What a fair price looks like
Condition on WishThrift is described by the seller against five grades, and nobody inspects it on your behalf — so the description and the photographs are what you are buying on.
| Condition | Typical | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £25 (~$33) | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £21 (~$28) | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £16 (~$22) | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £11 (~$15) | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £6 (~$8) | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
Sterling guide ranges with an approximate US dollar equivalent at £1 ≈ $1.33 (July 2026). Sellers set their own asking price; these are a starting point for judging an offer. All five grades explained.
The checklist before you pay
Condition described optimistically, and bundles that turn out to be mixed sizes rather than the size advertised.
Run through these before money changes hands — they are the things that decide whether a fancy dress costume is worth what is being asked:
- Missing accessories that complete the look
- Torn seams from a single heavy wear
- Listing well outside the season
- Faded or cheap thin fabrics
And the things worth paying more for, because they hold their value:
- Complete costumes with all accessories
- Recognised licensed characters
- Listing ahead of Halloween or World Book Day
- Good quality fabrics that photograph well
Common faults and fakes
Not a counterfeit category in practice. The issue is marks and bobbling that a bright photograph hides.
Ask whether the bundle is one size or a range, how many items it contains, and for a photograph of everything laid out together rather than folded.
WishThrift does not authenticate, inspect or grade anything, and no marketplace check replaces your own. If a seller will not answer a direct question about condition or origin, that is the answer.
Questions to ask the seller
These are the three that get asked most often about a fancy dress costume, and the answers tell you most of what you need:
List every piece. Masks, capes, belts and props go missing constantly and completeness is most of what a parent is paying for.
Measure the chest and length flat. Costume sizing is optimistic and a costume that does not fit on the day is a genuine problem.
Most have been worn once, so say so. It is the strongest thing you can say about a used costume and it is usually true.
Also worth establishing before you commit:
- Lay out every piece and photograph the full costume
- Check the seams, which take strain on one wearing
- List ahead of the relevant season
Photographs to ask for
If the listing does not already show these, ask — a seller who has the item will send them in minutes:
- The costume laid out flat, all pieces together
- The main garment front and back
- All accessories arranged beside it
- The label with size, plus any tear, loose seam or missing piece
Details to confirm before you commit
- Character or theme, and the age or size
- Actual chest and length measurements, since costume sizing runs small
- Exactly which pieces and accessories are included
- Fabric condition, seams and any fastening damage
Live fancy dress costume listings
Nothing matching is listed at the moment. Browse kids’ clothing for what is live now, or everything on the site — stock changes daily and new listings are free to post, so it is worth checking back.
When to buy
Sharply seasonal: October dominates for Halloween, with World Book Day in early spring the second peak. Listed outside those windows it will barely be seen, so hold it.
Prices move against that cycle for a buyer: the cheapest time to buy is when sellers are listing most, not when demand peaks.
Paying and collecting safely
WishThrift does not process payments, hold funds or offer buyer protection — you agree the price and the method with the seller directly, which is what keeps the platform free on both sides. Meet somewhere public where you can, inspect before you pay, and keep the conversation on the site so there is a record of what was agreed. Be wary of any seller who wants to move the conversation elsewhere before you have agreed anything.
Selling one instead?
If you already have a fancy dress costume sitting unused, it is free to list and there is no commission — the price you agree is the amount you keep. Read how to sell fancy dress costume for what to photograph and how to price, or what fancy dress costume is worth at each condition grade.
Frequently asked questions
What should I pay for a used fancy dress costume?
Around £3 to £16 in good condition, more for barely-used examples and less for anything with a described fault. Compare against the seller’s photographs rather than the grade alone.
How do I check a fancy dress costume before buying?
Ask whether the bundle is one size or a range, how many items it contains, and for a photograph of everything laid out together rather than folded.
Is buying a fancy dress costume second hand safe?
Yes, with the ordinary care any private sale needs. WishThrift does not authenticate, inspect or hold funds, so inspect before you pay where you can, meet somewhere public, and keep the conversation on the site. Condition described optimistically, and bundles that turn out to be mixed sizes rather than the size advertised.
See also: all buying guides · fancy dress costume value guide · selling fancy dress costume · Kids’ Clothing · condition grades.