For years, people have spent money on fast fashion Halloween costumes that are only worn once. At Hackley School, many teenagers buy their costumes from fast fashion brands for their low prices, convenience, and ‘trendiness’– even though the outfit rarely gets a second use.
According to the National Retail Federation, Americans spent $3.8 billion on Halloween costumes in 2024. About 72% of people in the U.S. plan to celebrate, spending an average of $104 per person. This rise in spending shows how Halloween has become a major cause of fast fashion waste, especially with many costumes being made from cheap, synthetic materials that end up in landfills after just one night.
To better understand how fast fashion affects Halloween shopping in the community, several Hackley students were interviewed about where they buy their costumes and their awareness of fast fashion. Many admitted to shopping from major fast fashion brands such as Amazon and Shein, prioritizing convenience and speed over sustainability.
Freshman Rita Muriithi had three possible costumes: a caveman, Teletubby, or Applejack from My Little Pony. Muriithi mentioned that while some costume pieces were thrifted, others came from Amazon.
“It’s faster, and I have Amazon Prime, so the shipping is quick,” Muriithi said.
After understanding the environmental consequences of fast fashion, Muriithi said she would avoid buying future costumes from Amazon.
Another freshman, Kieran O’Connor, purchased his Halloween costume from Amazon this year.
“Amazon is really quick. You kind of need that, because Halloween is a crazy time to order stuff,” he said. O’Connor explained how most people he knew purchased from Amazon this year.
O’Connor was initially unfamiliar with the term “fast fashion” or its environmental impact. After learning more, he reflected that future costume purchases will be reconsidered.
Sophomore Lili Kanev bought her deer costume from Shein. Like many others, Kanev had seen this popular costume online and saw others buying from Shein.
“I needed it to come quickly, and it’s literally a one-time use,” she said.
Kanev was aware that Shein is a fast fashion brand, but had not considered its impact on climate change. She noted she would likely avoid similar purchases in the future.
Elizabeth Spencer explained that for last-minute costumes, she often bought from Amazon. Although she tries to limit purchases from fast fashion brands, she admitted that last-minute needs can make it unavoidable.
“It’s fast, and something can arrive in time,” she said.
Although speed and affordability often can take priority when buying Halloween costumes, even when aware of the negative impact on the planet, many students have learned that it can be avoided. Increased awareness of fast fashion’s environmental effect could encourage more sustainable costume purchases, such as thrifting, reusing, or borrowing costumes.
