Spirit Halloween has been watching what fans stream, play, wear, and obsess over all year. Now, the seasonal retailer is putting its bets on the costumes poised to own Halloween 2026.
The company released its annual costume trend forecast, pulling from entertainment, gaming, social media, nostalgia, and fashion to identify the looks it expects shoppers to chase as Oct. 31 approaches.
“People often ask how we predict Halloween trends. The reality is we’re watching them develop all year long,” said Kym Sarkos, Executive Vice President of Spirit Halloween. “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.”
As with the toy industry, licensed entertainment remains a major driver. Spirit expects KPop Demon Hunters to carry its momentum into another Halloween, while Toy Story gets a family-costume boost with Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and Slinky Dog. Superheroes are also back in force, with Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Power Rangers feeding demand for suits, masks, capes, and coordinated looks for kids, adults, and pets.
Gaming is getting its own power-up. New costumes inspired by Fortnite and Halo sit alongside a broader fantasy push fueled by dragons, adventurers, armor, cloaks, and mythology-inspired looks. Spirit even points to Dungeon Crawler Carl as evidence that fantasy fandom is getting stranger — and more specific.
Outside of entertainment licensing, the retailer sees varsity jackets and collegiate styling gaining ground, alongside Y2K-inspired fashion, oversized novelty costumes, inflatable looks, and mascot heads designed for maximum social media impact.
Horror, naturally, remains firmly in the mix. Spirit is forecasting continued demand for slashers, internet-born scares, and newer horror properties, while its year-round apparel business gives dedicated fans another way to keep spooky season going after Halloween ends.
