Forget Spirit, build your costume second hand – The Wayne Stater

Every year October is just around the corner and the big question arises: “What will you be for Halloween?” Fast fashion plays a big role in Halloween costumes. People want different clothes or accessories at reasonable prices for their costumes and usually they throw them away after wearing them once or never wear them again. It is estimated that U.S. consumers spend over $10 billion on costumes, candy and decorations.

Spirit Halloween opened in 1993 with 10 locations in the Bay Area. Since then, the company has grown to over 1,500 stores across the country and reopens its stores each year as the Halloween season approaches.

The thought process behind the company is simple. They are open for about two months and provide a place for people to purchase any additional costumes and props they need. The National Retail Federation estimates the company had sales of $528 million in 2021.

Due to high demand, the company produces a huge amount of products every year. The plan of a company like this is temporary sales. The company knows that this is not a necessity and does not have to be open all year round.

The term “fast fashion” is increasingly being used in conversations about fashion, sustainability and environmental awareness. Fast fashion is cheaply produced and inexpensive clothing that usually copies trends. Similar to products from online stores like Shein, these are cheap items that will likely only be used once or twice and then either thrown away or donated. The lifespan of these items is short, but their production still causes environmental problems.

Spirit Halloween follows this fast fashion trend. The company aims to produce costumes and accessories in large quantities. The pieces people buy are made quickly and have a short or no lifespan. Fast fashion companies like Spirit Halloween are part of the 10% of total global carbon emissions. This dries up water sources and pollutes rivers, while 85% of all textiles end up in landfills each year, according to Earth.org.

There are many other ways to still get a fun costume without shopping on fast fashion websites or Spirit Halloween. First, look at what is already in the closet. Some fairly simple costumes can be put together using items you already have. Ask a friend if you can borrow something they own. If you're crafty, maybe try making a few items yourself.

Next, if you need another piece for your outfit, try shopping at a thrift store. Reusing items for different purposes is a great way to help the environment while creating your dream costume. If you can't find what you need in either one, try buying something, but try to make it something you'll wear multiple times.