Still don’t have anything to wear to your costume party? Time may be running out, but don’t worry. As your window for a DIY disguise narrows, maybe it’s time to consider some (only somewhat more expensive) alternatives. There are quite a few shops around Berlin dedicated to either renting out or selling costumes; we’ve rounded up 11 of the best.
Schnick Dee
Looking for a historical costume? Schnick Dee has you covered. This Schöneberg shop specialises in costumes from times gone by, be it the Rococo era or the Roaring Twenties. Or, live out a fictional fantasy with their large collection of holiday, fairy tale and film character outfits. Though they mainly do rentals, word on the street is that you can also purchase costumes if you like. They’ll even help you document your new getup – just ask about their photoshoot packages before you go to try on.
- Schnick Dee, Gotenstr. 73, Schöneberg, details.
Clothingland
The Berlin-based company Clothingland is a true jack-of-all-trades. Across their locations in Steglitz and Neukölln you can find it all – classic costumes, Star Wars costumes, vampire and pirate costumes, children’s costumes, you name it. Get everything you need for your transformation – including accessories – for a reasonable price.
- Clothingland, Donaustr. 51, Neukölln, and Kieler Str. 4, Steglitz, details.
Dekolager
This little shop in Schöneberg is a good place for all fancy dress events. Dekolager will have all the spooky paraphernalia you could ever want, as well as tons of balloons, pinãtas, face paints and so on.
- Dekolager, Yorckstr. 43, Schöneberg, details.
Deiters
If you’re looking for a costume in Berlin, Deiters is angling to be your number one pick. Their over 2,000-square-metre showroom at Alexanderplatz has a massive array of costumes, accessories and party decorations. They try to make your shopping experience as easy as possible, too, by organising all their items by theme.
- Deiters, Rathausstr. 5, Mitte, details.
Zauberkönig
Add a dash of veracity to your witch costume with a stop at the Zauberkönig. This traditional magic shop in the thick of Neukölln has been operational since 1884 – that’s right, since imperial times – and offers goods for amateur and professional magicians alike. Although they mainly sell items for illusions, they have a small selection of masks and costumes for sale, too.
- Zauberkönig, Herrfurthstr. 6A, Neukölln, details.
Wildberlin
Turns out there’s a time machine at Südstern. Transport yourself back to the disco era or a bygone dynasty at Wildberlin, Kreuzberg’s most extensive costume emporium. Schedule yourself an appointment for a consultation and fitting, and find the perfect ensemble for your upcoming costume party.
- Wildberlin, Blücherstr. 37A, Kreuzberg, details.
Maskworld
Though many costume shops succumbed to the customer shortage during COVID, Maskworld has managed not only to survive, but to thrive. This costume manufacturer, founded in 1999, now leads the German market for both costumes and masks. Many of their materials are even sourced locally from an in-house leather and latex factory based in Schöneweide.
Check out their website for some inspiration, but beware that not all online offerings are available in-shop. If you have something specific in mind, it might be worth a call ahead to make sure.
- Maskworld, Oranienburger Str. 86a, Mitte, details.
Deko Behrendt
After a brief COVID-related scare, the legendary party supply store Deko Behrendt is back with gusto at Potsdamer Platz. No matter what kind of party you’re planning, Deko Behrendt will have what you’re looking for – 80s jazzercise tracksuits, vampire fangs, T-rex piñatas or sparkly pink napkins for your aunt’s 60th, to name a few.
- Deko Behrendt, Alte Potsdamer Str. 7, Mitte, details.
Party Bee
For costumes of a kinkier persuasion, make an appointment for a fitting at Prenzlauer Berg’s Party Bee. This eccentric shop stocks leather harnesses, rave outfits, kinkwear and loads of glitter.
- Party Bee, Danziger Str. 6, Prenzlauer Berg, details.
Le Boudoir
Prohibition-era speakeasies may be relics of the past, but Le Boudoir is still trying to keep the party alive. In homage to 1920s nightlife, this costume rental boutique lets you stock up on fringed dresses, feathered headpieces, ascots and suspenders to your heart’s content. You’ll feel just like a silly socialite on a postwar shopping spree!
- Le Boudoir, Wühlischstr. 19, Friedrichshain, details.
Wardrobe Smokingverleih
Embrace your inner 007 at Mariendorf’s Wardrobe Smokingverleih (“tuxedo rental”). They offer the full gamut of fancy menswear and will have you dressed to the nines for all of your upcoming galas, weddings or – if you’re willing to dig a bit deeper into your pockets – costume parties. Make sure to schedule an appointment ahead if you want to take advantage of their selection.
- Wardrobe Smokingverleih, Großbeerenstr. 71, Mariendorf, details.
This article was adapted from the German by Alexandra Ertman.
