UW-Madison Students Slash Fast Fashion with $100 Thrifted Halloween Caps

Three University of Wisconsin-Madison students said they plan to spend no more than $100 on Halloween costumes, a figure well below the national average. The National Retail Federation projects Americans will spend a total of $13.5 billion on Halloween purchases this year, averaging $115.14 per person. The students aim to stay under that benchmark while navigating the social pressure to dress elaborately for the holiday weekend.

Senior Hadley Wendorff noted that campus culture encourages students to wear multiple elaborate outfits in a single weekend. She explained that peer influence drives spending. "If your friends have a great costume you wanna have a great costume too," she said. Junior Lily Myhra said she searches for her outfits on Depop and estimates her total spending will range from $50 to $100. She avoids buying new items from major retailers whenever possible.

Junior Matteo Rovera attributed his increased spending to yearly trends. "There's fads for the year," he said. "I would probably only ever wear one Halloween costume a year, but because of what my friends are doing, I have three this year." Rovera, like Wendorff and Myhra, set a personal ceiling of $100 for his total Halloween wardrobe. None of the three students said they intend to exceed that amount.

The pressure to buy new items comes from fast-fashion retailers such as Shein, Amazon, and Spirit Halloween. These stores offer low prices and quick shipping, which students say makes them tempting options. However, the three students prefer secondhand sources to reduce costs and environmental impact. They shop at thrift stores, on platforms like Depop and Vinted, and through Facebook Marketplace. Some also borrow pieces from friends or dig through their own closets and their parents' wardrobes.

Fashion production accounts for 10% of global carbon emissions and pollutes waterways, according to data cited in the report. Approximately 85% of textiles end up in dumps each year. Students who recommend sustainable practices suggest buying items that can be reused for daily wear or future costumes. They advise avoiding popular fast-fashion outlets to keep the costume easy on both the environment and the wallet. Whether dressing as a character from "Obsession" or Gargamel from "The Smurfs," the goal remains the same: minimize cost and waste.