Google’s 2021 Frightgeist data showed that the most‑searched Halloween costumes in the US were a mix of long‑standing classics and pop‑culture hits. Reported by outlets like Spirit Halloween, the top ten were: witch, rabbit, dinosaur, Spider‑Man, Cruella de Vil, fairy, Harley Quinn, cowboy, clown, and Chucky. On top of that, editorial coverage and Google trend snippets highlighted huge interest in Squid Game tracksuits and masks, Money Heist jumpsuits, and other TV‑driven looks. You can use that list to pick one or two themes, then decide whether to source them from DHgate (for bulk or early buying) or stick with US retailers and other marketplaces.
Those Google rankings are based on search popularity, not actual sales, but they still tell you what costumes people were planning and pinning in 2021. Classic standalone ideas (witch, fairy, clown, cowboy, rabbit, dinosaur) are easy for both DIY and off‑the‑rack buying. Character costumes from movies and streaming (Spider‑Man, Cruella, Harley Quinn, Chucky, plus Squid Game and Money Heist) ride pop‑culture waves and usually involve more specific accessories, logos, or masks.
What Google’s 2021 Halloween Costume Data Actually Shows
Google’s Frightgeist is essentially a top‑charts view of what people type into the search box in the lead‑up to Halloween. For 2021, the list published and summarized by sources like Spirit Halloween and Visual Capitalist looked like this:
| Rank | 2021 US search favorite | Theme bucket |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Witch | Classic, spooky |
| 2 | Rabbit | Animal, cute |
| 3 | Dinosaur | Animal/creature, kid‑friendly |
| 4 | Spider‑Man | Superhero, licensed IP |
| 5 | Cruella de Vil | Disney villain, fashion‑heavy |
| 6 | Fairy | Fantasy, whimsical |
Outside that top ten, 2021 was the year Squid Game blew up globally. DHgate’s own historical editorial coverage and general news pieces point out that Squid Game guards’ pink jumpsuits, contestants’ green tracksuits, and masks suddenly dominated search results in the weeks before Halloween. Money Heist jumpsuits, celebrity‑inspired looks (like Britney Spears‑style outfits), and comic‑book characters like Carnage and Venom also saw spikes in search interest.
Taken together, Google’s data plus 2021 editorial lists show a pattern: people still search for evergreen staples (witches, animals, clowns) every year, and then layer on a handful of current TV, movie, and gaming obsessions that change season by season.
Turning 2021’s Trends into Buyable Costume Choices
For a real costume (or stock for resale), those search terms translate into a few practical categories.
1. Core classics: witch, fairy, clown, cowboy, animals These are forgiving and easy to find everywhere. You can:
- Go budget: simple cape and hat for a witch, wings and a wand for a fairy, wig and makeup for a clown.
- Go premium: tailored witch dress, multi‑layer fairy skirt, full cowboy outfit with boots and belt.
Key decisions here are fabric comfort, warmth, and how reusable pieces are. A well‑made black dress and hat might work for multiple events; a flimsy polyester witch robe may be one‑night‑only.
2. Kid‑friendly creatures: rabbit and dinosaur For kids, look for soft, breathable fabrics and secure closures. One‑piece jumpsuits with hoods are popular, but pay attention to:
- Whether the inside label carries any flammability or safety information required in your region.
- How easy it is to get on/off for bathroom breaks.
If you’re importing from China‑based sellers, check product photos for seams and lining, and avoid anything that looks like rough plastic edges near the face.
3. Superheroes and villains: Spider‑Man, Harley Quinn, Cruella, Chucky These tend to involve trademarks, logos, or character‑specific designs. That means:
- Licensed costumes from US retailers and brand stores often have clearer sizing charts and labeling, but cost more.
- Unbranded “inspired” outfits from cross‑border marketplaces can be cheaper, but quality and IP status vary.
Treat full‑body suits (like Spider‑Man) carefully: sizing is unforgiving. Review measurements in centimeters and convert honestly instead of assuming your usual US size will fit.
4. Streaming and TV hits: Squid Game, Money Heist, Gomez/Wednesday Addams These exploded in 2021. Squid Game and Money Heist in particular are simple silhouettes—tracksuits and jumpsuits—which is why China‑based wholesalers quickly produced look‑alike versions.
For these:
- Decide if you care about screen‑accurate details (numbers on tracksuits, mask shape) or just the general vibe.
- Consider group use: Squid Game guards or Money Heist robbers work well for couples and groups, which matters if you’re buying in bulk to resell.
What to Check Before Ordering Cross‑Border Costumes
If you’re buying from DHgate or similar marketplaces that connect you with China‑based suppliers, there are a few specific checkpoints that go beyond generic “read reviews” advice:
Materials and flammability Most Halloween costumes are polyester or mixed synthetics. For children, especially in the US, you want to see:
- Clear fabric composition in the listing description.
- Any mention of flammability standards or safety labeling on the garment itself.
You can’t assume compliance from a marketplace listing alone, so if a child will be near open flames (candles, jack‑o’‑lanterns), lean toward domestically sold, clearly labeled costumes.
Sizing conversions Asian sizing often runs smaller than US sizing. For Spider‑Man suits, Squid Game tracksuits, or fitted Harley Quinn outfits:
- Compare the size chart’s bust, waist, hip, or height measurements in centimeters to your own, also in centimeters.
- For kids, check both age and height ranges rather than relying on age alone.
Accessory completeness Pop‑culture costumes often rise or fall on accessories. A Cruella outfit needs the coat and wig; Squid Game guards need masks; Money Heist costumes need the iconic mask and jumpsuit to read instantly.
Before you click buy:
- Confirm whether masks, wigs, gloves, and toy props are included or sold separately.
- Look for close‑up photos to judge whether a mask is breathable and has adequate visibility.
Quick checklist for cross‑border Halloween orders If you’re importing from China‑based marketplaces, run through this short list:
- Is the costume needed for kids or adults, and does the listing show clear measurements in centimeters?
- Is there any fabric and flammability information on tags or in photos? If not, would a domestic option be safer for a child?
- Does the product description spell out what’s included (jumpsuit only vs. jumpsuit + mask + belt)?
- Are you ordering early enough that a longer transit time won’t ruin your plans?
Sourcing Trending 2021 Costumes on DHgate and Alternatives
DHgate hosts many China‑based wholesalers selling Halloween costumes and accessories. For 2021‑style trends, DHgate tends to make the most sense if you:
- Want bulk quantities of simple designs (e.g., generic witch capes, blank jumpsuits for Money Heist‑style group outfits, Squid Game‑inspired tracksuits without official branding).
- Need low‑cost accessories—wigs, masks, plastic toy weapons—to complete higher‑quality base costumes you sourced elsewhere.
Other marketplaces like Alibaba and AliExpress offer overlapping suppliers with DHgate for bulk and cross‑border orders. Your decision among DHgate, those platforms, and US retailers should hinge on:
- How many costumes you need (single family vs. resale stock or a large party).
- How much sizing or safety risk you’re willing to manage yourself.
- Whether the design feels generic (witch, rabbit, clown) or tied to specific IP (Spider‑Man, Harley Quinn, Squid Game guards).
If you’re a US buyer planning for a 2021‑style Halloween now—whether for a retro party or inventory planning—the practical move is: pick one or two themes from Google’s top searches, source generic classics wherever they’re cheapest and safest, and reserve DHgate and similar marketplaces for bulk, accessories, and non‑licensed look‑alike outfits where the cost advantage clearly outweighs the added complexity.