Doyles Fancy Costumes has been kitting people for over 70 years, so they’ve had plenty of time to get things right. Of course, a lengthy tenure isn’t their biggest edge; as personal shoppers here, we’d say it’s variety.

Over 20 themed options are up for grabs. The list includes essentials (e.g. heroes, fairies, and monsters) and special occasion gear, such as those for Book Week and Oktoberfest.

Pricing is all over the place, though. Some buys, especially accessories, appear cheaper online than in-store.

That said, quality is rarely an issue. We’ve hardly ever encountered a poorly stitched or faded attire, probably since the store sells costumes from brands like Disney and DC.

The same goes for Doyles’ add-ons like makeup. From our experience, colours stay put for hours without feeling greasy.

However, they shut the shop on Sundays. That’s bad news if you need a last-minute buy on that day.

Friendly and Helpful

‘Great selection of costumes here. Staff are friendly and helpful as well. There’s also change rooms to try on before you buy!’

queen F, Google Review

Really Great Customer Service

‘We came here Thursday night looking for a Halloween mask for my 11 year old. What a great selection!!! But the reason I write this review is even though the store was quite busy, the staff were all so friendly and helpful! Such a great experience and my son can’t wait to come back to the shop. Really great customer service, selection and price. Thanks Doyles. Was very impressed.’

Rachel Boettcher, Google Review

Walk The Plank Costumes is another old-timer, with over 20 years in their resume. Stock-wise, the shop is also chock-a-block—wigs, novelty suits, character attire, you name it.

They get more kudos for having non-pushy, informative shopkeepers. Folks here know their stocks, which is fantastic since the sheer number of options can leave you baffled.

We like how they provide ideas, too. If you’re going for something more creative but have zero idea where to start, simply ask a salesperson or look for the owner, Jac, a confessed costume fanatic.

Now for the cherry on top, it’s their pricing. Compared to competitors, Walk The Plank has more budget-friendly options that don’t look fake. Just peep their Insta.

That said, the opening hours are a gamble. We’ve shown up before only to find the shop shut, despite what the website said.

Also, they’re only open from Thursdays to Saturdays—the shortest window on this list.

So Kind

‘I have been here twice, once to find a costume for myself and another to find a costume for my boyfriend. Each time i have visited their shop they have been beyond helpful and always go above and beyond with their service. The owner of the shop as well as her employees are so kind and respectful, I recommend this place wholeheartedly because they make everybody feel like an individual with the time they put aside to help everyone personally.’

jayde blogna, Google Review

Super Helpful

‘A really great costume shop, they had a wide range and reasonably priced compared to other shops. That staff was also super helpful’

Aaron Toth, Google Review

If we’re talking variety, Hurly Burly is up there. After all, they double as an alternative fashion shop.

By that, we mean their selection covers niche subcultures or styles. Think gothic, punk, and steampunk, with many plus-size options on offer.

On the costume front, they don’t skimp either. You have over 30 themes to mess around with, weaponry, inflatables, and jewellery included.

As for the catch, it’s the prices—Hurly Burly leans on the spenny side. Perth’s usual rates are kinder, although the good news is they drop discounts now and then, and the quality isn’t shabby.

Another hiccup is that we (and a few interviewees) have run into less-than-friendly staff not game for queries.

If that’s not a deal-breaker, they’re a good fit. Having a pick-up option via their Balcatta warehouse solidifies that case, particularly for those who’d rather dodge shipping fees.

Good Quality

‘The staff are alert and efficient. The range is impressive. Ladies can find corsets, good quality denim skirts and fairy-like skirts here. With the aid of a particularly helpful store assistant, I found a gorgeous golden chain top. I am traveling and I will return to the shop again before I depart. Highly recommended.’

Sitara Bee, Google Review

Such a Gem

‘had an amazing experience with the help of isabella

i wasn’t feeling too good about one of the events and i had isabella assist, help and recommend me to create this beautiful piece ahhh she was such a gem! <3′

victoria, Google Review

Leaving Party Town off this list would’ve earned us a right telling-off. For one, this Perth staple has thousands of costumes to rummage through, so chances are, you’ll find what you’re after.

Still, it’s their quality that stands out. Most of their stock is from well-known international brands, such as the UK’s Meri Meri.

Moreover, you can score AFL kits here, like team-based mohawk wigs and inflatables.

Plus, they have pet costumes and party rentals, which is convenient if you don’t want to jump to another store for your big bash.

Party Town’s prices are higher than your average Perth shop, though.

The hottest costumes, like outfits from Star Wars or Harry Potter, are also only available through online purchase, so you have to pay extra for delivery.

The silver lining here is that they mostly use eco-friendly materials and are open daily, unlike some names on this list. Sales are also occasionally offered.

Great Variety

‘What an incredibly well stocked store with great variety and beautiful service.

Sure glad that we searched the internet to find you.

Have already enjoyed wearing our two flamingo costumes and looking forward to using them ALL the time….maybe even to Bunnings too….love them 🏆’

Allan McAuliffe, Google Review

Beautiful Work

‘Party Town has a huge assortment of supplies for all of your party requirements.

Their true professionalism and a huge shout out to Pove Than-Wall for her beautiful work.

Delivery arrived when expected- thank-you for an awesome job.’

Gail Mannucci, Google Review

If longevity heavily influences your decisions, Lombard Party and Events is a wise pick. They’re the oldest biz here, first opening doors in 1969.

The shop also passes the variety level we’re after. Indoors, you’ll find loads of themed outfits and accessories (think wigs, props, and jewellery) alongside party bits like backdrops and red carpets.

When it comes to the drawbacks, it’s their helium balloons that take the most heat. Several customers have raised concerns over how fast the said accessories go flat, some even saying they deflate moments after exiting the store.

Lombard’s staff have received some backlash, too. A major concern is the sluggish service—word is customers often experience assistance delays here.

That aside, they’re a goldmine for deal-seekers. They drop prices by as much as 70% during clearance sales.

The sweeter part is that even their usual prices rarely stray far from Perth’s averages.

Customer Service is Fantastic

‘Tamika was absolutely amazing she was warm and friendly and went out of her way to deliver my order of balloons to my granddaughter on a very special occasion I highly recommend Lombard Cannington Tamika exceeded my expectations thank you Tamika for helping choose the most beautiful arrangement of balloons ….And making sure they got delivered on time and going the extra mile customer service is fantastic’

Michelle Mills, Google Review

They Were Sooo Good

‘There was a sign on the front door advising the eftpos facilities were down today. I came back after finding somewhere to get cash out and you could tell these beautiful ladies hadn’t had the best day. They were sooo good! The customer service was exceptional! I asked if they had any funny balloons, and oh my, they really produced the goods! Thank you so much ladies!!’

Danielle W, Google Review