The short version
- Typical range: £5 – £25
- Biggest single factor: condition — see the table below
- Category: Kids’ Clothing
- Cost to sell on WishThrift: nothing, at any price
What a used fancy dress costume is worth by condition
Condition does more to the price than anything else. These figures are worked from the top of the range for fancy dress costumes, so treat them as a starting point and adjust for the specifics of yours.
| Condition | Typical price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £25 | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £21 | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £16 | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £11 | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £6 | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
These are the five grades WishThrift listings use, and sellers set the grade themselves — see what each condition grade means. Figures are shown in pounds as a reference point. On WishThrift prices display in your own currency, and sellers set their own asking price.
What raises the value of a fancy dress costume
- Complete costumes with all accessories
- Recognised licensed characters
- Listing ahead of Halloween or World Book Day
- Good quality fabrics that photograph well
What lowers it
- Missing accessories that complete the look
- Torn seams from a single heavy wear
- Listing well outside the season
- Faded or cheap thin fabrics
How to work out what yours is worth
- Lay out every piece and photograph the full costume
- Check the seams, which take strain on one wearing
- List ahead of the relevant season
Once you have those three answers you can place your own fancy dress costume on the table above with reasonable confidence. If it sits between two rows, price it toward the lower one — items priced honestly sell faster than items priced hopefully.
Ready to sell it? Listing on WishThrift is free, there is no commission, and you keep the full amount you agree with the buyer — see how selling works or create a free account.
Frequently asked questions
When do fancy dress costumes sell best?
In the weeks before Halloween and World Book Day. Demand is intense then and almost absent otherwise.
Do accessories matter?
A great deal. A costume is bought for a complete look, and missing pieces significantly reduce the price.
Are licensed costumes worth more?
Yes, recognisable characters sell faster and higher than generic outfits.
More value guides: kids’ clothing guides · all value guides · browse live kids’ clothing listings.