UW-Madison students limit Halloween spending to under $100

Halloween shopping in the United States is projected to reach $13.5 billion this year, with the National Retail Federation estimating an average spend of $115.14 per person. At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a group of students is attempting to stay below that national average by capping their individual budgets at $100.

These students argue that the current retail environment pushes shoppers toward fast fashion brands like Shein, Amazon, and Spirit Halloween. This model relies on producing clothing quickly from inexpensive materials to match shifting trends. The environmental impact of this industry is substantial, as fashion production generates 10% of global carbon emissions and results in 85% of textiles ending up in landfills annually. A single-use costume fits squarely into this cycle of consumption and discard.

The decision to limit spending is influenced by the social dynamics of Madison’s student nightlife. Halloween is one of the busiest periods of the year, with costumed crowds filling State Street for the entire weekend. Senior Hadley Wendorff noted that the culture often encourages wearing multiple elaborate outfits in a short time. She explained, “If your friends have a great costume you wanna have a great costume too.”

Junior Matteo Rovera observed similar peer pressure regarding yearly trends. He stated, “There's fads for the year.” He added that while he typically wears one costume annually, he has acquired three this year due to the actions of his peers. Junior Lily Myhra adopted a more cautious approach, estimating her total expenditure for the holiday would fall between $50 and $100.

None of the three students reported an intention to spend more than $100 on their outfits. To achieve this target, they are turning to alternative sourcing methods rather than new retail purchases. Common strategies include shopping at local thrift stores, browsing peer-to-peer platforms like Depop or Vinted, and checking Facebook Marketplace for pre-owned items.

Other students are borrowing or swapping old costumes with friends or digging through their own closets, as well as those of parents and acquaintances, for usable pieces. Some aim to buy garments that can serve a dual purpose, either as everyday clothing or as components for future costumes. These practices allow students to participate in the holiday traditions without relying on the high-volume, low-cost production methods associated with major online retailers.

The specific costume choices on campus vary widely, ranging from classic figures like zombies and vampires to characters from shows such as “Off-Campus,” “Odyssey,” and “Obsession.” Others opt for niche internet memes, including “Punch the monkey,” or classic characters like Gargamel from “The Smurfs.” Regardless of the specific theme, the financial and environmental constraints shape the purchasing decisions of these students.