Does this costume fit? Sizes, set contents, and fit before you order
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by Verpakkingdeals.nl
6 min reading time
Sizes for fancy dress costumes do not follow standard clothing sizes. For example, you will see S/M and one size, so check what is included in the set and measure yourself accurately in one go.
A costume arriving two days before the party and not fitting: that's the most common scenario you encounter with fancy dress. Not because you clicked the wrong size, but because sizes for fancy dress mean something different than for the jeans in your wardrobe. A dress in size M from a costume manufacturer doesn't follow standard Dutch clothing sizes, a hat is almost always "one size", and for a set, the main question is: what's included and what do you need to arrange yourself?
S, M, L, and XL for fancy dress: read it as a range, not a standard
With fancy dress, a size is primarily a position within that particular manufacturer's range. An M from one supplier might be more generous than an M from another, and many costumes are made with a slimmer fit than everyday clothes. The practical rule of thumb: if you're normally between two sizes, choose the larger of the two for a costume. Too loose can be taken in with a belt, a pin, or a tighter layer underneath. Too tight cannot be fixed.
S/M, L/XL, and "one size": three different promises
You'll generally encounter three systems on fancy dress pages, and they all mean something different.
Single sizes (S, M, L, XL). The narrowest range. Here, the size fits best, but there's the least leeway.
Double sizes (S/M, L/XL). One garment that needs to fit two sizes, usually with some stretch or an adjustable closure. The Red Biker Chick Costume (€19.95) works this way, and the Champagne Bottle Fancy Dress (€19.95) comes in S/M. If you're in the middle of such a double size, you're good. If you're at the upper end, expect a snug fit.
For headwear, one size is almost standard. The Felt Cowboy Hat with Cord (€4.95) comes in one size, as do the Rainbow Fedora (€9.95) and the German Police Cap (€4.95). With a hat with a cord, you have an extra safety net: if it's loose, the cord keeps it in place. For a wig like the Mohawk Iroquois Wig (€4.95), size barely matters; it fits with an elastic band.
What's in the set — and what do you need to buy separately?
The second point where things go wrong is the contents of the set. The product title usually tells you exactly what you'll get, and that's the most reliable source on the page. "With cape and mask" means the cape and mask are included, as with the Super Hero Costume for Men with Cape and Mask (€14.95). "With cap" means the cap is included. If it's not stated, assume it's not included.
Two practical checks before ordering:
Count the items in the photo and compare them with the title. A photo is a style image; the title and description are the agreement. For the Leopard Fancy Dress with Tail and Tiara (€14.95) and the Kitty Fancy Dress Leopard Print (€19.95), the extras are in the title; that saves guessing.
Determine what you already have. Shoes, black leggings, a belt, and a basic shirt are rarely included. So, don't factor them into the costume's budget, but have them ready.
If you want the opposite — to build a look from separate components — then one-size accessories are your friend. A complete tuxedo set (€7.95) or neon gloves in 4 colours (€5.95) can be worn over your own clothes, with no size risk.
Measure three sizes, once, and you're done
You don't need to be a tailor. Grab a tape measure and jot down three numbers; they'll be useful for almost any size chart.
Chest or bust circumference: horizontally around the widest point, with the tape measure flat but not tight.
Waist: around the narrowest point, usually just above the navel.
Hip: around the widest point of your hips and buttocks.
For costumes with trousers or a long dress, a fourth measurement is handy: the inseam. Measure in thin clothing, and measure once carefully instead of four times hastily. If your chest size is M and your hip size is L, choose L — you can fix an overly loose waist with a belt.
Fit, fabric, and when you put it on
Fancy dress is made to last one evening, not for years of wear: light fabrics, simple closures, and sometimes a zip that needs to be handled carefully. A few habits that save hassle:
Try it on at least two days before the party. Not an hour beforehand. That gives you time to exchange it or buy something extra.
Walk, bend, and sit down in the outfit. A dress that fits well standing but pulls when sitting will make for a long evening.
Consider the layer underneath. With light or tight fabrics, what you wear underneath determines how the whole thing drapes.
Check the fastenings. Gently pull on the zip and hooks before removing the tags.
If you're going with a group, plan one fitting session together. Then you can immediately see if the sizes are correct and if the theme works as a whole — and you can add what's missing in one order.
Order in time and pay attention to stock per size
Fancy dress is often purchased in limited quantities per size, and leading up to October, the middle sizes are the first to sell out. If you only see a few items of your size left, order immediately. If you miss a size, an outfit made from separate accessories is the quickest alternative: a hat, a wig, and gloves are almost always one size and therefore always a hit.
Want to compare for yourself? Check the Fancy Dress and Fancy Dress Accessories collections for complete costumes and individual components, in Hats & Wigs for one-size headwear, and in Party & Dress Up for the rest of the attire. If you're unsure about the size range of a specific item or want to know if a size is in stock? Feel free to email info@verpakkingdeals.nl — we'll check it for you before you order.
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