Halloween Costumes for Men Under $25: Easy Wins From Closet to Party

For ultra-cheap DIY costumes, this Gildan Ultra Cotton tee is the blank canvas we reach for: add iron-on letters, fabric paint, or a quick stencil and you're party-ready for under five bucks. In our testing, the heavyweight 100% cotton holds shape after washing, though it isn't the softest. Fit can run narrow in the sleeves and occasional quality hiccups (small holes or stains) do pop up, so buy an extra if timing is tight. It's perfect for group themes or punny last-minute ideas.

Building a costume on a tight budget? In our testing, the Gildan Men's Heavy Blend Hoodie delivered soft, comfy feel and tons of color choices at just $8.03, perfect for DIY looks from boxer-in-a-robe to monochrome minion. We did notice the fabric runs thinner than 'heavy', and the fit can be boxy or inconsistent, so consider sizing up and layering. During our review a few seams loosened after washing, so gentle cycles and hang-drying help the hoodie last through party season and beyond.

Hanes Beefy long sleeves are a reliable base layer for pirate, skater, or casual superhero looks, with thicker cotton that holds up under vests, belts, and props. In our testing, the price stays budget-friendly and the color range makes coordinating group costumes easy. Watch for batch-to-batch sizing shifts and some shrinkage; wash cold and consider air-drying to maintain length. If tags bug you, note some versions still have them—snip carefully or wear a thin undershirt for all-night comfort.

This heavyweight Dickies tee is a great backbone for blue-collar costumes (mechanic, contractor, or road crew) thanks to the durable feel and a functional chest pocket for props. During our review, sizing was generally true for most testers, and the thicker fabric holds shape under layers like vests or suspenders. We did see reports of shrinkage and occasional loose threads or tag-area issues, so wash cold and inspect on arrival. If consistency is critical, consider buying two to hedge against batch variability.

Looking for an easy anime silhouette under $25? In our testing, the California Costumes Feathered Cosplay Wig nails the spiky, layered shape out of the box, and the polyester fibers are durable and simple to clean or restyle with basic combing. Expect some extra styling to hit a specific character, and the one-size cap can run loose or snug—use a wig cap and a few pins for security. Synthetic shine and warmth can creep in over time; a little dry shampoo helps matte things down.

These round-wire wizard glasses instantly read Harry Potter or vintage academic, and they're a cheap, one-night accessory that finishes the look in seconds. During our review, the frames felt flimsy and sometimes arrived a bit warped, so handle gently and reshape carefully. Sizing skews small - better for teens than adults - so our experience shows they work best as a photo prop rather than all-evening wear. Minimal packaging can invite transit dings; order early if you're racing a party deadline.

If you're going as a construction worker, traffic controller, or cyclist, this neon Neiko safety vest delivers instant visibility and costs less than ten bucks. We found the wide reflective strips pop in low light and the front zipper makes quick changes painless when you're layering over hoodies. Sizing can vary across SKUs and pockets are minimal, so stash your phone elsewhere and check measurements. The older ANSI reference may confuse pros, but for costumes and night safety it's more than adequate.

A 100% cotton turtleneck is costume gold: go Steve Jobs with jeans, channel a beat poet, or play secret agent under a blazer - all for about $14. During our review, the fabric felt soft and breathable, and the color options make quick styling easy. We did find the neck can run loose and some shades look different in person, so order with that in mind. Sizing varies by color, so our experience shows checking measurements or reviews saves time on last-minute swaps.

During our review, these Scarecrow FANGS looked impressively realistic and blended well with natural teeth—an instant upgrade to any $17.99 vampire getup. The included custom mold kit lets you fit them on the spot for a snap-on, reusable bite you can pop in and out all night. We did notice the adhesive’s chemical smell/taste, and the hold can weaken after repeated removals; a denture adhesive backup helps. If they feel large, light filing and a test fit a day early make a big difference.

We found Fantasy FX Cream Makeup ideal for last-minute face or body looks: it applies smoothly, blends fast, and at $5.95 costs far less than pro theatrical paints. Removal is easy with oil cleanser or plain soap and water, which is clutch after a long party. Our experience shows it can rub off or flake on high-contact areas, so set with powder and avoid your hands if possible. Sensitive skin folks should patch test first to sidestep irritation and transfer onto clothes.

Need a ready-made costume with zero guesswork? This Underwraps referee shirt nails the black-and-white stripes for instant recognition and still lands under $25. In our testing, the lightweight polyester was comfortable but thin and slightly see-through, so plan a base layer; the one-size (42-46) fit won't suit everyone. Also note the California Proposition 65 warning on the packaging; if that gives you pause, our experience shows renting or borrowing a ref top might be your fallback.

Rounding out a referee, coach, or lifeguard costume, this EastPoint Sports pealess whistle is a cheap $5.95 prop that actually performs. In our testing it was very loud—around the claimed 115 dB—and the pealess design works reliably even in wet conditions, while the breakaway lanyard adds safety. The molded plastic body feels less premium than metal and there’s no pitch adjustment, but it gets the job done. Just be mindful of volume at indoor parties; point away from ears to avoid discomfort.

This NFL-branded Wilson MVP football is a budget-friendly prop that instantly sells a quarterback, coach, or fan costume and doubles for backyard games. During our review, several listings arrived inflated and ready to go, which is ideal for last-minute prep. Be aware of the common air-retention complaints and the uneven grip in the middle section; keep a small pump handy and moderate expectations. It's recreation-grade rubber/composite, not leather, but for $13 it looks the part in photos and at parties.

For quick, low-cost costume ideas, the Ozark Trail Knit Balaclava is a handy $7.98 pickup. It’s lightweight, packs tiny, and the one-size design works for fast ninja, skier, or heist vibes—or for layering under a helmet. Our experience shows the material and stitching are on the thin side, with limited protection in heavy wind or very cold temps, so don’t rely on it for serious warmth. Pair it with a beanie or hoodie for extra insulation, and expect lower long-term durability than premium options.

These Eversoft fleece joggers are an easy, under-$10 base for sporty or athleisure costumes (think boxer, track star, or cat burglar). In our testing, the fabric felt cozy and the deep pockets held phone, keys, even fake props without sagging. Sizing can run large and the fleece isn't the plushest, so consider sizing down and layering if you want a fuller look. Our experience shows durability dips after many washes, but for a one-night Halloween party, the comfort-to-price ratio is hard to beat.

Carhartt's knit cuffed beanie instantly sells the rugged worker, dockhand, or lumberjack look, and the brand patch reads clearly in photos. In our testing, the thick 100% acrylic rib knit felt warm for crisp nights, and the stretch fit hugged most heads nicely. Note that it can feel tight on very large heads and acrylic isn't as insulating as wool in harsh winds. If color accuracy matters, our experience shows certain shades appear different in person, so order early if you're matching a flannel.