The popular, adventure film series "Pirates of the Caribbean" has made the character Jack Sparrow as much a star on the high seas as in the world of Halloween costumes.

"I think [the popularity of actor] Johnny Depp, who plays the part, has a lot to do with it,'' said Stephen Fugge, manager of Costume World on Smallman Street in the Strip District.

"Plus with this costume the guys get to carry swords, " he said.

Mr. Fugge said the oceans reign this Halloween season, with costumes such as sailors and pirates in demand.

Boys and men are donning ruffled shirts, knickers, eye patches, wigs -- and the big plumed pirate hat.

Female pirates have a saucy look, with the adults going for laced-up corsets and short skirts.

The younger set is, however, also going for costumes such as those worn by the phenomenally popular characters in "Hannah Montana" and "High School Musical."

At Spirit in the Southland Shopping Center on Clairton Boulevard in Pleasant Hills, pirates are also the most popular choices for adults this year.

Little girls here as well are selecting Disney princesses. Their older sisters want to dress up as a cool, modern version of Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz."

At Spotlight Costumes on East Carson on the South Side, pre-teens are enjoying getting in on the pirate fun. But, for pre-teen boys, said owner Kim Brown, it is the "gory and scary" that appeals.

For teenage girls, the cute-sexy look is in, she said, as in sailor, devil, and witches costumes.

Teenage boys like "easy costumes" and often just buy readily identifiable masks mimicking Frankenstein monster, and more recent cinema monsters, such as Mike Myers from the "Halloween" horror film series.

College-age women are shopping Spotlight for sexy-versions of cops, nurses, and pirate costumes. Lots of guys are opting for ''warrior'' as seen in the spartan epic "300."

The average rental at Costume World costs $35 and up, while the average sale is $15 and up. At Spirit, an average purchase ranges from $30 to $60. At Spotlight, the average weekly rental is $55.

Adults at Spotlight are paying on average $45 to $60 for their Halloween alter egos. The children's costumes average $20 to $45.

Ms. Brown said over-age-30 adults lean toward rentals as purchased costumes run small, with few for women over size 12.

Rentals also provide a better selection, she said. Choices are as varied as southern belle to Elvis.

Women are not creating their own costumes as they once did, Ms. Brown said.

"Just like people have given up birthday parties at home and let other people do the work, the same goes with costumes," she said.