About Mad World

Mad World Fancy Dress began in 1971 in a small retail outlet near Gatwick Airport.

As someone who loved parties, I found it surprisingly difficult to hire original, fun costumes that were clean, well maintained and of a high standard. So I decided to do something about it.

A dream was born, and over 55 years later, that dream is still going strong.

Over the years, Mad World has grown thanks to our incredible range of costumes, our commitment to quality and, most importantly, the dedication of our fantastic team.

We later opened our London store near Old Street and have built a collection of more than 35,000 costumes, offering an extraordinary choice for parties, events, productions and special occasions.

Throughout our history, we have continued to introduce new ideas and develop our services, while keeping the principles on which Mad World was founded: great costumes, excellent choice and personal service.

Our customers are as diverse as our costumes, from royalty and celebrities to businesses, productions and people simply looking to make their next party unforgettable.

After more than five decades, we still love helping people find the perfect costume.

Come and visit Mad World and discover the collection for yourself. We don't think you'll be disappointed.

April Smart