The 1950s and 60s were a golden era for Halloween. Kids roamed neighborhoods with paper treat bags, jack-o’-lanterns glowed on every porch, and the costumes—often store-bought, sometimes homemade—were colorful, charming, and a little bit spooky. Many were made by companies like Ben Cooper, Collegeville, and Halco, whose boxed costume sets became a seasonal staple in department stores.
Whether you wore one yourself or remember seeing them in old photos, these 10 classic costumes capture the spirit of mid-century Halloween.
1. The Witch
A Halloween icon in every decade, the 1950s and 60s witch costume featured a pointed hat, a flowing vinyl or fabric smock, and a green or orange mask with exaggerated features. Some masks had glitter accents for extra flair.
2. The Skeleton
A black outfit printed with bright white bones, often paired with a glow-in-the-dark skull mask. These were lightweight and easy to wear, making them a favorite for trick-or-treaters on the move.
3. The Clown
Not the creepy horror clowns of today, but bright, cheerful clowns in polka dots, ruffles, and colorful masks. Many came with cone hats that had an elastic chin strap—though those elastic bands were notorious for snapping mid-night.
4. The Cowboy
The 1950s cowboy craze—thanks to shows like The Lone Ranger and Bonanza—spilled right into Halloween. These costumes often included a fringed vest, bandana, and a molded plastic mask with a rugged grin.
5. The Princess
Inspired by Hollywood starlets and Disney’s growing princess lineup, these costumes featured shimmering satin-like fabrics, paper crowns, and masks with perfectly curled hair and rosy cheeks.
6. Frankenstein’s Monster
This Universal movie monster remained a Halloween staple, with green-faced masks, square foreheads, and neck bolts printed right onto the vinyl costume.
7. The Devil
Red capes, pitchfork props, and grinning devil masks were popular choices—especially for kids who wanted something a little mischievous but still fun.
8. The Black Cat
A symbol of Halloween magic and mystery, the black cat costume usually featured a simple black smock with printed paws and a mask with sharp yellow eyes and white whiskers.
9. The Pirate
Eye patches, striped shirts, and masks with mustaches made the pirate a perennial favorite. In the 60s, some versions even included gold foil “earrings” glued right to the mask.
10. The Ghost
Whether it was a simple white sheet with cut-out eyes or a store-bought costume with printed chains and spooky faces, the ghost remained the most timeless—and budget-friendly—choice.
A Time Capsule of Halloween Fun
Looking back, these costumes were simple compared to today’s elaborate getups, but that was part of their charm. They were affordable, instantly recognizable, and carried the magic of a night when the world felt just a little more mysterious.
If you still have one of these boxed costumes tucked away in your attic, you might be sitting on a collectible—original Ben Cooper and Collegeville costumes in good condition are sought-after treasures among vintage Halloween enthusiasts.
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