Halloween costumes: What's hot this year?

Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Halloween costumes: What's hot this year?
Halloween is just two nights away, but for costume procrastinators there is still time left to find that perfect other you.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Halloween is just two nights away, but for costume procrastinators there is still time left to find that perfect other you.

On Milwaukee Avenue just north of Irving Park is Fantasy Costumes. This is where they never run out of the stuff that gives you that perfect split personality for just one night. So what's hot this year?

"It's Anna and Elsa from Frozen. We're doing Maleficent, Hazmat suits, superheroes, Batman and zombies," said Chuck Giovenco, general manager at Fantasy Costumes.

Did he say Hazmat suits? Yes, he did and it's one of their biggest sellers this season. But with the Ebola scare all around us, is this in bad taste?

"It's not bad taste. We've been selling that Hazmat suit for five years with Breaking Bad, and it's Halloween. People are just out having fun and having a good time," said Giovenco.

Bad taste or not, it's yours for $69.96. And what about political masks? After all, it is an election year. What do the voters say?

"They're not selling at all. They haven't sold in the last eight years since George Bush and Clinton were in office. (That says something.) Yes it does. People aren't happy with the politics right now," said Giovenco.

One of the items that has hit the Halloween mask market in recent years is the supersoft face mask.

"It moves with your face. It's made out of a light latex. It's breathable. You can eat, you can drink with it. You can wear it all night long it's not even hot," said Giovenco.

Very nice, but how much do they cost?

"Supersoft masks range from $59 to $79. (This one?) $79.99 for Grandpa."

Fantasy Costumes is open 24 hours a day through October 31. Yes, time is short but it's never too late to improve your personality.