If, like me, you lie somewhere in-between straight- and plus-sized clothing — aka you wear a size 12 or 14 — you know all too well that finding a decent Halloween costume is almost always an absolute nightmare.
Too tall and curvy for a straight-size large but not curvy enough for most plus-size extra-larges, I've resorted to a DIY Catwoman costume at LEAST five times, just because there's nothing in my size at a run-of-the-mill costume shop.
Luckily, having been through the Halloween ringer 23 times now, I've learned that the best costumes for in-between bodies live not in your local Party City — but with some of the retailers you already know and love.
ASOS
Generally speaking, ASOS is one of the best online retailers for in-betweenies due to its wide size range, accurate size charts, and incredibly detailed product descriptions. And the same goes for its selection of Halloween costumes — in fact, it's where I bought the bat bodysuit shown above.
On top of all that, ASOS has a HUGE selection of spooky accessories that you can use to turn any old outfit into an instant costume.
Pinup Girl Clothing
Pinup Girl just released an epic collaboration with THE Elvira, Mistress of Darkness, and it's available in both straight and plus sizes.
And if that doesn't float your boat, it's got an entire Halloween-inspired line that's chock full of '50s getups you'll want to wear year round.
Unique Vintage
Similar to Pinup Girl, Unique Vintage also has a killer collection of throwback Halloween tops, skirts, dresses, shoes, and accessories in a wide size range.
But you're REALLY going to want is its The Happiest Collection On Earth: Villains Edition. It's an entire collection of femme Disney villain costumes, all with detailed sizing information, wide size ranges, and stellar return policies just in case.
Hot Topic
As a former retail employee of this brand, I can personally attest that it has, hands down, one of the best costume size ranges for average-size women ever. I used to have to wear costumes from the store every day in the month of October, and I never complained because I could always find something that fit my size 12-14 body.
With cosplayers in mind, it also has a solid crop of accurate pop-culture-based costumes that you'll be hard pressed to find anywhere else — at least, ones that aren't in an extra-large that's insultingly short and tight.
Torrid
A little known fact: Torrid is owned and operated by Hot Topic. So, if by chance you find that one of Hot Topic's straight size options isn't the right fit, you might find something the same or similar at Torrid in a plus size.
If you're tall or aren't a fan of baring it all on Halloween, definitely look here first. Most of its super cute dress costumes hit just above the knee — a rarity in the costume department.
Boohoo
OK, so Boohoo's selection of full-blown costumes isn't all that large, but this brand is actually perfect if you're the non-costume costume type.
Plus, this brand truly caters to in-between sizes 10, 12, and 14, and you'll probably want to wear your costume out all the time after the holiday itself.
Amazon
For the love of the Sanderson sisters, if you're going to foray into the world of mainstream costume brands such as Leg Avenue, try one on in real life or buy it Amazon and read its reviews intently.
Women on Amazon are really looking out for each other with their reviews, because they're extremely detailed, and it'll be the number one way to tell if a costume is going to be too short to cover your butt, or be too small in the bust, or just plain won't fit.
