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The Best Car Costume

Last updated on October 5, 2023

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Choosing a costume for a young child can be tricky. Parents have to consider their children’s interests, costume size, cost, weather when the costume will be worn and the ease of getting the outfit on and off. A car costume is a winning choice that can align with many different TV and video game interests and works well at a range of temperatures.

Start by checking the size of the outfit you’re considering, and be sure that you’re comparing it against the clothes your kid typically wears. Costumes may be sized differently than regular kids’ clothes, so take care to get the right one for your kid’s measurements.

You’ll also want to check how the costume goes on and stays on. A wiggly kid may need Velcro and zip closures to keep them in the outfit for a prolonged period, while a child prone to tiring out will need something very lightweight or easy to remove. If your little one is old enough to do most of their own walking for trick-or-treat or the event the costume is being purchased for, make sure that their outfit is easy to walk in.

Car costumes offers lots of options, from Paw Patrol to the “Cars” franchise, but keep an eye on the weather forecast. If the car costume itself isn’t warm enough, it’s easy to add layers underneath the tunic or jumpsuit to ensure your child stays toasty warm at parties or while outdoors.

Our Picks For The Top Car Costumes

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Best Overall

Disguise Super Mario Bros. Peach Kart Child Car Costume

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Disguise

Super Mario Bros. Peach Kart Child Car Costume

No matter how hard your child plays, this car costume will hold up under the pressure. It's made using edge stitching throughout to help it retain its 3-D shape. The bright pink, yellow and orange colors also make the costume attractive to younger children.

Overall Take

3-D Foam OverlayA set of adjustable suspenders keep this car costume comfortably in place while your child plays.

 For Big Kids

Hauntlook One-Size Car Costume

Hauntlook

One-Size Car Costume

This car costume is best used by older children and adults, as it comes in just one size. The costume slips on as easily as a shirt and features both a decorated front and back. You'll need to pair the costume with a set of black or red pants.

Overall Take

One-Size Fits MostIf you're looking for a unisex car costume, this red automobile is an excellent choice.

 Paw Patrol Pick

Rubie’s Paw Patrol Chase 3D Child Car Costume

Rubie's

Paw Patrol Chase 3D Child Car Costume

Lead the way (but watch out for feathers!) with this car costume. The costume includes a 3D tunic as well as a police hat complete with German shepherd ears. Made of polyester, this costume comes in toddler size or a kids’ small.

Overall Take

Heroics in Adventure BayIf your child loves popular cartoon characters, thrill them with this outfit that looks like a famous car.

 Lightning McQueen Pick

Disguise Lightning McQueen 3D Toddler Car Costume

Disguise

Lightning McQueen 3D Toddler Car Costume

Dress up your toddler in this flashy red car costume. This costume fits most toddlers (up to size 6), and the suspenders make it easy to slip on over the child’s head. Made of lightweight polyester, it won’t weigh your child down.

Overall Take

Win Races and Have FunEncourage your child's imaginative play with this adorable car costume.

What to Look For

  • Shop early so you don’t miss out on popular costumes if you’re buying for a holiday like Halloween. Buying for another event at the same time of year? It’s still a good idea to buy early to beat the rush.
  • If the foam in a costume looks tired after multiple uses, cut an unobtrusive hole and top up with additional pillow stuffing to revitalize and use again in the future.
  • Include safety gear for nighttime trick-or-treating: A reflective wristband or pair of flashlights can only enhance an already-great car costume.
  • Car costumes make great adaptive outfits for children who need them.

More to Explore

Before the advent of movie theaters, costumes tended to be designed to frighten those nearby. In the second half of the 20th century, however, companies like Halco and Ben Cooper began marketing costumes of popular fictional characters like Mickey Mouse and Wonder Woman. These became popular for Halloween and at other times of the year.

More to explore