Summer is an increasingly important season for fancy dress retailers. Garden parties, BBQs, outdoor cinema nights, festival weekends, and themed summer events all create demand for costumes and accessories from May through September. Smart retailers are now treating summer as a major fancy dress season in its own right, not just a quiet gap between World Book Day and Halloween.
Summer as a Growing Fancy Dress Market
The UK's love of themed events has turned summer into a genuine fancy dress season. Social media drives this trend — people want Instagram-worthy outfits for garden parties and outdoor events. The casualness of summer gatherings also makes fancy dress more accessible, as guests are more willing to dress up for a relaxed BBQ than they might be for a formal event.
Garden Party Themes That Sell
Hawaiian and Tropical
Hawaiian shirts, grass skirts, lei garlands, and tropical flower accessories are the number one summer fancy dress theme. They are affordable, easy to wear, and work for every age group. Stock a range of Hawaiian accessories and watch them fly out from June onwards.
1970s and Disco
Seventies themed garden parties are hugely popular. Flares, afro wigs, disco accessories, and peace sign props sell well. This theme crosses over with indoor fancy dress events too, giving it year-round appeal.
Festival and Boho
Flower crowns, round sunglasses, fringe accessories, and colourful wraps suit both actual festivals and festival-themed garden parties. The boho look appeals particularly to hen parties that combine outdoor activities with themed dressing up.
Around the World
World-themed garden parties where each guest dresses as a different country are a growing trend. Stock flags, themed hats, and cultural accessories to cater for this popular party format.
Outdoor Event Accessories
For outdoor events, lightweight and comfortable accessories outperform full costumes. Focus your summer stock on:
- Novelty sunglasses — Themed, oversized, and character sunglasses are perfect summer impulse buys
- Inflatable accessories — Inflatable flamingos, palm trees, and boom boxes add fun without the heat
- Temporary tattoos and face paint — Waterproof options for outdoor and poolside events
- Hats and headwear — Novelty hats that provide sun shade are practical and fun
- Leis and garlands — Low-cost, high-margin accessories that sell in bulk
BBQ and Summer Party Props
Themed BBQ events drive demand for specific props and accessories:
- Novelty aprons — Funny and themed aprons for the BBQ host
- Inflatable decorations — Flamingos, palm trees, and cacti set the scene
- Photo booth props — Summer-themed selfie props for social media sharing
- Themed tableware — Paper plates, cups, and napkins in matching themes
Cross-Selling with Festival Wear
Summer fancy dress overlaps significantly with the festival market. Customers buying garden party accessories are often the same people attending festivals, meaning you can cross-promote neon accessories, glitter, tutus, and coloured wigs alongside your summer party stock. Our wholesale wigs in bright colours sell equally well for garden parties and festival weekends.
Stock Up for Summer
Browse our range of wholesale summer costumes, party accessories, and wigs to build your summer stock. Wicked Nights offers same-day dispatch on orders before 2pm, so you can respond quickly to unexpected heatwave demand.
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