guarantee doesn't apply, so it's worth using it even if you're confident on sizing.

How early should I order to be safe on sizing?

As early as you can once you've settled on a costume, especially for popular sizes in popular styles. Stock on specific sizes can run low well before the event date, and using the sizing scan before you order is the best way to avoid a last minute size problem altogether.