5 Prohibition Party Costumes

Last Updated on November 6, 2023 by Canny Costumes

What better way to celebrate prohibition and the end of prohibition, than a Prohibition Party! Whether you do it on January 17 (the start of prohibition) or December 5 (the end) or anywhere in-between, this is a fun way to have a Roaring 20s party. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most popular prohibition party costume ideas.

1. Gangster Costume

One of the most well-known costumes from the Prohibition era is the gangster costume. This costume is inspired by the gangsters of the 1920s like Al Capone. To make a gangster costume, you will need a pinstripe suit, a fedora hat, and suspenders. You could also add a toy tommy gun or a fake cigar as a prop.

2. Flapper Costume

The flapper costume is also a popular choice. The style was popularized in the roaring 1920s and was characterized by short, fringed dresses, feather boas, and cloche hats. You could also add fishnet stockings and high heels to complete the 20s look.

3. Temperance Activist Costume

Temperance activists were in favor of prohibition and were dedicated to promoting the strict regulation of alcohol and were instrumental in the passage of the 18th Amendment. To create this costume, you will need a long dress, a high-neck blouse, and a straw hat. Add a sash or pin that reads “Votes for Women” to show your support for the women’s suffrage movement.

4. Police Officer Costume

Police officers played an important role in enforcing Prohibition laws. Dressing up as a police officer is a great option for people who want to pay tribute to the law enforcement officials of the era. To make this costume, you will need a navy blue uniform with brass buttons and a police hat. Grab a baton or handcuffs as props.

5. Bootlegger Costume

Bootleggers were notorious for their involvement in the illegal alcohol trade. Dressing up as a bootlegger is a way to pay homage to this aspect of Prohibition history. To create this costume, you will need a denim shirt, a leather jacket, and a fedora hat. Bring a flask or a bottle of fake moonshine as a prop.

But what’s a Prohibition party without some tasty treats? If you’re aiming to add a touch of vintage charm to your event, don’t miss our Halloween Frosted Sugar Cookies recipe.

Bonus: Prohibition Party Favors

1. Miniature bottles of alcohol: While alcohol was illegal during Prohibition, you can give your guests miniature bottles of alcohol as a fun nod to the era. Look for small bottles of whiskey or gin and wrap them in brown paper or burlap for a vintage look.
   
2. Flapper headbands: Flapper headbands were a popular accessory during the Roaring 20s, and they make great party favors. Look for headbands with feathers, sequins, or beads and give one to each of your guests.
   
3. Gangster hats: Gangsters were a common sight during Prohibition, and you can give your guests a taste of the era by handing out gangster hats. Look for fedoras in classic colors like black, gray, or brown.
   
4. Vintage glassware: Serve your drinks in vintage glassware, and then give the glasses to your guests as party favors. Look for glasses with etched designs or Art Deco-inspired patterns.
   
5. Chocolate cigars: Cigars were a popular accessory among gangsters during Prohibition, and you can give your guests a sweet version with chocolate cigars. Look for cigars made from high-quality chocolate and wrap them in brown paper or burlap.
   
6. Monogrammed flasks: Flasks were a common accessory during Prohibition, and you can give your guests a personalized version with monogrammed flasks. Look for stainless steel flasks and have them engraved with each guest’s initials.
   

Conclusion

The Prohibition era was a time of great cultural change in the USA, and dressing up in costumes is a great way to pay tribute to this era. Whether you choose to dress up as a gangster, a flapper, a temperance activist, a police officer, or a bootlegger, there are many great costume ideas to choose from. This can even be made into a group costume, grab 5 friends and each go as a different one!

Get creative and have fun with your costume, and don’t forget to add accessories to really bring your costume to life. You can transport yourself and your fellow party-goers back in time to the Prohibition era and experience the excitement and intrigue of this fascinating period in American history.

When Did Prohibition End?

Prohibition officially ended on December 5, 1933, with the ratification of the 21st Amendment to the US Constitution.

How Long Did Prohibition Last in America?

Prohibition in America lasted for 13 years — January 17, 1920, to December 5, 1933.

What Was a Major Reason for Ending Prohibition?

There were several reasons for ending Prohibition, but a big reason was that the law had failed to stop the consumption of alcohol and had instead led to the rise of organized crime and increased violence. Also, the Great Depression had created a need for revenue, and legalizing alcohol would provide a source of income for the government.

Who Ended the Prohibition?

Prohibition was officially ended by the 21st Amendment to the United States Constitution, which was ratified on December 5, 1933. The amendment was proposed by Congress and ratified by the requisite number of states, ending the era of Prohibition in the United States.

Could You Drink Liquor in the United States During Prohibition?

It was illegal to make, transport, and sell alcohol in the United States during Prohibition, but technically, it was not illegal to drink it.

However, the Volstead Act, which enforced Prohibition, made it very difficult for people to get alcohol, as it made it a crime to have any beverage containing more than 0.5% alcohol. As a result, people resorted to illegally producing their own alcohol or purchasing it from bootleggers.