Whether you’re trick-or-treating with kids, attending a party or just enjoying a night of festive fun, a few precautions can ensure that your costume is both creative and safe. We have tips for choosing a safe ensemble for the upcoming holiday as well as some Halloween costume ideas that balance fun and safety.
Halloween costume ideas to stay safe but festive
A scary thought: According to the National Safety Council, children are twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than any other day of the year. But safe does not equal boring when it comes to fun Halloween costume ideas. You can still put together a killer costume while following some safety rules.
“Just do a quick run-through,” says Amanda Lencyk, trauma injury prevention coordinator in our Youngstown market. “Make sure they can see well and that they aren’t tripping over their costume.”
Halloween is also one of the busiest holidays for emergency staff. Don’t let a costume be the reason for you or your child to make a trip to the emergency department.
Glow-in-the-dark or reflective costumes
Safety doesn’t have to come at the cost of style. Costumes with built-in reflective elements or glow-in-the-dark accents can help you stay visible while walking at night. This is especially important if you’re in a busy neighborhood with a lot of cars.
You can choose from classic glow-in-the-dark costumes like skeletons or add reflective tape to any outfit to increase visibility. If you can’t include anything to the costume itself, an easy addition is carrying a flashlight or glow sticks.
“Being visible is probably the single best thing you can do to increase safety on Halloween,” Amanda says.
Give it a glow-up: A glow-in-the-dark skeleton costume made with reflective tape that highlights the bones is both spooky and safe.
Flame-resistant materials
Many Halloween costumes are made from synthetic materials that can be flammable. To ensure your costume is safe, look for fabrics labeled as flame-resistant, especially for children’s costumes. Avoid billowy sleeves, capes or flowing materials that could catch fire near open flames such as candles, jack-o-lanterns or fire pits.
Don’t flame out: Be a safe superhero and choose a costume made from flame-resistant fabric with shorter capes or fitted sleeves.
Full range of movement
One of the most important aspects of a safe costume is freedom of movement. Avoid costumes that are too long, tight or restrictive. Long dresses, robes or overly baggy pants can cause trips and falls. Opt for costumes that allow you to walk, run or dance comfortably throughout the night.
Stealthy and safe: A sleek ninja costume with fitted pants and shirt allows for easy movement while maintaining the Halloween vibe.
Face paint instead of masks
Masks can obstruct vision, especially at night. They can make it difficult to see tripping hazards, approaching cars or even friends in the crowd. Instead of wearing a mask, use hypoallergenic face paint to create your look. This allows you to breathe easily and see clearly while staying in character.
“A better option than a mask would be to do face paint,” Amanda says. “Make sure to do a test run to make sure there are no allergies.”
If your child does wear a mask, make sure they can see and breathe easily through it.
Get creative: A classic zombie or vampire look can be achieved with face paint, avoiding the need for a mask. Opt for non-toxic, kid-friendly face paint for younger children. Not very artsy? There are plenty of tutorials online to help you achieve the look.
Comfortable footwear
While high heels or costume boots may seem like a fun choice, they can quickly become uncomfortable or unsafe, especially if you’ll be walking around a lot. Go for sturdy, comfortable shoes that match your costume. You can even add fun shoe covers or paint to match your outfit without sacrificing comfort.
Don’t get sea legs: For a pirate costume, wear comfortable flat boots or sneakers covered with faux pirate boot toppers.
Avoid sharp accessories
Costume props like swords, wands or knives can add a lot to your look, but they can also pose a danger if they’re too sharp or heavy. Choose soft, flexible props made from foam or rubber to reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, make sure that any accessories are securely fastened and lightweight, so they don’t cause accidents.
Shield yourself: A warrior or knight costume can be complete with a foam sword that looks fierce but is totally safe for walking around in the dark.
Proper fit
If you’re dressing up kids, make sure their costumes fit properly. Loose clothing, oversized costumes or too-tight outfits can create hazards for little ones. Costumes should allow for easy bathroom breaks, running and sitting down without becoming uncomfortable or unsafe.
Cute and cautious: A well-fitted princess dress with comfortable shoes will keep your child happy and safe throughout the evening.
Weather-appropriate costumes
Late October can be chilly in many parts of the world that celebrate Halloween. Ensure that your costume can accommodate layers if needed. If it’s cold, you may want to consider costumes that naturally involve heavier clothing or coats. For warmer regions, lighter materials that won’t cause overheating are key.
If it’s cold or raining and you add a jacket or raincoat, make sure that any items you add for better visibility are able to be seen either through the jacket or are on the outermost layer, Amanda adds.
Eyes to the skies: A cozy animal onesie costume is perfect for colder climates, while a superhero outfit with breathable materials works well for warmer weather.
Non-toxic accessories and makeup
Always make sure that any makeup, face paint or other skin products used in your costume are non-toxic and designed for use on skin. Avoid products that contain harmful chemicals, and make sure to do a patch test before applying them to your face or body. This is especially important for kids with sensitive skin.
Don’t break out: Use eco-friendly, non-toxic face paint to create a fairy, clown or animal face that’s both safe and stunning.
Costumes that avoid hazards
Lastly, think about the environment you’ll be in. If you’ll be walking through narrow spaces, avoid wide wings, flowing capes or large headpieces. If you’ll be around fire pits or candles, make sure to steer clear of loose, flammable materials. Always consider your surroundings when picking or designing your Halloween costume.
Spooky but safe: A slim-fit vampire or witch costume with fitted sleeves and no long trains keeps you stylish while avoiding fire risks.
How we can help
Halloween is a great time to let your imagination run wild, but it’s always a good idea to prioritize safety when choosing costumes. Even if you take all the precautions, accidents still happen. If you or your child needs to be seen by a medical professional, visit an urgent care location near you for any mild to moderate injuries. For more serious problems, you may need to visit the nearest emergency room.
Learn about the urgent and emergency care services we offer at Mercy Health.
