Costume Accessories

Top Costume Accessories for Men in the US: Where to Buy, How to Style, and What to Look For

Why costume accessories make or break your look

Think of costume accessories as the seasoning in a great meal — a little goes a long way, and the right touch can transform something ordinary into unforgettable. Whether you’re dressing for Halloween, a themed party, a cosplay event, or a night out at a rave, accessories like hats, goggles, LED ties, and decals shift the vibe from “nice idea” to “iconic.” They add personality, cover gaps in your outfit, and often let a single piece tell the whole story. Want to be devilish? A sequined horn headband does the trick. Going steampunk? Pick a pair of Victorian-style goggles. Accessories are the shorthand of costume storytelling.

Places to shop: major US retailers and what they’re known for

If you’re hunting for costume accessories in the US, a few big names stand out for selection and convenience. Walmart is a one-stop source for budget-friendly hats, LED bow ties, novelty masks, and classic party props — you’ll find everything from plush buffalo hats to packable clown noses. Armed American Supply serves a different niche: think hard hat decals and rugged, Americana-themed patches that make a statement on workwear or patriot-inspired costumes. For variety and specialty items, add Party City, Spirit Halloween, Amazon, Etsy, and Target to your list — each has advantages depending on whether you want cheap bulk items, high-quality steampunk pieces, artisan handmade goods, or fast shipping.

Walmart picks worth checking out

Walmart’s massive catalog includes both classic and trending accessories. You can pick up novelty hats like plush buffalo or turkey caps, LED accessories such as light-up bow ties, and mainstream costume kits like adult monkey outfits. The store is especially useful when you need quick, affordable pieces in bulk — think clown noses in a 12-pack or a club pack of medieval shackles for a group. If you’re building a last-minute costume, Walmart is the kind of place where you can grab a handful of props, try them on, and head out the door.

Standout Walmart items

From the HTML data, items like a sequined devil horn headband, Joyfy turkey cap, LED bow ties, and steampunk-style goggles were listed — perfect examples of the variety Walmart carries. The LED bow tie is a simple way to upgrade a suit or tuxedo for a themed party, while steampunk goggles can anchor an entire costume. When you’re trying to make a bold statement without spending a fortune, these pieces deliver.

Armed American Supply: niche accessories with attitude

Armed American Supply focuses on patriotic, tactical, and rugged-style decals and patches. Their hard hat decals — like “Old Glory” or cheekier sayings — turn plain safety gear into conversation pieces. These are especially useful if your costume has a blue-collar, industrial, or military-inspired twist. They’re also a neat option for daytime events where a subtler accessory is appropriate but you still want to communicate character and theme.

How hard hat decals fit into costumes

Hard hat decals can instantly signal profession-based characters: construction worker, lineman, or even a parody of the “rugged tradesman.” Paired with a work jacket and gloves, a decal becomes the small but crucial detail that sells the look. Armed American Supply’s selection gives you patriotic motifs and tough aesthetics that play well at events where authenticity or tongue-in-cheek bravado is the goal.

Party City, Spirit Halloween, and other big-name options

Party City and Spirit Halloween are excellent when you want a wider selection under one roof. Party City tends to stock a huge variety of party-ready props, latex masks, wigs, and seasonal pieces. Spirit Halloween leans heavily into immersive character gear — think scary masks, specialty makeup kits, and oversized props. Amazon gives you convenient variety and fast shipping, while Etsy connects you with handcrafted, unique accessories if you want something nobody else will have. Target sits between Walmart and Party City with a curated seasonal aisle that often includes tasteful or trendy pieces.

When to choose which retailer

If you need something cheap and fast, Walmart or Target are solid. For theatrical or collectible items, Spirit Halloween and Party City shine. Amazon is your go-to for reviews and one-day shipping, and Etsy is the place to find artisan-made pieces that become the centerpiece of a costume rather than an afterthought.

10 must-have accessory categories for men

Curating a small collection of versatile accessories lets you mix and match personas without buying a full costume every time. Here are ten categories to keep on hand.

1. Statement headwear

From devil horn headbands to plush buffalo or turkey hats, headwear is often the quickest way to convey a character. A hat sits front and center; it frames the face and captures attention instantly. Keep a few types on rotation — whimsical, dramatic, and subtle — so you can pivot easily between looks.

2. Novelty noses and facial props

Clown noses, fake noses, and prosthetic pieces are inexpensive but effective. They can make a costume funny or creepy with minimal effort. Having a pack of clown noses on hand is also useful for group events or giveaways.

3. Goggles and eye gear

Steampunk goggles or rave glasses add a lot of character. They suggest era, profession, or subculture and are perfect when you want to lean into a niche aesthetic. A good pair can be the detail people remember the most.

4. Light-up accessories

LED bow ties, glowing ties, and light-up hats up the ante for nighttime events. They’re flashy, fun, and perfect for clubs or outdoor parties where visibility matters. Many are adjustable and battery-powered, making them easy to reuse and recharge.

5. Thematic jewelry and pins

Pins, brooches, and chains are easy to integrate into formalwear or jackets. They add subtle storytelling without going full costume, which is handy when you’re dressing for an event that’s part formal and part fun.

6. Belts, sashes, and buckles

Switch out a belt or add a sash and you change the silhouette of your entire outfit. These are especially handy in historical or military-inspired costumes.

7. Hand props (shackles, swords, canes)

Simple hand props like medieval shackles, fake swords, or themed canes give you something to do with your hands and add action to the costume. They’re also great for photo ops and capturing character through pose and movement.

8. Masks and face coverings

Full-face masks, half masks, and decorative face coverings each offer different levels of commitment. Masks can transform your identity instantly and are ideal if you want to get into character without makeup.

9. Decals and patches

Hard hat decals and uniform patches let you brand a look quickly. They’re lightweight, inexpensive, and easily swapped in and out. They’re especially useful if you’re creating a uniformed character.

10. Costume kits for quick assembly

Pre-packaged costume kits (like an adult monkey kit) are lifesavers if you don’t want to source dozens of pieces. They typically include the core items you need and can be personalized with a few extra accessories to elevate the look.

How to choose accessories that look high-quality

Budget buys can look great, but a few choices will help you avoid costume flop. First, check materials: metal hardware looks more authentic than painted plastic, and stitched seams outlast glued ones. Second, consider scale — an oversized prop can overpower your proportions, while tiny details may get lost. Third, read reviews and look at photos from other buyers; customer images reveal real-world wear and fit. Lastly, pick accessories in complementary colors and textures: pairing sequins with matte fabrics often creates a pleasing contrast that reads well in photos.

Styling tips: combining accessories to tell a story

Putting together accessories is like composing music: you want harmony, contrast, and a focal point. Choose one focal accessory — a bold hat, goggles, or a glowing tie — and then support it with two or three smaller pieces like pins, a belt, or a hand prop. Ask yourself what the main narrative is: are you a mischievous trickster, a refined gentleman, or a dystopian inventor? Let that story guide your choices. For instance, steampunk goggles + leather gloves + pocket watch = inventor; LED bow tie + blazer + slicked hair = futuristic partygoer.

DIY and customization: make it yours

Want something unique? Customizing a mass-market accessory is surprisingly simple. Add patches and decals to a plain hard hat, glue gears and vintage watch parts on a pair of goggles for a custom steampunk look, or stitch in extra LED strips to a bow tie to make it flash differently. Etsy sellers also offer custom decals and engraved items if you prefer commissioning a maker. Small tweaks like weathering, painting, or adding fabric trims can take a $15 prop into a showpiece.

Budget versus premium buys: where to save and where to splurge

Accessories fall into two value buckets: the attention-getters and the supporting cast. Save on supporting pieces like simple hats, clown noses, and basic props — these do well on the lower end. Splurge on attention-getters that define the costume: custom masks, high-quality goggles, leather belts, or metal buckles. These pieces hold up to wear and often photograph better. A single high-impact accessory can raise the perceived value of your entire outfit dramatically.

Care and storage: keep your accessories ready to go

Cleaning and storing accessories properly extends their life. Store hats on stands or in boxes to keep shape, use silica packs for leather goods, and remove batteries from LED items between uses. Keep decals and patches in a flat container to avoid curling, and wrap fragile props in cloth or bubble wrap for safe storage. Treat costume accessories like seasonal tools — a little maintenance goes a long way.

Final shopping checklist before you buy

Before you hit checkout, run through this quick checklist: Does the accessory match your overall concept? Is the size and scale right for your body? Are batteries included or required separately? Can it be customized if needed? Do you have a backup plan in case something breaks? Answering these questions ahead of time saves headaches and last-minute scrambling.

Seasonal timing: when to shop for the best deals

Timing your purchase can save money and stress. Late summer and early fall are peak season for Halloween accessories and seasonal displays, so you’ll see the widest selection then. For off-season bargains, look for clearance sales after major holidays or during end-of-season markdowns. If you need a specialty piece, ordering earlier gives you time for customization or returns.

Wrap-up: building a versatile accessory wardrobe

Collecting costume accessories is like building a toolbox — each piece serves a purpose and together they let you create a range of looks with minimal expense. Start with versatile staples (a statement hat, a pair of goggles, an LED piece, and a few decals), and expand from there based on the themes you enjoy. Shop smart: combine big-box convenience, specialty retailers, and artisan makers to strike the balance between cost, uniqueness, and quality. With the right accessories at hand, you’ll never be caught underdressed for a costume-ready event.

Conclusion: A curated set of costume accessories changes everything. Whether you buy from Walmart for quick value, Armed American Supply for rugged decals, or niche shops for artisan pieces, the right items help you tell memorable stories and stand out in the crowd. Keep things organized, pick a focal piece, and don’t be afraid to customize — after all, the best costumes are the ones that feel uniquely yours.