Halloween costumes from the early 1900s were different than the costumes we wear today. Many of them were homemade and while witches were popular, there were other long forgotten costume styles we no longer use.
Clown
The clown costume was a very popular disguise for Halloween in the early 1900s. It is a little bit different than the clown costumes of today and hats instead of wigs were worn.
Peter Pan
Peter Pan was another popular costume simply because it was so easy to make and the small amount of green fabric was inexpensive.
Pierrot
Among adult men, the Pierrot costume was a favorite because it was so comfortable. Pajamas were often made into this costume.
Witch
While a Halloween favorite, the witch costumes of the past looked different from the ones we wear today.
Jack O’ Lantern Hat
For ladies who did not wish to get into a full costume, there was always the decorative hat. The one shown here was made out of crepe paper.
Class Halloween Party
This photo was taken of a class Halloween party back in 1928. The children’s costumes included a princess, sailor, farmer, cowboy, gypsy, and more.
Paper Costumes
In 1920, it was reported that paper costumes were all the rage for Halloween parties. Mothers and children were encouraged to break out the shelf paper and other types of paper in order to create fancy costumes.
Girl Costumes
The masquerade costumes for little girls, published in 1906, were “tiny belle,” gypsy, little Red Riding Hood, Quaker girl, and Japanese maiden.
Newspaper Costume
Of course, if there wasn’t much money to spare on a costume, a child could always make a costume out of newspaper.
Assorted Costumes for Sale
This ad for costumes comes from 1928 and lists the different styles of costumes popular that year.
