The 5 Best Costume Rental Companies in San Francisco

On the search for the top costume rental companies in San Francisco? As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals for productions and events, we at Peerspace work with the best in the business all the time. We know that like the perfect venue, the perfect costume can make or break an event. Whether you’re filming an indie short film or a commercial photoshoot, finding the right costume design for your idea is essential to conveying your themes to your audience. In fact, the right costume can be the difference between a professional-looking shoot and a ragtag affair.

Unfortunately, some of the greatest costume shops have closed since the pandemic. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some amazing costume rental shops out there! So, where to start? Consult this list or the Peerspace Concierge service. Our Concierge team can source and deliver whatever costume and accessories you need and deliver them to your venue. It’s the easiest way to get everything you need from one platform! Choosing the best costume rental company can be a challenge, but we’ve done the work for you. Here are the 5 best costume rental companies in San Francisco.

1. Piedmont Boutique

Nestled in the midst of Haight Street, this proven costume rental studio has been at the heart of professional San Francisco costume design since the early 1970s. Due to COVID-19 precautions, customers will need to book an in-store appointment ahead of time. But once you’re in, the fun really starts. From performance makeup to custom wigs, this shop has everything a designer could desire for a project. With professional-quality running through every thread, Piedmont Boutique will be a one-stop costume shop for aspiring and established designers.

But, this shop serves more than just the industry. Casual party-goers will find wigs, masks, cool sunglasses, and everything in-between for masquerade balls and theme parties.

2. Cliff’s Variety

As its name implies, Cliff’s Variety is a variety store. But trust us, when it comes to costumes for casual events, like parties and Halloween, they’re one of the city’s finest options. Head here when you want to peruse fun costumes and accessories and maybe pick up everything else you need for your party or production.

Located on Castro Street, the store is in the heart of San Francisco and has been in operation since the 1930s. So yeah, definitely a San Francisco institution! And certainly the type of costume store and variety shop you can feel great about supporting.

3. Fantasy Clothing

Another costume shop putting the community and personal health first, Fantasy Clothing Co. is still open online and continues to be one of the most highly-reviewed costume companies in the Bay Area. This shop puts customer service at the top of the priority heap, and it shows in excellent reviews and returning, loyal clientele who keep Fantasy on the lips of all the best production talent in San Francisco.

Fantasy provides the best costumes for Halloween, masquerades, holidays, and any dress-up occasion. It has become the costume hub of the people, a down-to-earth alternative to the studio-level design shops that cater more to film. This costume shop has depth, friendly staff, and just about every costume imaginable.

4. Decades of Fashion

When it’s period costumes you want, Decades of Fashion has your back. Boasting its own feel and vibe is what sets it apart as a costume rental studio. From seasoned, experienced associates to a vast array of costumes on offer, this shop on Haight Street specializes in period costumes from the 1880s to the 1980s.

Decades of Fashion also boasts a robust exchange program, buying vintage clothing and costumes from the 1920s and ’30s and incorporating it into their shop. Owner Cicely Hansen has collected vintage pieces for decades. And it’s her passion that drives the shop to provide unforgettable pieces to partygoers and thespians alike.

5. One Stop Party Shop

With a massive storefront bursting with all things party, One Stop Party Shop is certainly the most comprehensive costume rental space on our list. More than a costume rental studio, One Stop Party Shop doubles as a party supply store and your perfect spot for exceptional holiday decorations. Still, the heart of One Stop Party Shop lies in its excess of costumes on offer.

Located on Church Street, the shop has been a staple for costume designers and party-goers alike for over a decade. A comprehensive party store, it is more geared toward individuals and indie filmmakers than big-budget production studios, but that hasn’t stopped anyone from finding the perfect costume and accessories for their needs in the past.

Bonus: Cynthia’s Treasure Chest

Considered the best-kept secret in San Francisco, Cynthia’s Treasure Chest is a costume rental shop that has been in operation for over two decades now. They not only have tons of incredible costume rentals, but the shop also is an event planner of sorts, helping you throw children’s parties that are as enlightening as they are fun for your little one.

Though customers cannot physically shop at Cynthia’s, you can contact them to let them know what you’re looking for. They will send you photos of their inventory and when you choose your perfect costume, they will deliver it to you.

Costume rental companies in San Francisco: conclusion

San Francisco is an amazing city that seemingly evolves constantly. And yet, there are some costume rentals companies that have been in business for decades and will hopefully stay in business decades more.

Whether you’re planning a party or a production, remember to check out Peerspace for your venue needs. And if you can’t seem to find exactly what you need from your local costume rental company, contact the Concierge service. They make it their mission to source and deliver any extras you need for your production or event. They’ll likely source from one of these top costume rental companies in San Francisco, saving you the time and trouble of seeing who’s open and instead arrange it for you. You have other things to do — like planning the incredible adventure that has led you to look for costume rentals in the first place!

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