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American History

Halloween Costumes Have a Stranger History Than You Think

Two people wearing costume masks
Thanksgiving maskers, c. 1910 - 1915. Library of Congress, public domain.

Adults Want to Immerse in the Costume Experience

Halloween party with adults dressed in immersive costumes
Halloween 1977 costume party. Steve Mays (CC 2.0)

As the children ventured out bundled in their costume-covered winter gear, adults opted for an immersive experience in their choice of costume. Since chilly weather trick-or-treating wasn’t typically part of the adult scene, they could be in full dress for their costumes. But the main difference is adults preferred to go without masks.

Instead, they showed their faces, painted to resemble their costume subject. They capped the look off with coiffures, hats, or other costume head gear. Adults wore full-immersion costumes that let them adopt a whole new identity for the evening. It was a night to be as outrageous, sexy, flamboyant, or campy as they wanted with no repercussions.

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