Mass production versus custom

So just finished helping out a friend with her school's spring show and this topic came to mind as I watched one of the girls, who was playing a lead character, put on her "big" costume for the finale.  First of all let me clarify that I am not a costume "snob", nor do I think myself an expert in all things related to costuming, but I will admit to cringing every time I saw the dress.

I realize that not everyone can afford nor wants to put forth the effort to make their own costumes for such things as plays or Halloween, but I guess I have come farther in my costuming than I ever imagined.  There was a time when I would have settled for something that I could find online or in a costume store, but now my views have changed for several reasons and I am going to list them out here. 

First of all, the costumes that you buy in the store are usually "one size fits most" or sized in a "s,m,l" sizes.  Neither of which gives you a good fit or are very flattering for every figure.

Secondly, the fabric is VERY cheap.  It tends to ravel and rip very easily.  It is fabric that is not make to give any sort of shape or fit to your body.  It is flimsy and saggy and really over all uncomfortable. 

Thirdly, and most frustrating, because of the quality that goes into it, you get what you pay for.  For example, a couple of months ago, I purchased a costume for my daughter that she really wanted for an event, and I was doing so many costumes for a show, that I did not have time to make her the one that she wanted.  When she tried it on, I noticed right away that it was literally coming apart at the seams.  I had to repair the costume before she could even where.  I was frustrated because I had spent $30 on a costume and expected it to be a good costume. NOT!!!! I found that you get what you pay for.

Also, many times it does not look as good as the original.

I know that most of this is likely not a surprise to you, but I have found that making custom costumes, while it is more expensive, is also very rewarding. 
 Despite what people may think, FIT is important and can make or break a good costume.  If costume is unflattering on you, leave it to your costume designer to find a way to help you have the costume you have always wanted in a fit that will make you feel like the belle of the ball.

Secondly, if you are just wanting something that looks like a costume, then by all means, go for the costume with the cheapest price tag, but if you want to look amazing, a little extra time and money can go a long way and if you have a costume designer that shops around, they will try to find the best fabric at the best price.  This helps to keep your costume budget down, while still providing you with something that is a better quality fabric and a good and flattering fit to your body.

So next time you are doing something that involves a costume, consider all this and decide what is the most important for you and proceed from there.