Thread: Ever bought a costume just because it's the right size?

Would you buy a costume that you didn't really like just because it is your size and at reasonable price but not exactly your style?

That is what it has come to for me..I can either buy a 500 dollar costume that I don't really like but might fit me well in my size. OR spend 700 for a custom costume that'll leave me feeling guilty for spending that much.

What the heck should I do? I'm torn.

Ok, after writing this I realize how obvious the answer is. All I have to do is pay 200 more for the perfect costume. But still it's a mind game..the guilt will be there if I choose the custom. Argh.

Go with the custom made costume of your dreams - $500 for the other one will be a waste if you never feel happy in your costume!

You've got to consider the return on your investment. If you buy the cheaper costume and end up feeling unhappy with it, you won't want to wear it and will soon be looking for another costume you're happier in.

Believe me, the extra £200 is worth it for a costume that both fits well and that you love wearing!

Hm, it's not as if $500 is pocket change - for that big a bundle of cash, I would expect to like the costume.

Hi Fushia,

When I was ready to buy costumes for performance, I went crazy and bought some costumes that fit, but I knew I was not going to wear. They are just sitting around in the closet. Now I regret it and rather spend more on costumes that I really like the style/colour/fit even though it costs more.

I would go for the custom-made cossie if I were you. You will feel like a princess in a custom-made cossie.

There you go - that's 3 votes, I'd say that's enough to fully enable you

Enjoy your new purchase!

Buy the custom!!

Alright guys..I hear ya! That definitely took off a lot of guilt! lol. Thanks!

Is it just me or is trying to find a Costume like finding a Husband?! Has to be right fit, right style/similarities/compliments you/etc.

I have neither! If only I can get a custom husband. LOL. I wonder how much that'll be.

oh lord yes, I have bought many costumes over the years simply because they fit. Especially before the Internet was a fact of daily life. Are you an odd size? If you have unusual measurements, then I think it's common, esp when you are starting out and building a wardrobe. I've known a lot of petite dancers especially who have difficulty finding affordable bargains.

If you are sort of "average" in size though (height/cup/etc)I would say wait and hold on. something you like is bound to turn up soon at a good price.

I've bought stuff just because the price is great, but if it's not my color or style I don't even bother. Unless you're desperately in a time-crunch, I think you're better off ordering something you LOVE that having to deal with something you don't.

Good luck with the custom husband!

If you have time and patience, you might be able to find a gently used costume that you love, that fits wonderfully and is a good price. I have had such great luck with second hand costumes, my two faves that I wear ALL the time were purchased on bhuz's swap meet. (my profile pic costume....I live in it!!) Maybe post your measurements and see if anyone else out there has a costume for you?

Also, not sure where you are in Canada but I know of several "swap meets" and bazaars where you can get second hand costumes in person, which gives you the advantage of trying it on before you buy. Or...organize your own swap meet and promote it to BDers in your area. Hey....thats a great idea...I think I'll do that myself! LOL!

You know, 200 to 300 might be a bargain so good you may consider buying a costume you are not 100% fond of, but given it will fit you it may be good to have more variety.. or wear it for occasions you fear your costume might be too expensive/endangered, IMO.

the difference between 700 and 500 is not that substantial to justify your foregoing one you really like for one you'll never be fully happy with! And most likely you might end up buying a more expensive one after some time, anyway, if you're not that happy with your 500$ one. And THEN these 500$ are lost at least to a certain degree (resale..).

Of course we can't know if given the economic situation 200$ are really too much to spend additionally. I'd see it in the long term - I've regretted the purchases of cheap (real cheap - I'm not a pro :) ) costumes I bought "just to have something to dance in for family in the meantime". They take up space I don't have in my small appartment - I should have waited and saved for that one amazing professional costume I'd treasure way more.
And once I have the money, I ll purchase this costume - rendering the 2 or 3 cheap ones I own completely useless. :-s

I'd agree with the others. It's cheaper in the long run to buy the more expensive thing you like and will use.

If you are a standard size, a lot of Bhuzzers use a costume a few times and then sell it here.

i bought a costume once, just because it fit. i wasn't too excited about it, but every time i put it on people got all excited about it and told me how awesome it was. it's grown on me, and i like it a lot now. it worked out for me, but i wouldn't do it again. i agree with others - try to find one you love that's $500, or else go for the dream!!!

There needs to be more in favour of the costume than just fit. If the colour is wrong, wrong, wrong, don't even go there. If it's a wall of fringe monster but the colour and fit are good and flattering, and you're happy to do some surgery and maybe make a new skirt, or it goes with skirts you already have, then the cheaper costume *may* be worth buying.

If you have $700 to spend on a costume, buy the custom one you love. If you cannot go over $500, wait for one that's better, that definitely fits and that has potential.