Since Halloween costumes are only meant to be worn for a few hours once a year, most of what you will find in the typical department store won’t last for very long. That may be fine if you only intend to dress up in that outfit one time. But if you want a costume that you can use as your trademark every year, you’ll need to find something that is better made than what is typical.

Low quality Halloween costumes will usually be made of very thin material and the closest thing you’ll get to a closure or fastening is a stitch of Velcro or a tie. This material can tear easily and has a tendency for the seams to separate, sometimes even before you get a chance to wear it at all. While they may only cost $10 or $20, you won’t be able to get very much use from it.

High quality Halloween costumes will be made from heavier material with tight stitching. Some very high end costumes may have zippers or buttons that makes it easier for you to get the thing on in the first place and keep it on once it’s there. High quality costumes should be constructed comparable to regular clothing, not thrown together haphazardly.

Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Investing a couple of hundred dollars in a high quality costume may seem extravagant, but if you’ll be wearing it for the next 10 or 15 years it is well worth the cost.