Have you ever been to a costume party where your outfit was less ‘best dressed’ and more ‘best stressed’? Yeah, me too. 

The last time I braved the costume scene, my ‘Top Gun’ costume looked less maverick and more…grounded. Let’s just say the only thing taking off that night was the elastic on my aviator sunglasses (and possibly my dignity). 

After that experience, I decided that the next time I needed a costume, I would find one from an actual costume shop. The Top Reviews writing team helped me sort through a few places. 

So, if you’re in Auckland and have ever felt the sting of a costume catastrophe, here’s who to go to so you never have to suffer costume shame.

1. Party Dudes

Party Dudes distinguishes itself immediately as an adults-only costume shop, so expect that there are no children’s costumes here. With over 4,000 costumes in stock, the sheer volume available is impressive.

They cater to popular party themes such as hen and stag parties, decade-themed events, and circus-inspired looks. 

We really love that their inventory also spans to niche categories like food and drink costumes, famous figures, and uniform-based costumes. 

Customers we talked to were impressed with the fabric quality of the costumes they hired. Many said their costumes felt durable and looked authentic.

Aside from costumes, they stock essential accessories. These include wigs, masks, and socks to complete any look.

We like how they allow customers to buy or hire costumes, providing flexibility depending on need and budget. Plus, we appreciate their promise of overnight delivery for purchases, particularly for those last-minute costume events. 

Others also raved about how well-packaged their costumes arrived at their door. People said there wasn’t a single loose thread or snag on the fabric.   

Professional service from start to finish

“Selection beat anything locally to me and they managed the service from start to finish very professionally. Might not have won the costume contest but I claim the voting was rigged! Best experience I’ve ever had with something like this and a great price to boot. Many thanks to Anita & the team – couldn’t ask for better!”

• Michael Macaulay Google Reviews

Ensures easy process as possible

“Hired the Darth Maul deluxe costume for a 30th birthday. Living in a different city, party dudes made the whole process as easy as possible. Would recommend to anyone looking to hire some amazing costumes!”

• Caleb Jordan Google Review 

2. Gracey’s Costume Hire

With over 1,000 costumes, Gracey’s Costume Hire offers an impressive range spanning numerous themes. 

If you’re after superhero attire, you’ll find classic comic book figures alongside more contemporary movie versions. For a 1920s event, their flapper dresses are plentiful, with options in various colors and styles. 

Many also liked the range of sizes available, with several mentioning they found plus-size costumes that fit perfectly and looked fantastic at themed parties.

Beyond the main costumes, we found their accessories inventory really impressive. Shoes, wigs, and makeup are abundant, making it easy to complete a look in one stop.

On top of that, customer service at Gracey’s is efficient. Many customers have mentioned the staff’s willingness to help locate specific items within the vast collection.

However, while their costumes are visually appealing, some noted that the fabric can feel stiff and not always luxurious or breathable. 

High-quality costumes

“Absolutely lovely lady, with the most costumes I’ve ever seen! All of them such high quality and have so much detail, I can’t imagine there’s a costume they don’t have. It also smells really yummy inside, not musty like most other shops I’ve been into, well priced, can’t rate them any more highly.”

• Maddie Doull Google Review 

Polite and easy to deal with

“Graceys was amazing and helped with a costume for the Franklin Hospice charity. Polite and easy to deal with and costumes are awesome. I 100% recommend  ❤️”

• Kit J Google Review 

3. First Scene Costume and Party Hire

First Scene Costume and Party Hire has over 400,000 items. Their inventory is so vast it’s almost overwhelming in the best possible way. Whether you’re seeking a specific period piece or a quirky character, the chances are high that you’ll find it here. 

We love that their collection isn’t just for everyday parties; it’s been tapped for major film productions, national theatre, and television commercials. 

Customers who rented decade-themed costumes for parties were particularly impressed with the authenticity and condition of the garments.

We also appreciate that their online presence and in-store setup make placing individual and bulk costume orders easy. 

Additionally, like their in-house retail section for accessories. While small, they provide essential finishing touches like face paints, wigs, and glasses. They don’t come with the costumes, though, so you have to purchase them separately.

The only thing we weren’t big fans of was how their face paint tends to leave a tight feeling on the skin. This can be inconvenient if you’re wearing a zombie, mermaid, or really any costume that requires face paint to stand out.

Great selection of costumes, sizes, and props 

“A friend and myself visited this outlet towards a themed party coming up and we were looked after by Andy, very nice and welcoming staff member. They have a great selection of costumes, sizes and also props for functions and even work events. Get intouch with them today. 5/5 Rating.”

• M and Pr Productions Google Reviews 

Extremely helpful staff

“One of my most favourite places on this earth. The limit is your imagination! So much fun dressing up!! Highly recommend it, the staff are extremely helpful and have a great creative flair to assist you with the look you want. Very patient too!! 👍 ✨

Mummy, walk through coffin were a  fabulous add to our Halloween party!! Really added to the atmosphere!!”

• Christina “Chris”, Google Reviews

4. Elite Costume Hire

Elite Costume Hire’s try-before-you-hire approach and handmade costume selection make it a top choice for any event. 

We liked that you could get a feel for the fabric and fit before renting. It eliminates the disappointment of ill-fitting or poor-quality online rentals. 

Others told us the staff were helpful during try-ons, offering advice without being pushy, which many appreciated.

We love how they cater to a wide range of needs, from single outfits to large group themes. We also admire their couple’s and groups’ themed costumes with styles like 1920s mob or The Wizard of Oz ensemble—perfect for theatre enthusiasts or themed parties.

On top of that, they have plenty of accessories, from wigs and hats to props. This means they’re a one-stop shop for completing your look.

If we point out a downside, the shop’s layout can feel packed, particularly when busy. Navigating through racks can be overwhelming.

Welcoming staff

“All I can say is “WOW” walked in feeling a bit unsure as I never can fit anything in these costume shops and I walked out with a whole different attitude with a huge smile on my face and can say that the Owner Lena is an absolute star and knows her stuff she took one look at me and picked out a few pieces and I instantly and encouraged me to try on and so I did and immediately felt drawn to all her pieces and was so happy because it all fit perfectly. Bought straight away with no hesitation. Lena your amazing thank u for sharing your story with us and your daughter would be so proud of you.❤️ cant wait to send u my photos.”

• S L Google Reviews  

Offers multiple sizing options

“Great experience! I recently had a Disney themed 21st birthday celebration, with costume. Came here after seeing mass reviews online, and did not look back. All the costumes are handmade and there are multiple sizing options too. They really do go out of their way to make you look your best!

Costumes hired were Snow White and Prince Charming (couples costume for me and partner) and the Mad Hatter for my mom who looked incredible! Will definitely be back soon!!”

• Tyler Main Google Reviews

5. Desiree Costume Hire

Walking into Desiree Costume Hire, we were met with what felt like thousands of costumes. We saw striking 1920s flapper dresses, bold 1970s disco jumpsuits, and a range of celebrity impersonation costumes that looked genuinely the part. 

Beyond these, they cover niche categories like Christmas and holiday themes, ensuring you find something unique. We even examined several pieces and found the fabrics in excellent condition for rentals.

Many customers love the ability to book costumes in advance. They were relieved to have booked their costumes early, ensuring they weren’t left with slim pickings.

Customer service at Desiree Costume Hire is also a strong point. We observed their staff firsthand, noting their efficient and no-nonsense approach to assisting customers. We like how they get customers in and out with the right costume.

However, several customers also mentioned that the delivery service isn’t entirely reliable for those who opt for it because it often arrives late. 

Knowledgeable about their extensive collection

“The Desiree employees were great. They were knowledgeable about their extensive collection, and were able to mix and match to get the best solution for the costume I was looking for. Very helpful, very friendly,  would hire from again.”

• Whacknut Mc, Google Reviews

Offers good quality costumes

“It’s a friendly, owner-operated business with a great variety of good-quality costumes. I was rocking the Top Gun outfit at a party this weekend, and everyone was impressed! Highly recommend for anyone looking for standout costumes and fantastic service.”

• Atilla Csizmadia, Google Reviews

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