Best Halloween costume shops in San Francisco

Halloween is an exciting holiday. It is for nocturnal, festive people who dream of donning funky duds for a night out on the town. Sadly, corporate-run Halloween costume stores have produced millions of the same costumes for every man, woman, child, and dog in the country. Sure, they are inexpensive, but these costumes have no flair or inspiration.

Thankfully, San Francisco is the heart of culture and having been a resident of the Mission District for five years, I have had the comfort of locating eclectic and awe-inspiring local costume shops that will make you the best alternate you of the Halloween evening. Here are the top three local Halloween shops in San Francisco:

Costumes on Haight

735 Haight St., San Francisco

415-621-1356

As my favorite costume shop in the metro region, Costumes on Haight will go three extra miles to give you the best costume experience that is possible. They offer over 300 costumes in the store and have an online database that can help you pick the perfect costume. They specialize in Elizabethan, Wild Wild West, and Trojan-inspired Halloween costumes. The costumes are beautiful, and they can be fitted for your frame. Additionally, the shop has professional quality makeup for those who are interested in being zombies or dead people.

All costumes can be purchased well in advance, and they offer costume rentals, too. They require a deposit via a major credit card, and you must be at least 18 to rent a rental. The costumes are clean and in fabulous condition. Costume purchases are final, too.

A.C.T. Costume Rentals

415-439-2379

Looking to wow absolutely everybody? Then you may be interested in renting a costume from the American Conservatory Theater. The costumes are designed and created by an excellent team that has worked for over 30 years in the costume industry. Unlike your typical costume store, you will need to take extra steps to acquire one of these intricately designed costumes. First thing tomorrow morning, call them and schedule an appointment to select and have the costume fitted. Don't worry; they'll squeeze you into their hectic schedule.

The costumes rent for $140-200, which includes the appointment, fitting, cleaning, and repairs. It is an excellent rate for such quality attention to detail and a select choice of dramatic costumes.

Fantasy Clothing Co.

415-556-9900

Fantasy Clothing Co. will help all costumers get fitted for the Halloween festivities. Located in the center of the city, I rented a costume from this little shop two years ago. Not only were they super affordable, the ladies who work there are also courteous and willing to get you into the perfect costume. The store rents and sells costumes. Moreover, they specialize in over-the-top animal/mascot costumes, so this is the place for you if you feel like dressing up as a shark for Halloween. On the other hand, if you want to go historical, they house 1,500 costumes dedicated to eras. That's enough options for every San Franciscan to find something to fall in love with. They offer a wide variety of masks and accessories, but the makeup selections are not professional quality.

For rates and more information, call the number listed above.

Skip those cookie-cutter costume stores this year and head out to the local costume shops in San Francisco. Finding a costume in the city that is unique to you can be hard, but I can guarantee that one of the above costume shops will fit into your style and your budget. Good luck, and happy Halloween!