Vintage Halloween Costumes

Ever wondered what little girls and boys dressed up as in the past? I can remember clearly the kind I had as a little girl. The were usually a plastic apron you put over your head and tied at the side or back and a plastic mask. I believe they were made  by Ben Cooper, Inc. They came in a box and were so easy to use--the best part was that you could wear all these warm clothes and put the costume right over it. So you were warm and ready for Trick or Treating!

Ben Cooper's company was an American manufacturer who created costumes from the late 1930's until the late 1980's. You can find some of his costumes on Ebay or Etsy. I remember them being very popular during my childhood and I kind of miss the simplicity of those costumes.

The use of Halloween costumes did not become known in the United States until the early 1900's and they weren't popular until the 1930's. What kind of costumes do you think children would wear? Well of course the more money spent on an item the more elaborate and unique it is. Most children simply wore masks and some were even hand made! Can you imagine that? I am not 100% sure but I assume the handmade masks could have been made out of Paper Mache.

Irregardless of what materials were used to make the handmade masks, I believe they came out the creepiest. Put on a simple outfit and wear the mask and they would be able to spook even the grownups! Aside from masks in the image of faces, animals, ghosts, etc children dressed up as Witches, Devils, Jesters, Animals, Faeries, Angels, Indians (Native Americans), Clowns, Gypsies, Hobos, Pirates, and Ballet Dancers just to name a few.

Dressing up in a costume for Halloween wasn't just for children but many adults joined in the fun as well. Some would host or attend Halloween themed parties just for adults and play dress up. Oh boy would I like to go to one, wouldn't you? Have you ever considered throwing a costume party or hosting a vintage inspired Halloween party? If so, this site is defiantly inspirational and could help you get started on your planning. Its called Vintage Halloween Ideas and their selection of ideas range from the 1890's to the 1960's. They have many helpful tools from Party Ideas, Decorations, to Recipes.

I plan to throw a little "party" just for the five of us with our black cat as an additional prop-just kidding LOL I will defiantly post pictures of our little soriee and the activites I will be doing with my munchkins soon. I love holidays, don't you? Any reason to celebrate is a good reason for me!

xox