Spirit Halloween reveals top costume trends for 2026

With Halloween creeping up fast, Spirit Halloween is offering up some inspiration for anyone still without a costume.

In an Oct. 1 trend report, the Egg Harbor Township-based specialty retailer highlighted which getups are poised to take over spooky season this year.

According to Spirit Halloween, consumers are especially interested in dressing like characters from Amazon Prime’s “Off Campus,” Pixar’s “Toy Story 5” and Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters.” Iconic superheroes like Spider-Man and Power Rangers remain popular, the company said.

Spirit Halloween is also leaning into mythology and high fantasy, with Greek-inspired armor, cloaks, dragon-themed accessories and rogue adventurer looks.

“Pure, unfiltered terror never goes out of style. The horror renaissance is in full swing, uniting viral internet horrors, blood-curdling new-school cinema, and relentless slashers under one roof,” the retailer noted.

Other trends include outfits based on popular video games, such as Fortnite and Halo. Oversized inflatables, giant mascot heads and novelty costumes are expected to bring a more playful, meme-friendly element to the upcoming holiday, too, the chain reported.

No crystal ball necessary

Spirit Halloween Executive Vice President Kym Sarkos shared, “People often ask how we predict Halloween trends. The reality is we’re watching them develop all year long.”

“From blockbuster entertainment and gaming to social media and nostalgia, our team is constantly tracking what’s capturing attention so we can be ready with the looks fans want most,” she said.

Considered the go-to place for costumes, props, accessories and decorations, Spirit Halloween opened a record-breaking 1,575 stores this season. Besides temporary shops, the Spencer Spirit Holdings Inc.-owned chain sells merchandise all year through its website.

Once viewed as primarily a holiday for kids, Halloween has become a major retail driver with consumers spending billions annually on costumes, candy, decorations and parties. Retailers also bring out Halloween merchandise months before Oct. 31 due to increasing interest in the holiday.

People often ask how we predict Halloween trends. The reality is we’re watching them develop all year long. From blockbuster entertainment and gaming to social media and nostalgia, our team is constantly tracking what’s capturing attention …
— Kym Sarkos, executive vice president, Spirit Halloween

According to the National Retail Federation, Americans are projected to shell out an estimated $13.5 billion on Halloween in 2026. That’s up from $13.1 billion last year, the NRF said.

While consumers are expected to spend an average of $115.14 per person, they remain mindful of costs and are taking a strategic approach to Halloween purchases, the retail trade group said.

If shoppers encounter higher-than-expected prices on Halloween items, 31% say they will shop around and 26% say they’ll search for sales or coupons. Another 34% plan to look for items they can reuse in future years or repurpose for other occasions or settings, according to the organization.

This year’s spending breakdown, per NRF:

• Costumes: $4.4 billion 71% plan to buy
• Decorations: $4.3 billion 78% plan to buy
• Candy: $4.1 billion 96% plan to buy
• Greeting cards: $800 million 42% plan to buy

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