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Spirit Halloween has released its annual forecast of costume trends it expects to shape Halloween 2026. The retailer points to licensed entertainment including KPop Demon Hunters, Toy Story, Spider-Man and Power Rangers, as well as gaming, fantasy, horror and fashion-led looks; the forecast is the company’s outlook, not confirmed sales data.

Spirit Halloween has released its annual costume trend forecast, naming entertainment franchises, gaming, fantasy, horror and fashion styles it expects to influence shoppers ahead of Halloween 2026. The seasonal retailer says its predictions draw on trends it tracks across streaming, games, social media and nostalgia, but the list is a forecast rather than a report of confirmed consumer demand or sales.

Among the entertainment properties in the forecast, Spirit expects KPop Demon Hunters to retain costume appeal for another Halloween. It also sees Toy Story as a family-costume option, with characters including Woody, Buzz, Jessie and Slinky Dog. The company’s list includes superhero looks linked to Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Power Rangers, spanning suits, masks and capes for children, adults and pets.

Gaming and fantasy form another part of the outlook. Spirit names costumes inspired by Fortnite and Halo, alongside a wider group of dragons, adventurers, armor, cloaks and mythology-inspired designs. It also cites Dungeon Crawler Carl as an example of increasingly specific fantasy fandom. The report does not provide sales figures or explain how much each title is expected to contribute to costume purchases.

Outside licensed characters, Spirit identifies varsity and collegiate styling, Y2K-inspired fashion, oversized novelty costumes, inflatables and mascot heads as looks it expects to see. Its horror forecast includes slashers, internet-born scares and newer horror properties. The company also points to its year-round apparel business as a way for horror fans to keep wearing themed clothing beyond Halloween.

At a glance
announcementWhen: Announced ahead of Halloween 2026
The developmentSpirit Halloween published its annual forecast of costume themes it expects shoppers to seek out for Halloween 2026.

Franchises Meet Wearable Trends

The forecast gives shoppers and families an early indication of the categories a major seasonal retailer expects to stock and promote as Halloween approaches. Licensed characters can offer recognizable choices for group and family costumes, while fashion-led options such as varsity looks and Y2K styling may appeal to shoppers who want a broader theme rather than a single character.

For brands and entertainment companies, the list is also a sign of how retailers connect screen and gaming attention to seasonal products. Spirit says its team monitors cultural trends throughout the year, but its projections are not independent evidence that any particular franchise will become a leading seller. Actual demand may shift as new releases, online trends and consumer preferences develop.

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How Spirit Builds Its Forecast

The announcement follows Spirit Halloween’s annual forecast format, in which the retailer identifies themes it believes will shape the coming costume season. According to the report by The Toy Book, the company bases its outlook on entertainment, gaming, social media, nostalgia and fashion, rather than on a published ranking of confirmed purchases.

Spirit’s list spans recognizable licensed properties and less character-specific looks. That range reflects the retailer’s approach of anticipating both costumes tied to popular media and styles that can spread through fashion or social platforms. The source material does not give a release calendar for the 2026 products or a detailed methodology for ranking the trends.

“People often ask how we predict Halloween trends. The reality is we’re watching them develop all year long.”

— Kym Sarkos, executive vice president of Spirit Halloween

Forecasts, Not Sales Results

The forecast does not confirm which costumes will sell best, how many units Spirit expects to stock, or whether every named property will have products available in every market. The report provides no sales projections, consumer survey results, ranking method or comparison with previous Halloween seasons.

It is also too early to know how entertainment releases and social media trends between now and October 2026 may affect shopper interest. Spirit’s list reflects the retailer’s current expectations; the company’s predictions could change as the season gets closer.

Products and Demand Closer to October

As Halloween 2026 approaches, Spirit Halloween is expected to translate its forecast into costume and apparel offerings, though the source report does not give product launch dates or detailed availability information. Shoppers will be able to judge which predictions gain traction as the retailer’s seasonal merchandise appears and demand becomes clearer.

Further updates could clarify product selections, pricing and availability, as well as whether Spirit revises its expectations. Until the company publishes those details or sales information, the named styles should be treated as anticipated trends, not confirmed market leaders.

Key Questions

The retailer’s forecast includes KPop Demon Hunters, Toy Story, Spider-Man, Power Rangers, Fortnite and Halo, along with fantasy, horror, varsity styles, Y2K fashion and novelty costumes.

Are these confirmed to be the best-selling costumes?

No. Spirit Halloween has published a trend forecast, not sales results or a ranking of confirmed best sellers.

What family costume ideas are named?

Spirit points to Toy Story characters including Woody, Buzz, Jessie and Slinky Dog, as well as superhero and Power Rangers looks that can be coordinated across ages.

When will Spirit Halloween’s 2026 costumes be available?

The report does not provide product release dates or availability details. Those details may become clearer as Halloween 2026 approaches.

Source: rss

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