A concise list of COVID-friendly Halloween costumes

Photo courtesy of V Threepio, Flickr

It’s safe to say that this year's Halloween will be unlike any other. The last time comparable to the tragedy marring this year’s Halloween festivities was when Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast of the United States in 2012 a little over a week before Halloween. But ever since then, Halloween has always progressed normally and without issue.  

Unlike Hurricane Sandy in 2012, there are significant health risks in 2020 associated with trick-or-treating, as the coronavirus is mainly an airborne transmitted disease. Luckily, masks have been proven to protect the wearer and the people around them, and if we all want to enjoy the Halloween season, we must continue to wear masks.

The pandemic does not need to fully stop Halloween in its tracks. There are plenty of fun ways to incorporate masks into a Halloween costume! Sellers have been making customized masks ever since the market for them became apparent at the start of the pandemic earlier this year. Masks have come a long way in terms of their designs and customizations, and you can now order masks in varying patterns all over the internet.

You can still wear a mask this spooky season and look your best! Let's examine some cool costumes that you can pair with your mask this Halloween. 

"Among Us" Costumes

It’s very likely that the most popular Halloween costumes this year will be of characters from the video game, “Among Us.” This game was made in 2018 and has had a recent resurgence in popularity due to popular Youtubers playing it in large groups during the COVID-19 pandemic. Such streamers include Jacksepticeye, Pewdiepie, RubberRoss and recently the Game Grumps.

This created intense interest in the game among all ages, so it’s likely that this will be the main costume of this year's Halloween. A huge benefit is that this costume already incorporates a mask! Some elements that can be used to make an "Among Us" Halloween costume include an astronaut helmet (that can be spray-painted any color to fit your character), a solid color skin suit and any additional add-ons the game provides, such as a sticky note stuck to the helmet or a cowboy hat.

If you want to do a simpler version, that is easily possible as well. You can simply wear the colors of your character, then place the same colored hoodie on backwards. To get the helmet effect, place a mask over the area your eyes would be. Walking may be a challenge, but it may make a (socially distanced) Halloween party a bit more fun. 

Inflatable Costumes

Inflatable costumes have become pretty popular on TikTok within the past few months. Hilarious viral videos featuring people in inflatable costumes, primarily one specific T. rex costume that can be found at Walmart and Party City. This inflatable costume will make for a neat social distancing tool and can provide great TikTok content long after the spooky season has passed. Best part? You will be in your own little inflation world, keeping outside germs away from your mouth and nose!

Classic Costumes Paired with a Mask

If you feel like going as some of the more classic Halloween costumes, such as a ghost or a vampire, those are still entirely feasible. You can choose your look and add a mask that fits with the theme. Make use of the booming mask customization market.

You can get patterned masks with horror looks, like spiderwebs or vampire fangs. Check out websites like Etsy or Redbubble to find your perfect spooky mask!

No matter your plans, make sure to practice social distancing, sanitize and wear your mask as you enjoy Halloween!

 

mkrasny@ramapo.edu