Halloween is an opportunity for kids and adults to play dress up. Whether you're headed to a cocktail party or chaperoning your little ones on a trick-or-treating excursion, this is your chance to get creative with costume design. Below is a guide that details why people dress up in the first place and how you can create a one-of-a-kind disguise.

The Origins of Halloween

Halloween's roots can be traced back to the Day of the Dead festival held by ancient Celtic people. This traditional feast marked "Samhain," or the end of summer, and was celebrated after the fall harvest. People would don disguises made of animal fur and feathers to confuse the spirits that they believed walked the earth on that night.

When Europe’s Celts were later converted to Christianity, Samhain was combined with All Hallows' Eve. This Catholic holiday marked the day when earthly souls were believed to depart for the spirit world of the dead. This is the version of Halloween that later made its way to America, where it can be traced back to the 1840s.

Modern Halloween Costume Design Trends 

Major retailers have responded to the growing hype around Halloween over the past decades by providing an array of costume choices. It’s now easy to get ready-made costumes online or at specialty shops. If you want something truly one-of-a-kind for yourself or your children, opt for a homemade outfit.

A well-stocked fabric store will have everything you need, from sequins to spandex. This stretchy material is perfect for Halloween costume design because it can fit various shapes and sizes, and it’s available in several patterns. This material will also keep young trick-or-treaters warm on a chilly October night so they can walk for several hours without feeling cold.

Spandex House in Midtown Manhattan provides all the goods you need for your Halloween costume design plans. In business for over 25 years, they offer high-quality spandex and other fabrics for customers throughout the United States and internationally. Take a look at their comprehensive offerings, including everything from animal prints to hologram patterns, on their website. Call (212) 354-6711 to discuss your fabric needs.