Thread: Plus size costume question

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Greetings
This may (or may not) help, but I've NEVER bought a costume. I sew mine. Like "Frankie's girl", I am also curvy and have larger "assets" up top. Sewing your own costume rocks because:

ONE) You pick out exactly what you want to be and can custom the costume, i.e. change sleeve lengths, add sleeves, don't add sleeves, change neckline, change hemline, etc....

TWO) You get the exact fabric and color you want. Satin? Velvet? Black? Red? Reddish-black???

THREE) CUSTOM FIT!!!!!! My top size is always quite a few sizes larger than my bottom size. Measure, measure, measure then cut and sew.

Of course, this reply only helps if you're handy with the sewing machine! I would highly suggest trying it. I've received so many compliments on my costumes, year after year, people are unbelievably shocked that I sewed them myself! Well, not family and friends now - they know better!

Good Luck!!!! Happy Haunting....

TMama

Originally Posted by MHooch

I have ordered a lot of stuff over the years from BuyCostumes, and have always been satisfied with the quality of merchandise and the service. I ordered a costume one year and the wig wasn't in the package when it arrived, the party was in 2 days and I was fit to be tied. I called, and they overnighted me the wig at no cost to me and no questions asked. I have returned things as well, never a problem.

And I bought the 1x wicked witch of the west costume, and it fit great. I usually wear a women's size 16/18. Here's a pic:

This was totally exactly a huge help!!!!! I would love to learn to sew but it's rather unlikely to happen as someone who has never learned to drive (at age 42) and I was around 17 when a boyfriend taught me to tie my own shoes...true story. Also NYC teeny apt. If I tried to bring a sewing machine into my hovel I think he himself would faint. Thanks so much everyone.

I have bought a couple of costumes from buycostumes.com The first one was Tina the Target it fit everywhere except that it was too short. I am a tall girl. I bought some ruffle pantalones. The second was a flapper costume that did not fit at all. I had to rent a costume at the last minute.

Hey girl, I've been waiting to reply to you until my dress order arrived - which it did today! I bought this dress from a site I hadn't tried before:
http://stores.channeladvisor.com/Hol...20Dress%20Gown

Now that it's here, I can definitely recommend it! The shipping took about 10 days, I guess it comes from India. It's going to make a great base for my annual witch costume. I love the sleeves, the hemline, and the lace up bodice. I followed their fitting instructions and went with a 2X, which is my usual plus size. It fits very well, just a tiny bit snug around the arm holes/shoulders. If I order something else from them, I'll probably go up a size to the 3X.
But what I like is the quality, this is a real garment, not some poorly made costume. It will last for years and can be accessorized all kinds of ways. Like you - I can't sew a lick - so I need a good base garment that I can add too! I was concerned that the fabric might be too flimsy, but it is a good weight cotton, and a lot of it is double panels of satin over cotton, and embroidery. Just have to read the descriptions and look carefully at the enlarged pictures!

I hope you take a look at this site (and I am in no way connected to them!) But they have sizes going way up, and the prices aren't bad. A lot of interesting dress designs and colors to work with.
And be sure to check out the "DEALS" section - you can score dresses for way cheap. Hope you enjoy!

Ordering any sized costume is a big risk. Making your own costume is the best bet. Even if you do not sew you can do it. The costume will be original and fit you perfectly. You can do it........

No-sew, DIY costumes like a bumble bee, zebra or even Fred Flintstone can be made in minutes using clothing and household items you already have. Just customize them with Fabric paint. For those preferring goulish or gory costumes, use a fake Spray Blood for fabric.

Simple transformations for costume ideas include:

White angel wings turned into pink fairy, black gothic or red devil wings
Tights, gloves and canvas shoes become colorful accessories for superheroes, fruit and veggie characters, animals and cartoon personalities
Old t-shirts and jeans create tie-dyed peace-loving hippie clothes


Painting original “no-sew” costumes from inexpensive everyday household and wardrobe items creates endless options. Ideas include:

King size pillow case into a patriotic American flag or Fred Flintstone character
Yellow leggings and t-shirt into a buzzing bumble bee
White sweatsuit into an adorable zebra
Oversized stuffed sweatshirt into colorful M&M candy
Blue shorts and red tank top into Wonder Woman character

Spray Blood allows you to create realistic-looking bullet holes, dripping blood lines and blood splatter effects on fabrics, plastic, glass and rubber. The paint provides an inexpensive and simple technique to add fake blood to horror-film inspired costumes like vampires and villains and to create gory table-scapes and Halloween decor.

Costume ideas using Spray Blood include:

Hospital scrubs into post-operating room nurses and surgeons
Rolls of gauze into bloody mummies
Crisp white aprons into messy butchers
Swimsuits and foam boogie boards into shark attack victims

It comes in eight colors: Eerie Blue, Goblin Green, Haunted Purple, Midnight Black, Mystical Gold, Cosmic Silver, Pumpkin Orange and Zombie Red. The Halloween Stencil Spray provides a shiny, silkscreen effect and is available in Black, White, Gold, Silver and Red. $5.99/can and Halloween Stencil Spray Paint is available in five colors Both are available nationwide at Party City stores and online at www.spraypaint4fabric.com. Spray Blood $5.99 each is available at Rite Aid, Jo-Ann Stores, Michaels, A.C. Moore, iParty, participating Party City stores and online. For product demo videos and project ideas visit www.simplyspray.com.

Have fun an DIY it!

If you don't sew the best options for a true plus sized woman are the more expensive theatrical costumes.

I have bought two costumes from buycostumes.com and they have been good quality. They were in the $120 range. The cheapie ones are definitely not big enough for those of us with larger assets on top!

I have made all my other costumes over the years, so I am picky. Most costumes are pretty poorly made, and if any part squeezes you, the stitching will rip. I have found the 'good' store bought costumes are pretty well made. I also find in the more expensive costumes there are alternatives to the 'slutty' ones. I was medusa last year (gorgeous teal fabric that shimmered), which was long but was low cut. Good thing I have my push up wonder bra!

I hope this year there is a good selection out there!

Thanks guys ! I'm hoping that with hollowed on a Sunday I will get to go to parties on both Friday and sat. In costume then still give out candy to kids Sunday! So two good costumes and one more sedate...lol

I have been haunting Goodwill lately picking up things that I could use for costumes. Since I am hosting my first Be WITCHY party this year I need a costume for that. We are also having our annual party, so I want something else there. The college where I work is having a dress up day and I will probably do that too. I could wear the same thing, but I am looking for options. Then our church has an event where I need something non scary.

So far I have picked up a black full length formal dress. It has a suptle embroidered design (maybe a flower) on the top front, but it is not really dominant. I also picked up a long black skirt with a nice full look. It is pretty cool and fits great. Yesterday, I found a black satin full length gored skirt. It came from Lane Bryant and is a little big in the waist, but I can fix that. It is really nice looking. These were all cheap.

I have also picked up an assortment of blouses/tops from a halter backless sort of sluty looking one (I would wear a shawl or cape). It is very elegant looking. I also found a black lace top that is cool, and black with silver threads short sleeve pull over and some other things.

I will pull something witchy from them.

Originally Posted by tinafromidaho

I have never tried this place but I really like the looks of some of there stuff
http://www.pyramidcollection.com/Sho...5&dispRow=1814

Wow, they have some awesome dresses! A little out of my price range though.

I'd like to make something for myself, but I always end up sewing for someone else. I sew professionally, so that's not surprising. This year my husband wants to do the crimson Dr. Horrible outfit, and I never get anything made for him either, so I'd like to this year.

I'm not only plus size, but tall (5' 10") so I've found that a skirt that is meant to be sexy on a shorter girl isn't going to cover my assets.