We all know the Halloween pop up shops on every corner where you can find the latest and greatest Halloween costumes, but did you know Chicago has several famous costume stores that are open year-round? From places with the largest selections of wigs and teeth to ones that will even go as far as applying your makeup for you, we’ve got you covered this Halloween and beyond with some of the most unique and fun costume stores around.
Broadway Costume
Where: 1100 W. Cermak Road, Chicago
If you aren’t ready to commit to buying a costume, you can rent almost anything under the sun from Broadway Costume’s 30,000 square-foot warehouse, the largest of its kind in the Midwest. Whether you’ve got dreams of dressing like Austin Powers in a two piece, blue velveteen suit, or would prefer to don a triangular wedge, sandwich board style suit that looks like a slice of pepperoni pizza, Broadway Costume is your one stop shop. Originally founded in the late 1800s to provide costumes to the opera, the shop has expanded to cater to individual, theatrical clients and commercial clients.
Chicago Costume Company
Where: 1120 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago; 4727 W. Montrose Ave., Chicago
With a motto like “Keep calm and costume on,” you can’t go wrong with Chicago Costume Company, which has the reputation of having the largest supply of masquerade masks in the Midwest. If you’re looking for something more specific, they also offer mask customization services, letting you choose the base, paint, glitter, decoupage, feathers, trims and gems. They can even add a logo.
Fantasy Costumes
Where: 4065 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
Stocking more than 10,000 pieces of human hair in a store that’s over a city-block long, Fantasy Costumes boasts the largest Wig Showroom in the Midwest, offering costume and real hair wigs in every style, length and color. Can’t find the style you are looking for? Fantasy Costumes also employs professional wig stylists who will help you achieve the look of Edward Scissorhands, Betty Boop, Albert Einstein or anything in between.
Lost Eras
Where: 1511 W. Hubbard St., Chicago
Operated by third generation owners Casey and Cora Walters, who are also antique dealers and costumers, Lost Eras knows a thing or two about vintage costumes. With more than 50,000 pieces in stock at all times in a 15,000 square foot showroom of rare and unique clothing, you’ll find everything from authentic 1920s flapper dresses to 1970s leisure suits. Lost Eras also provides period prop rentals, with pieces having been showcased in major motion pictures.
Vintage Underground
Where: 1507 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
Offering an unrivaled selection of vintage costume jewelry, accessories, clothing and unique finds ranging from the Victorian era through the late twentieth century, Vintage Underground is truly one of a kind, even offering numerous designer-signed items. While this store stocks it all, it is the best place to shop for hidden treasure accessories, ranging from vintage hats, scarves and ties to electronics, arts and bags.
Wigs & Plus
Where: 1221 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
If you’re on a Halloween hunting mission, you’ll most definitely want to make a stop at Wigs & Plus. The name says it all: they stock every color and texture costume wig you could ever want. They also have an excellent selection of random accessories, ranging from fake eye lashes, mustaches, beards and goatees, to hard-to-find costume jewelry.
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