From Superheroes to Zombies: Boys Halloween Costumes That Stand Out

Ask a boy what he wants to be for Halloween and you will get one of two answers: a specific character he has been talking about since July, or a shrug. Either way, the costume that stands out is the one he wants to keep wearing in November. These are the picks that do that in our store, with what actually comes in the box so you are not surprised on Halloween morning.

Superheroes: still the champions

Spider-Man is the most requested costume we sell, and there is a version for every budget. The Kids Value Spider-Man is a jumpsuit with chest printing and a fabric mask for $29.99 at time of writing (hand wash cold, size 8-10). Step up to the Qualux padded versions for a more muscular look, or branch out with Black Panther, Iron Man, or Captain America. The Kids Qualux Iron Man pairs a padded jumpsuit with a molded mask for smaller boys (size 4-7). Everything hero-related lives in Superhero Costumes.

Star Wars: the bounty hunters

The Mandalorian and Boba Fett are the two costumes that make older boys feel cool rather than cute. The Kids Value Mandalorian includes a printed jumpsuit, cape, and molded mask (hand wash cold, $33.99 at time of writing), and the value Boba Fett is a jumpsuit and molded mask for $27.99. Both come in sizes 4-7, 8-10, and 12-14, and there are deluxe Qualux versions plus a light-up Mandalorian for the kid who wants the full effect. Darth Vader rounds out the dark side.

Zombies and ghouls, with a twist

Classic zombie makeup is fun, but it is also an hour of work and a stained pillowcase. Our shortcut is the Kids Zombie Banana Costume: a yellow foam-backed polyester tunic printed with stitches, bruises, and a dangling-eye zombie face, sizes 7-10. It is creepy, funny, and warm, and it takes ten seconds to put on. Add a little gray face paint if he wants to commit.

Dinosaurs, sharks, and other things with teeth

For a costume that stops traffic, nothing beats an inflatable. The Kids Inflatable Spider-Rex is a Spider-Man-themed T-rex that includes the inflatable suit, gloves, and a fan with battery pack (4 AA batteries not included), one size fits most kids 8 and up. It is a splurge at $135.99 at time of writing, but it is also the costume everyone remembers. On the ocean side, the Boy's Man Eating Shark is an over-the-body shark with a kicking-legs effect and a sheer panel for visibility, one size for roughly ages 7-10, and the simpler Kids Shark Costume tunic fits sizes 4-6.

Video game favorites

Minecraft and Mario are the two requests that have not slowed down. The Minecraft Steve Pop-Out Costume uses a lightweight wire frame to give the tunic, pants, and headpiece that boxy pixel look (medium, 7-8). The Boy's Mario Costume includes the jumpsuit, red hat, and a self-adhesive mustache, and Luigi is there for a brother or best friend.

Tips for choosing a costume he will actually wear

• Check the mask. Molded masks look great but some kids hate them. Fabric masks and half masks are easier for long nights.
• Read the "includes" list. Our product pages list exactly what is in the package. Shoes are almost never included; mustaches sometimes are not.
• Buy for the school parade, too. Costumes that go over regular clothes (tunics, jumpsuits) are easier for a classroom change.
• Size up if he is between sizes. A slightly big jumpsuit fits over a hoodie. A slightly small one does not fit at all.

Make it last past October

The best boys' costumes become dress-up staples. Keep the costume in reach after Halloween, follow the wash instructions on the product page (most value costumes are hand wash cold), and store masks flat so they do not warp. Browse every option in Boys Costumes. Prices are accurate at time of writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular Halloween costumes for boys?

Spider-Man, the Mandalorian, Boba Fett, and Mario are our most requested boys' costumes, with inflatable dinosaurs like the Spider-Rex as the standout splurge.

Do boys' costumes include shoes or accessories?

Usually not. Each product page lists exactly what is included. Value costumes typically include a jumpsuit and mask, while accessories such as gloves, shoes, and props are sold separately.

What size should I buy if my son is between sizes?

Size up. A slightly larger jumpsuit layers over a hoodie for cold nights and still fits next year, while a costume that is too small cannot be worn at all.

Can boys' costumes be washed after Halloween?

Many can be hand washed in cold water, and the product page will say so. Air dry, and store molded masks flat so they keep their shape for dress-up play.