The 6 Best Costume Rental Services in London

London is a city brimming with theatrical flair and vibrant celebrations, making it the perfect place to explore the world of costume rental services. Whether you’re dressing up for a themed party, a theatrical production, or a special event, finding the right costume can elevate your experience. This guide will introduce you to the 6 best costume rental services in London, where creativity meets convenience.

When choosing a costume rental service, consider the following aspects:

Variety of Costumes: Look for a service that offers a wide range of costumes to suit different themes and occasions.
Quality and Condition: Ensure the costumes are well-maintained and of high quality to make your experience enjoyable.
Fitting Services: Some services offer personalized fitting to ensure the costume fits perfectly.
Accessories: Check if the rental includes necessary accessories like hats, wigs, and props to complete your look.
Flexible Rental Periods: Consider services that offer flexible rental durations to suit your schedule.
Pricing: Prices can vary, so look for options that fit your budget. Expect to find rentals starting from $30, with more elaborate costumes costing upwards of $100.
Online Booking: Many services now offer online booking, making the rental process convenient and efficient.
Customer Reviews: Reading reviews can provide insights into the reliability and quality of the service.

Explore these aspects as you delve into the vibrant world of costume rentals in London. Whether you’re aiming for historical accuracy, whimsical fantasy, or modern chic, London’s costume rental services have got you covered.

1. Mad World Fancy Dress Hire
2. Mad World Costume Hire
3. True Tanzania

4. Sands Films Studio
5. Jungle Army Surplus
6. Costume Boutique

Number of companies

439

Verified reviews

4,68

Average rating

+442072531003

1. Mad World Fancy Dress Hire

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,5/5

Entrance on 69, 85 Tabernacle St, Singer St, EC2A 4BD, London

Costume store
Costume rental service
Party store

Why we chose them

Mad World Fancy Dress Hire offers an extensive selection of costumes and accessories, catering to events ranging from private parties to high-profile TV and theatre productions. With over 35,000 costumes available for hire, customers can explore a wide array of themes, including historical periods, famous characters, and festive occasions like Halloween and Christmas. Their talented team of creative costume stylists is committed to providing top-notch service, assisting with costume selection, sizing, styling, and small alterations at no extra cost.

Beyond costume hire, the company’s stores are stocked with a variety of party essentials such as balloons, wigs, makeup, and a selection of packaged costumes available for purchase. Known for their genuine handmade Venetian masks, they offer designs that range from simple elegance to elaborate feather and glitter styles. The company also provides special discount options for group party hires and corporate clients, ensuring that every event is memorable and uniquely styled. Their dedication to quality and customer satisfaction makes them a standout choice in the costume rental and party supplies market.

2. Mad World Costume Hire

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,3/5

Charing Cross Underground Station Shopping Concourse, 441 Strand, WC2N 4HZ, London

Costume store
Costume rental service
Dress store
Party store

Why we chose them

Mad World Costume Hire offers an extensive selection of costumes for both purchase and hire, making it a go-to destination for all your fancy dress needs. With a vast array of options available, including men’s, women’s, children’s, and even pet costumes, this company caters to every possible theme and occasion. From historical decades like the 1920s and 1980s to themes such as Hollywood, horror, and video games, their collection is unparalleled. They also provide unique options like photorealistic T-shirts and inflatable costumes, ensuring that every customer can find something to suit their taste and event.

The company not only excels in costume variety but also offers a comprehensive range of accessories to complete any look. With items like wigs, masks, face paint, and Venetian masks, Mad World Costume Hire ensures you can perfect your outfit down to the smallest detail. Additionally, they stock thematic accessories for occasions such as Halloween, Christmas, and PRIDE. Whether you’re planning a large party or a corporate event, they offer group hire discounts and fitting services. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and an impressive portfolio of clients, including major shows and brands, highlights their reputation as leaders in the costume hire industry.

+447740890522

3. True Tanzania

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5,0/5

Studio 6, True Tanzania, Ebury Edge, 43 Ebury Bridge Rd, SW1W 8DX, London

Costume rental service
African goods store
Art dealer
Tourist information center
Cultural center
Tour operator

Why we chose them

True Tanzania is a distinctive establishment that offers an immersive experience into the rich cultural tapestry of Tanzania. As a multifaceted enterprise, it provides a range of services including costume rental, an African goods store, art dealing, a tourist information center, a cultural center, and tour operations. Visitors can delve into the vibrant world of Tanzanian art and culture through its boutique, which showcases an exquisite array of handcrafted items. From Maasai beaded jewelry and leather sandals to soapstone ornaments and woven baskets, the boutique is a treasure trove of artisanal creations. Each piece reflects the beauty of tradition and the skill of Tanzanian artisans, making it a perfect destination for those seeking unique gifts or personal treasures.

Emphasizing ethical values and artisanal pride, the company champions fair trade practices and sustainable development, supporting local communities and promoting traditional crafts. Beyond shopping, it offers enriching experiences such as Tinga Tinga craft activities and Tanzanian culinary adventures, allowing patrons to engage with the culture on a deeper level. The knowledgeable staff ensure a memorable visit, providing insights and recommendations tailored to individual interests. This commitment to quality and cultural authenticity is why we chose to feature True Tanzania in our directory, as it stands as a beacon of Tanzanian heritage in the heart of London.

+442072312209

4. Sands Films Studio

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,9/5

82 Saint Marychurch St, SE16 4HZ, London

Movie studio
Costume rental service
Costume store
Library
Movie theater

Why we chose them

Sands Films Studio is a unique and multifaceted creative hub renowned for its diverse services, including a movie studio, costume rental service, and costume store. Known for its rich history in film production, it offers a distinctive blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern filmmaking capabilities. The studio is also home to a charming movie theater that hosts a variety of screenings through the Cinema Club, providing a cozy and intimate space for film enthusiasts to enjoy a curated selection of movies.

Beyond its film and costume services, the studio houses the Rotherhithe Picture Research Library, a valuable resource for filmmakers and researchers alike. The library, along with the studio’s involvement in producing new projects, showcases its commitment to supporting the arts and preserving cultural heritage. With a calendar full of events, live music sessions, and screenings, Sands Films Studio is a vibrant center for creativity and community engagement, making it a standout choice for inclusion in our directory.

+442085313456

5. Jungle Army Surplus

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4,4/5

Unit 5, Jungle House, Forest Trading Estate, Priestley Way, E17 6AL, London

Costume store
Collectibles store
Costume rental service
Army & navy surplus shop
Movie rental store
Theatrical costume supplier

Why we chose them

Jungle Army Surplus has been a staple in central London for over 40 years, offering a diverse range of army surplus, clothing, footwear, and accessories for men, women, and children. Specializing in genuine military goods from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, this company provides unique specialty extras that cater to a variety of needs. Known for its expertise in military costumes for film, TV, stage, and fancy dress, Jungle Army Surplus stands out as a go-to destination for those seeking authentic military gear and collectibles. With a strong presence on eBay, boasting 354K items sold and a 99.7% positive feedback score, their reputation for quality and reliability is well established.

The company offers an extensive array of services, including a costume store, collectibles store, costume rental service, army & navy surplus shop, movie rental store, and a theatrical costume supplier. Customers can explore a wide range of products, from vintage military items to modern gear, ensuring there is something for everyone. With a commitment to excellent customer service, Jungle Army Surplus has garnered praise for its fast delivery, accurate descriptions, and responsive communication, making it a trusted name in the industry. Their dedication to providing a positive shopping experience has earned them a loyal following and solidified their position as a leader in the military surplus and costume sector.

+442071936877

6. Costume Boutique

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5,0/5

Unit 26, 10 Acklam Rd, W10 5QZ, London

Costume rental service

Why we chose them

Costume Boutique offers an exclusive costume rental service strictly by appointment, providing a unique and personalized experience for their clients. Renowned for their stylish and inspiring garments, they cater to a diverse clientele including parties, stylists, costume designers, photographers, PR and event agencies, as well as production companies for commercials, TV, and theatre. The boutique is celebrated for its vast collection, featuring categories such as “Around the World,” “Bollywood & Belly Dance,” “Historical Men,” and “Historical Women,” among others. This treasure trove allows clients to mix and match costumes to their specifications, ensuring a perfect fit for any occasion.

Recognized by Time Out and Peerspace as one of London’s fanciest and best-loved fancy dress shops, the boutique provides both bespoke and ready-to-wear options. Their dedication to quality and creativity has made them a standout choice in the costume and fancy dress hire world. With a focus on offering a breath of fresh air, the boutique ensures a memorable experience for anyone looking to make a statement at their next event. The “FOR HIRE” menu showcases a glimpse of their offerings, inviting potential clients to explore endless possibilities for their costume needs.

FAQs

What types of costumes can I rent from a costume rental service in London?

Costume rental services in London typically offer a wide variety of costumes, including historical outfits, fantasy costumes, themed party wear, and theatrical attire. Many services also provide costumes for seasonal events like Halloween and Christmas.

What is the average cost of renting a costume in London?

In London, costume rental prices generally start from around €30 for basic costumes, with more elaborate or detailed costumes costing upwards of €100. Prices may vary based on the costume’s complexity and the rental period.

How long can I rent a costume for?

Most costume rental services in London offer flexible rental periods. You can typically rent a costume for a day, a weekend, or even longer. It's best to check with the service provider for specific duration options.

What should I consider when choosing a costume rental service?

When selecting a costume rental service, consider factors such as the variety and quality of costumes, fitting services, availability of accessories, rental period flexibility, pricing, and customer reviews.

Do costume rental services include accessories with the costumes?

Many costume rental services in London include essential accessories like hats, wigs, and props with the costume rental. However, it's advisable to confirm with the provider to ensure you have everything you need.

Can I book a costume rental online?

Yes, many costume rental services in London offer online booking, making it convenient to browse, select, and reserve costumes from the comfort of your home.

Are fitting services available when renting a costume?

Some costume rental services provide personalized fitting services to ensure the costume fits you perfectly. It's a good idea to check if this service is available, especially for more tailored costumes.

How can I ensure the quality of a costume rental service?

To ensure quality, read customer reviews and testimonials about the costume rental service. Reviews can provide insights into the condition of the costumes, customer service, and overall reliability.