We love fancy dress (firefighter costumes in particular!) but safety should come first. Here's what to look out for to stay safe this Halloween.
Keep children away from flames
Any clothing can catch fire if it touches candles, tea-lights, fireworks, or sparklers. So whether you’re wearing fancy dress or everyday clothing staying away from flames is key.
Shopping for a children's costume?
Children's fancy dress costumes are classified as toys rather than clothing. This means they don't have to be made to the same safety standards as regular clothes, and are a greater fire risk, so it's especially important that you follow these safety tips:
Look for a UKCA or CE marking
There should be a UKCA or CE marking on the packaging of children's fancy dress costumes. If that’s missing it may mean the costume does not meet legal safety requirements.
Look at the safety warnings
Not all compliant children's costumes need a fire warning, but some must include: ‘Warning. Keep away from fire’.
Be cautious if you see wording such as ‘This item is highly flammable’ as this is not found on compliant costumes.
Check for seller details
There must be a UK manufacturer or importer name and address on the packaging of children's fancy dress costumes. You can use this to look up the seller and check they look legitimate. If this name and address are missing, you will not be able to follow up if you have problems or safety issues.
Be extra cautious when buying online
Always check who the actual seller is when shopping through online marketplaces such as Amazon, Temu and Shein. Online marketplaces are not legally responsible for the safety of products sold by third-party sellers.
Here's how to protect yourself:
- Research the seller - check all the reviews and ratings.
- Avoid ‘too good to be true’ deals.
- Check the safety information on the product listing.
- When the item arrives, check the packaging looks professional – blurry logos, bad printing, and missing information could all be signs of an unsafe costume.
- Look for the UKCA or CE mark, and seller details on the packaging.
Report items
If something looks suspicious, report it to the retailer or marketplace you bought it from and request a refund. You should also report it to your local Trading Standards office.
Making your own?
Homemade isn’t always safer. Materials like cotton, netting, felt, or synthetic fabrics can be highly flammable. Always think about what you're using.
Fire safety tips
Once you’ve bought or made a fancy dress costume, remember:
- Keep away from naked flames.
- Use battery-operated candles or glow sticks instead.
- Pop some regular clothes under the costume for a layer of protection.
- Teach kids to 'stop, drop and roll' if their costume catches fire. Have a few practise attempts and remind them to cover their face with their hands.
- If you're out after dark consider adding reflective tape or glow sticks to the costume to stay visible.
Stay safe and enjoy the fun!