Each and every year, Halloween gets bigger and bigger, with folk going all out to both scare and impress with their costumes. But whether your aim is to frighten, make people laugh or look your sexy best, if you’re not careful, the end result can risk being a trick rather than a treat for onlookers. We’ve compiled our list of some of the worst Halloween costumes of all time you simply must steer clear of at all costs!

1. Mental patient

Offending people in their drones isn’t cool – as Tesco, Amazon and Asda found out to their detriment last year, following their online selling of costumes supposedly depicting mental health and what they referred to as “psycho ward” patients. Public outrage ensued and the products were withdrawn from sale, but the damage was already done. So while you may be going for the shock factor with your outfit, be smart and make sure it’s not offensive.

2. Ebola containment suit

Yes, you read it right. 2014’s costume takes its inspiration from one of the most worrying viruses to threaten mankind. Following on from last year’s Halloween costume faux pas, this looks set to be extremely popular, but certainly NOT funny. The ultimate in bad taste, don’t jump on the bandwagon with this one.

3. Borat mankini

Well this one is bound to get people laughing out loud…if you rewind the clock about five years! Lads, it’s time to retire your green lycra one piece to the back of your wardrobe or, better yet, the bin, as this outfit is old news. It’s time to be a bit more original.

4. Spudnik

OK, so while you should be aiming for something a bit more unusual, make sure it is clear to people what it is. Remember Ross’ fancy dress costume in friends? “You know that Russian satellite Sputnik?” he asks. “Well, I’m a potato which is a spud and I have my antennas.” Of course no one is able to guess he’s ‘Spudnik’, instead saying he’s come dressed as ‘doody’. Learn the lesson – obscure is good, undecipherable is not so good.

5. Onesie

Impressing at Halloween requires time and effort. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just some imagination and maybe a bit of handiwork. So don’t be lazy and dig out your frog/monkey/bear onesie. Yes it’s easy, yes it’s comfortable, and yes it’s a solution for the party you got invited to at short notice, but no it’s not going to win you any competitions.