When to Order a Halloween Costume: By Oct 17 to 21

When to Order a Halloween Costume So the Right Size Arrives

When to order a Halloween costume online: by about October 17 to 21 if you use standard shipping, and today if your child needs a popular size. That leaves 10 to 14 days before October 31, enough for delivery and one exchange if the size is wrong. Store cutoffs differ, so trust the delivery date your cart shows.

Halloween 2026 is on a Saturday, so parties and school parades may fall on Friday, October 30, or even earlier in the week. Count back from the first event, not from October 31.

When should I order a Halloween costume?

Two to three weeks ahead if you can, and no later than 10 to 14 days ahead. For Halloween 2026 that means ordering by about October 17 to 21. The reason is not only shipping. Kids' costumes often run small or large, and a wrong size needs a second shipment. Ordering by these dates leaves time for that.

People start early: in the National Retail Federation's 2026 survey, 49% of consumers planned to start Halloween shopping in September or earlier. NRF expects Americans to spend $4.4 billion on costumes this year, including $1.5 billion on children's costumes. Popular characters in common sizes go first.

How to check the real delivery date

"Standard shipping" is a speed, not a date. Before you pay:

Add the costume in the right size to the cart. Delivery estimates can differ by size and color, because they may ship from different places.
Enter your ZIP code. The estimate depends on where it ships to.
Read the delivery date at checkout. If the latest date in the range is after your first party, pick faster shipping or another store.
Check the return or exchange rule. Some stores do not take back costumes once opened, or only give store credit.

We do not list store-by-store cutoffs here on purpose: they change by item and by ZIP code. The date your cart shows is the one that counts.

Why the right size runs out first

A costume is listed as "in stock" when any size is left. The size you need may be gone already. Children's sizes are usually grouped in ranges, like Small 4 to 6 or Medium 8 to 10, and the most common sizes tend to go first.

So measure before you choose:

Height and chest. Most size charts use them. Weight sometimes too.
Room for layers. In cold places, kids wear a jacket or a sweater under the costume. Go one size up if in doubt.
The store's own chart. Sizes are not the same from brand to brand.

If you keep a note of each child's sizes, you do not have to measure again in a hurry. Our guide to keeping track of kids' clothing sizes has a simple way.

Adults and pets: the same rule, different sizes

Adult costumes are a bigger market than kids' in NRF's 2026 numbers: about $2 billion expected on adult costumes, and $0.92 billion on pet costumes. The ordering rule is the same, with two differences:

Adult sizes vary even more between brands. A costume "Medium" can be closer to a regular Small. Read the chart and the reviews about fit.
Pet costumes go by measurements, not weight. Neck, chest and back length. Measure your pet the evening before you order, not from memory.

A quick checklist before you order

Measured height and chest today
Checked the store's own size chart
Your exact size shows as available, since a page can say "in stock" when only other sizes are left
Delivery date in the cart is before your first event
Return or exchange rule read
Plan B written down

What to do if the costume is sold out in your size

You still have options, even late in October.

Watch for a restock. Stores sometimes get returns or a late shipment. A back-in-stock alert for your exact size beats refreshing the page. See how to get notified when a product is back in stock.
Check pickup in store. Many store websites show stock at nearby stores separately from online stock.
Try the next size up. Easier to pin or hem than to stretch.
Build it from pieces. A colored hoodie, leggings and one accessory make many characters. Discount stores were the top place people planned to buy Halloween items in NRF's survey (39%).

Let Tracy watch the size

With dEssence you send the costume link to Tracy, its assistant, from Chrome, Telegram or the web, and say which size you need. She watches it and messages you when that size is back in stock or the price drops. On the free plan she checks once a day; on Pro, every hour. She also remembers each child's sizes, so next time you ask instead of measuring. She does not buy: you get the message and decide.

Frequently asked questions

How early should you order a Halloween costume?

Two to three weeks before your first event is comfortable. Ten to fourteen days is the latest for standard shipping with room for one exchange.

Is it too late to order a Halloween costume on October 25?

Not always, but standard shipping is risky. Pay for faster shipping and check the delivery date before you pay, or buy in a store.

What size Halloween costume should I buy for my child?

Measure height and chest and use the store's own size chart. If your child is between sizes or will wear layers, go one size up.

Where do most people buy Halloween costumes?

In NRF's 2026 survey, discount stores were the top destination for Halloween purchases (39%), then specialty Halloween and costume stores (32%) and online (27%).