Is it safe for kids to wear costumes from Halloween stores?
Use caution. One short wear is lower concern, but sweaty repeated wear against skin is worth reducing.
What is in it
Many store costumes use polyester, foam, vinyl parts, metallic coatings, glitter, and dyes. Some are made for one event, not daily toddler dress-up.
The exposure question depends on time and skin contact. A short outdoor costume walk is different from wearing the same synthetic outfit every day against warm, sweaty skin.
What the science says
A 2025 Science of the Total Environment study tested household textiles and children's garments. Researchers found PFAS in 87.9% of sampled items and organophosphate esters in all samples. Sweat increased modeled dermal absorption compared with dry contact.
That study did not test every Halloween costume. It supports a practical rule: reduce long, sweaty skin contact with treated synthetic fabrics.
What to do
Wash costumes before wear when the label allows it. Put a snug cotton layer under scratchy polyester. Avoid masks that block breathing and plastic accessories that babies mouth. Skip costumes with strong plastic smells, flaking paint, or glitter that sheds onto hands.
For daily dress-up, choose washable cotton layers, simple capes, and fewer vinyl pieces.