Fancy Dress Shops in London: 7 Places to Know in 2026

However, choosing the right shop depends on your plans. Some specialise in costume hire and fittings, while others offer ready-to-wear outfits, vintage clothing or theatrical make-up.

Here are seven places to know in 2026, including specialist services that need advance enquiries. Alternatively, if you’d rather build your own outfit, explore our guide to vintage clothing and accessories in London.

1. Mad World: Best for Fancy Dress Costume Hire in London

Mad World is a strong starting point when you want a complete costume rather than a few accessories. Its collection includes more than 35,000 costumes, with options for private parties, themed events and productions.

Bring a clear brief or a few reference pictures. Then let the team help you find a look that suits your theme. The company cleans, checks and repairs costumes between hires, and you don’t need an appointment to browse.

Meanwhile, its UK mail-order hire service offers an alternative if you can’t visit in person. Contact the team for an accurate quote, particularly if you need extra accessories.

Address: 69–85 Tabernacle Street, London EC2A 4BD.
Best for: Complete costumes, themed parties and a wide hire selection.
Before you book: Confirm the hire period, deposit, accessories and return arrangements.

2. Prangsta Costumiers: Best for Elaborate Costume Styling

For something more theatrical, Prangsta specialises in richly detailed outfits with plenty of personality. Think circus-inspired looks, burlesque, period influences and fantastical characters.

Rather than picking a packaged outfit from a shelf, you book a fitting and work with a stylist. Together, you can combine pieces from the collection to suit your brief and shape.

As a result, Prangsta suits occasions where the costume is a major part of the evening. However, allow extra time for intricate requests and ask about its make-to-hire service well in advance.

Address: 141 Lewisham Way, London SE14 6QP.
Best for: Masquerades, statement headpieces and styled fantasy looks.
Appointments: Required. Ask for current hire prices, consultation fees and deposit terms.

3. Carnival Store: Best for Costumes and Party Accessories

Carnival Store offers a practical option for shoppers who want costumes and finishing touches in one place. The family business has supplied fancy dress from its West Kensington shop since 1952.

Browse for an outfit, then add the accessories that pull it together. Wigs, masks and smaller details can also help transform clothing you already own.

If you’re short on time, contact the shop before travelling for a specific costume or size. That way, you can check availability and avoid a wasted journey.

Address: 95 Hammersmith Road, London W14 0QH.
Best for: Ready-to-wear costumes, accessories and party essentials.
Shopping tip: Ask whether your chosen look is available to buy or hire.

4. National Theatre Costume Hire: A Specialist Option to Enquire About

The National Theatre’s costume hire service belongs in a different category from everyday fancy dress shops in London. Its theatrical background makes it relevant to productions, creative projects and specialist costume enquiries.

However, don’t treat it as a walk-in party shop. Published visitor information notes the suspension of individual fancy dress hire, so contact the theatre directly to establish current eligibility and availability.

For a birthday or Halloween party, the other costume suppliers in this guide provide clearer starting points. Meanwhile, production teams should explain their requirements before arranging any visit.

Best for: Specialist production and costume enquiries.
Access: Confirm current hire arrangements directly before making plans.

5. Beyond Retro: Best for DIY Vintage Fancy Dress

Beyond Retro suits anyone who would rather assemble a look than hire a complete costume. Its vintage clothing gives you scope to build outfits around different decades, musical influences and personal references.

For example, start with flared trousers for a disco-inspired outfit or a bold jacket for an ’80s look. Then add accessories to make the theme clear without buying an entire costume.

Better still, you may find pieces you’ll wear again afterwards. However, vintage stock varies, so arrive with a few ideas rather than one exact outfit in mind.

London locations: Check the current store directory for Dalston, Soho and Coal Drops Yard.
Best for: Decade dressing, individual pieces and reusable outfits.

6. Kryolan: Best for Theatrical and Special-Effects Make-Up

Sometimes the make-up does most of the work. Kryolan’s Covent Garden shop specialises in professional products for beauty, stage and special-effects applications.

Visit for advice on the products and tools your look requires. For example, a dramatic character transformation may need more preparation than an everyday make-up routine.

Also, ask how to apply and remove unfamiliar products correctly. If you’re planning something ambitious, practise beforehand rather than attempting it for the first time before leaving home.

Address: 7–8 Langley Court, London WC2E 9JY.
Best for: Theatrical make-up, character looks and special-effects products.
Shopping tip: Bring a reference image and explain your experience level.

7. Party Nutters: Best for Fancy Dress and Party Supplies in Clapham

For costumes alongside decorations and party supplies, Party Nutters offers a useful Clapham Junction option. Its website lists fancy dress, wigs, masks, make-up, balloons and themed accessories.

As a result, it’s handy when you’re organising the event as well as choosing your outfit. Make a list before visiting so you can tackle both jobs in one trip.

However, confirm branch details and stock before setting off. The retailer also states that customers cannot collect online orders from its shops, so check arrangements before placing an order.

Listed Clapham address: 274 Lavender Hill, London SW11 1LJ.
Best for: Costumes, group themes and party supplies.
Before visiting: Check current opening hours and product availability directly.

How to Choose Fancy Dress Shops in London

Start with your event, budget and deadline. For a complete hired look, try Mad World or book a consultation with Prangsta. Alternatively, explore Carnival Store or Party Nutters for costumes and accessories.

If you want clothing you can wear again, build your outfit around vintage pieces. Our guide to fashion markets in London offers more places to browse.

Finally, check hire conditions, collection arrangements and return deadlines before paying. The best fancy dress shops in London can help bring an idea together, but a little preparation makes the whole process easier.