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The 8 Best Shops for Last-Minute Bay to Breakers Costumes

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We know from The Bold Italic that hardly anyone runs Bay to Breakers sober, weather the intoxication comes form a substance or from the joy of being completely goofy. And you're running out of time if you want to join in on the costume craziness, but worry not. You know you're in pretty much the best city in the world to shop for a costume, right? San Franciscans love nothing if not adopting an alternate identity via glitter and spandex. We've compiled the eight best places to shop for your B2B garb, and we put them on a handy dandy map so you can find one close to your hood.—Robyn Hagan Cain


· Things You'll Never Hear San Franciscans Say [The Bold Italic]
· Bay to Breakers [Official Site]
· 800 Eager Shoppers Are in Line at the SF Opers Costume Sale [Racked SF] Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Costumes On Haight

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This place has quite possibly the most comprehensive selection of costumes in the city. Hats, accessories, full-fledged ensembles—this shop has it all, and the staff is super-helpful.

Mendels

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Another Haight-Ashbury gem, Mendel’s has fabrics, paints, crafting supplies, and costume implements for those who take a more DIY approach to costuming.

Cliff's Variety

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Located next to the Castro Theatre, Cliff’s Variety has been a Castro constant for more than 75 years. If there’s an event that requires a costume in this city (which there always is), Cliff’s can help you get ready.

Fantastico

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Wigs galore, costumes, and way more. There’s limited parking in front of the SoMA party store, so consider one of the nearby pay lots.

Retro Fit Vintage

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If you’re digging a retro vibe for your running attire, consider this Mission-based shop for all of your B2B garb. Just keep in mind that this is vintage clothing; you’ll have to sort through racks to find your race-day look (which can also be part of the fun).

826 Valencia

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So you want to be a pirate for a day? How could you not shop at “San Francisco’s only independent pirate supply store:" Bonus: All proceeds from the shop benefit 826 Valencia, a non-profit organization that helps students with their writing skills.

Fantasy Clothing

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Hats and masks, props and wigs, sales and rentals—they've got it all. After serving the Marin County’s costume needs for almost 30 years, Lisa and Ginny Schoelen moved their costume superstore across the bridge to San Francisco. If you have a costume idea, they can help you make it a reality.

Party City

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Okay, this is a big box party store. But it’s an incredible big box party store. And it’s open until 8pm on Saturdays, which means it’s your best bet if you're a procrastinator. The costume selection peaks at Halloween, but there’s a reliable assortment of antennae, wigs, and other accoutrements year-round.

Costumes On Haight

This place has quite possibly the most comprehensive selection of costumes in the city. Hats, accessories, full-fledged ensembles—this shop has it all, and the staff is super-helpful.

Mendels

Another Haight-Ashbury gem, Mendel’s has fabrics, paints, crafting supplies, and costume implements for those who take a more DIY approach to costuming.

Cliff's Variety

Located next to the Castro Theatre, Cliff’s Variety has been a Castro constant for more than 75 years. If there’s an event that requires a costume in this city (which there always is), Cliff’s can help you get ready.

Fantastico

Wigs galore, costumes, and way more. There’s limited parking in front of the SoMA party store, so consider one of the nearby pay lots.

Retro Fit Vintage

If you’re digging a retro vibe for your running attire, consider this Mission-based shop for all of your B2B garb. Just keep in mind that this is vintage clothing; you’ll have to sort through racks to find your race-day look (which can also be part of the fun).

826 Valencia

So you want to be a pirate for a day? How could you not shop at “San Francisco’s only independent pirate supply store:" Bonus: All proceeds from the shop benefit 826 Valencia, a non-profit organization that helps students with their writing skills.

Fantasy Clothing

Hats and masks, props and wigs, sales and rentals—they've got it all. After serving the Marin County’s costume needs for almost 30 years, Lisa and Ginny Schoelen moved their costume superstore across the bridge to San Francisco. If you have a costume idea, they can help you make it a reality.

Party City

Okay, this is a big box party store. But it’s an incredible big box party store. And it’s open until 8pm on Saturdays, which means it’s your best bet if you're a procrastinator. The costume selection peaks at Halloween, but there’s a reliable assortment of antennae, wigs, and other accoutrements year-round.