Tips for Making Safer 80's Inspired Halloween Costumes

Anyone that grew up during the 80s can tell you how weird, uncomfortable and, in some cases, dangerous our Halloween costumes could be! In honor of October being Halloween Safety Month, here are some tips for making your 80's inspired costumes safer.

1. Choose Bright or Reflective Costumes Safety first! Make sure kids can be seen by drivers. This is an especially easy tip for 80's costumes as we lived in the era of neon colors and day-glow everything.

2. Avoid Masks That Obstruct Vision Unlike the masks that we grew up with, today's masks are much safer and user-friendly, but always make sure to choose appropriately. Masks should have large eye holes and allow for easy breathing.

3. Use Safe Makeup and Face Paint Choose non-toxic, hypoallergenic products to lessen the chances of a breakout or allergic reaction.

4. Costume Length Matters Avoid long, trailing costumes that can cause trips or falls. Princess Leia robes or long superhero capes look cool but should be hemmed to prevent tripping.

5. Wear Comfortable Shoes High heels were super popular during the 80s, but they didn't come without risks. Avoid dressing your kids in high heels or shoes that they can't safely walk and run in. For adults, don't wear heels higher than you normally wear to minimize the chance of trips or falls.

6. Add Reflective Tape or Stickers Even if costumes are dark, reflective tape or bright colored accents ensure visibility in dimly lit neighborhoods. Neon-colored 80's leg warmers or belts are perfect for this tip.

7. Stay in Groups Trick-or-treating with friends or family reduces risks. Popular group costume ideas like The Goonies, Carebears or Ghostbusters are perfect for group safety.

8. Carry a Flashlight or Glow Stick Help your child see and be seen. Glow sticks were not only fun in the 80s—they were practical for evening trick-or-treating.

9. Check Candy Before Eating Inspect treats for tampering or choking hazards. Retro reminder: Even in the 80s, parents checked candy before letting kids indulge, plus this is the perfect time to institute the "candy tax" on your little trick-or-treaters.

10. Stick to Well-Lit Streets Avoid dark alleys or unfamiliar neighborhoods. Many people now add additional lighting to their walkways and driveways to help keep everyone safer.

11. Keep Costumes Flame-Resistant Gone are the days of costumes made from plastic sheeting, but some fabrics are still safer than others. Choose wisely and avoid materials that may catch fire easily.

12. Use Props Safely Avoid sharp swords, sticks, or toy guns that could hurt someone. Also, choose toy weapons that are brightly colored or paint them so they no longer resemble a real weapon.

Ready to moonwalk back in time? Come hang out with us on The Epic 80s—your all-access pass to the raddest decade ever! Catch totally tubular throwbacks on TikTok, relive the good vibes on Facebook, pin your favorite retro looks on Pinterest, and binge epic memories on YouTube. Don’t forget to tune into our podcast for behind-the-scenes stories and follow us on Instagram for a daily dose of neon nostalgia. From big hair to bigger hits, we’re keeping the 80s alive—one totally awesome post at a time. Join the fun and let’s party like it’s 1985!