The Challenges of Being Plus-Size During Halloween — And Why It Shouldn’t Be That Way

Experiencing Halloween as a plus-size individual can be a real struggle. Growing up, I eagerly anticipated Halloween each year. While I wasn’t particularly drawn to the spooky side of things, I adored the costumes and candy. My parents indulged my love for makeup and always found the cutest outfits for me. I transformed into a beautiful butterfly, a charming bumblebee, and even a French clown, which, while it sounds odd, was actually quite lovely.

Like many kids of the nineties, I also had my share of cringe-worthy costumes, including one particularly regrettable year when I dressed as a “gypsy.” It’s painful to even type that term. I used a harmful stereotype for a costume, and that was absolutely inappropriate. It’s a classic case of knowing better and doing better. Yikes, nineties me—and let’s not forget about my parents!

As a plus-size individual, Halloween lost a lot of its joy during my teenage years. Costumes were largely inaccessible, as options for larger sizes were limited back then. Twenty-five years ago, plus-size costume selections were almost nonexistent, and online shopping hadn’t yet taken off. I couldn’t just stroll into a store and find something that fit. Eventually, I decided I had “outgrown” Halloween, resigning myself to being the designated candy distributor at home. My “costume” consisted of a cat-ear headband paired with my everyday clothes from eighth grade through high school.

Today, as a plus-size woman and a mother, I’ve reclaimed some of the Halloween magic for my children. We have a blast together, but navigating spooky season while being plus-size still brings its own set of challenges. Let’s break it down.

Finding Plus-Size Costumes

Finding a plus-size Halloween costume can be quite the task. Yes, they exist, but good luck finding them in stores, and the sizing is all over the place. One brand may label a 3X as a 22/24, while another might label it as 16/18. And if you’re lucky enough to find a size chart, it can still be a total mystery.

If you’re searching for anything above a 3X, you might need to be financially prepared to splurge or take out a loan. The materials are usually a scratchy, uncomfortable mix that doesn’t inspire confidence, especially when you’re trying to minimize any jiggling. For those of us who are plus-size, mass-produced Halloween costumes can lead to wardrobe malfunctions.

The Issue with Adult Costumes

Compounding this issue are the adult costumes marketed towards women, which often emphasize being sexy. I recently browsed one popular costume website, and the only category available for plus-size women was “sexy costumes.” That leaves little room for other options. While I fully support fat individuals embracing any style they desire, costume companies often overlook the fact that plus-size bodies are not merely larger versions of thinner ones. What might be considered sexy for a straight-size woman could easily land a plus-size woman in trouble. We need costumes that adequately cover the bits that are best left hidden.

And let’s not even get started on group costumes. The challenge of coordinating with friends or family when nothing is available for your size can be agonizing.

Social Perceptions and Respect

Moreover, it’s worth noting that fat bodies often become the punchlines of Halloween costumes. Most of us understand that dressing up in a way that disrespects other cultures or makes light of tragic events is unacceptable. However, the same courtesy isn’t always extended to plus-size individuals. It remains socially acceptable in some circles to don a fat suit and impersonate a plus-size character. How can we feel welcome and accepted when people laugh at bodies like ours as long as they’re stuffed with fabric?

Seeing someone in a fat suit isn’t the worst thing a plus-size person faces daily, but it’s certainly not pleasant. If you’re not plus-size, you can still dress as a big-bodied character without resorting to a fat suit. Creativity can go a long way.

How to Make Halloween Inclusive

So, what can you do to help make Halloween enjoyable for everyone? First, use your voice to advocate for retailers to carry more inclusive costume sizes. If they know there’s a demand, they might start expanding their selections. Additionally, let’s call for more accessible costumes for those using wheelchairs or other mobility devices, as well as options that don’t prioritize being sexy for those who want to express different aspects of their personality during Halloween. We need more gender-neutral costume choices that cater to larger bodies. Plus-size individuals make up a significant portion of the population, and our costume options should reflect that.

When planning group costumes, ensure everyone can participate without feeling singled out or embarrassed. Most of us would be just as thrilled to see a group dressed as quirky puns, favorite foods, or iconic landmarks as we would be to see a group of sexy characters.

And let’s agree to leave “fat” off the list of costume attributes. If you wouldn’t mock someone you care about for their body shape, don’t pad your costume to make a joke at the expense of plus-size individuals. If that’s your inclination, perhaps it’s time for some self-reflection.

You might think I’m being overly sensitive, but there are countless options for Halloween costumes, and kindness costs nothing.

A Note on Treats

Finally, a quick note on treats: Please don’t hand out those hard, chewy candies wrapped in black and orange that taste like sadness and pull out fillings—avoiding those will make Halloween better for everyone, regardless of body size.

For more insights about navigating motherhood, check out this piece on how to embrace your unique parenting journey. For those looking into home insemination, Make A Mom is an excellent resource. For comprehensive information on pregnancy and home insemination, visit the CDC.

Summary

Halloween can be a challenging time for plus-size individuals, from finding costumes that fit to navigating societal expectations. As a plus-size woman and a mom, it’s important to advocate for inclusivity in costume options while encouraging creativity and kindness in our Halloween celebrations.

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