National Costume Swap Day

National Costume Swap Day is observed on the second Saturday of October (in 2025 it falls on October 11) and is a celebration of sustainability and creativity in costume culture — a day when people trade costumes to reduce waste and refresh wardrobes.

History of National Costume Swap Day

Since about 2010, National Costume Swap Day has been celebrated on the second Saturday in October. It was introduced to encourage costume reuse and community exchange rather than buying new every year. It ties especially into the seasonal demand for costumes (for Halloween, theater, etc.).

Over time, various local groups, nonprofits, schools, and community centers have started hosting “costume swap” events. These swaps allow families, performers, and costume‑enthusiasts to bring used costumes, props, and accessories and exchange them, fostering reuse and reducing waste.

Why is National Costume Swap Day important?

In an age when “fast fashion” and single‑use costumes contribute to environmental strain, National Costume Swap Day shines a light on the power of reuse. Instead of buying brand new costumes that may be worn once and discarded, swapping helps extend the life of garments, reduce resource consumption, and lower textile waste. It encourages people to think creatively about reuse, repair, and sharing rather than pure consumption.

The day also promotes community connection. Costume swaps bring people together—neighbours, families, schools, theater groups—who might not otherwise interact. Through swapping, people share stories, sizes, styles, and ideas. The act of exchanging something as playful as costumes becomes a social and ecological gesture, reminding us that even small actions in our wardrobes can reflect larger values.

Some meaningful impacts of National Costume Swap Day include:

• Reducing costume waste by giving existing items a new life
• Lowering the demand for new costume production
• Promoting resourcefulness and creativity in costume design and reuse
• Building local community ties through shared events
• Making costumes more accessible (especially for families on tighter budgets)

How to Observe National Costume Swap Day

Observing the day can be simple and fun. Organize a swap event at home, in your neighborhood, at a school, community center, or with a group of friends. Invite people to bring costumes or accessories (clean, wearable, optional repair), lay them out for browsing, and let folks choose what suits them. It’s a great excuse for getting together, chatting, sharing tips on fit or adjustments, and maybe even doing small mending or customizations on the spot.

If you can’t host or attend a physical swap, you can do so online: set up a virtual costume‑swap group (via social media or community platforms), list costumes you’re willing to trade, share photos and measurements, and ship or meet locally. Also, promote the day—post about it, encourage local organizations or schools to host swaps, and highlight the environmental benefits of reuse.

Here are some simple actions you might take:

• Host or attend a local costume swap event
• Invite friends, neighbors, or local theater groups to participate
• Share costume items online (photos, descriptions, desired trade)
• Do small repairs or alterations during the swap so items are more usable
• Spread awareness in your community or social circles

National Costume Swap Day Dates Table