Updated: Dec. 22, 2020 | Originally Published: Oct. 24, 2014
As a parent of a four-year-old superhero enthusiast, I’ve found myself navigating the world of Halloween costumes. Not particularly crafty, I usually rely on store-bought options, so I hopped onto Amazon to explore what’s available for young children across various superhero themes. One of my main concerns is the weather for trick-or-treating; I want to keep my son warm without compromising his costume’s look. So, I began searching for options that would allow him to wear long underwear underneath.
For boys, there are numerous choices: Batman and Superman costumes come with long pants, padded chests, and even helmets. These options let them enjoy Halloween while staying fully covered. However, I quickly noticed that girls have, quite literally, fewer options when it comes to warm, full-coverage costumes. For instance, the boy’s Batman costume is quite robust, while the girl’s version is a stark contrast.
When considering Superman, the costume for boys is also fully covered, but the girls’ Supergirl and Wonder Woman options are often designed to be more revealing. And if my son wanted to be the Green Lantern, he would find a well-covered costume, while the girl’s version is much less practical.
If you’re hoping for your daughter to embody a superhero this Halloween, you’ll find that female superheroes are often underrepresented. The available costumes tend to lean towards the skimpy side, reflecting a trend where boys dress as powerful characters while girls are often relegated to outfits that prioritize cuteness—often equating to sexiness. For example, both Captain America and Robin have significantly different designs for boys versus girls, as do Spiderman and other popular characters.
It’s a curious pattern: we encourage boys to express their power through play, while girls are nudged to look adorable, even if it means shivering in short skirts and high boots. This disparity sends a message about how we view fun and femininity.
As for my son, he’s chosen to be Weed Whacker Man—an inventive superhero that sounds like he could belong in a Carl Hiaasen novel. Fortunately, Weed Whacker Man’s costume primarily consists of his own warm clothes.
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In summary, while boys have a wealth of warm superhero options, girls are often left with costumes that prioritize style over comfort. This Halloween, let’s consider how we can encourage our daughters to embrace their superhero potential without sacrificing warmth or comfort.