Fortnite, as a game, has always been accessible to everyone. Players don't need to spend a single V-Buck to enjoy the core experience. Yet, the ever-evolving world of cosmetics, with its daily shop rotations and massive collaborations, has become a fascinating ecosystem of its own. As we navigate through Chapter 7, which launched in late 2025, analyzing which skins players are actually wearing provides a unique insight into community trends, from the love for 'sweaty' designs to the undeniable power of celebrity partnerships.

Icon Series collaborations have been a dominant force in Chapter 7's early days. Epic Games released a staggering 12 new Icon Series skins within the first month alone, a pace some found overwhelming. However, the data proves these collabs are a massive hit with fans. A prime example is the Playboi Carti set, which dropped on December 11. It offered players two distinct vibes: a standard, laid-back Playboi Carti skin and the more intense, hardcore King Vamp variant. This strategy of offering multiple styles for a single character has become a successful formula for keeping skins relevant and desirable.

Some skins achieve legendary status through consistent performance over multiple chapters. Take the Surf Witch, for instance.

This skin is a classic example of what the community calls a 'sweaty' skin—simple, sleek, and edgy designs that are perennially popular. Since its debut in June 2021, Surf Witch has been a mainstay in the upper echelons of skin usage. It had a brief dip in Chapter 2 Season 6 but quickly rebounded, holding a Top 5 position consistently for multiple seasons. In Chapter 7, it has confidently reclaimed its spot as the fifth most-used skin worldwide, proving that some designs simply have timeless appeal.

Collaboration skins can have unpredictable lifecycles. Chani, from the Dune collaboration, is a perfect case study. Her popularity has been a rollercoaster since release, typically hovering in a modest range. She saw a significant peak in Chapter 3 Season 3, breaking into the Top 50. However, her current position in Chapter 7 is a statistical anomaly that has everyone talking.

According to the latest stats, Chani is currently ranked as the fourth most-used skin globally. This sudden surge is puzzling, as she was barely in the Top 900 for the two preceding seasons. While her popularity has spiked before, it has never reached this height. Players are taking this ranking with a grain of salt, wondering if it's a temporary trend driven by a resurgence in Dune popularity or a peculiar data blip.

Battle Pass skins are rarely seen on 'most used' lists because they are, by nature, common. Players often gravitate towards rarer items to showcase their dedication or luck. Chapter 7, however, has broken that mold. Cat Holloway, a skin from the Chapter 7 Season 1 Battle Pass, has been used by over a million players and rocketed to the top of the charts. This is a testament to her standout design. The excitement is compounded by the fact that players can unlock additional styles and cosmetics for her by completing the dedicated Cat Holloway Quests, giving the skin extended longevity and appeal throughout the season.

No discussion of popular Fortnite skins is complete without mentioning the infamous superhero 'sweat' skins. The duo of Backlash and Joltara has dominated usage charts for years.

Backlash has been a Top 5 fixture since Chapter 3, with only minor dips. Joltara, another variant from the same superhero set, is equally popular. In Chapter 7 alone, about 1.5 million players have used Backlash, and 1.1 million have chosen Joltara. Combined, these two skins have been picked by a staggering 2.6 million players this season. Their simple, customizable color schemes and sleek profiles make them perennial favorites for players who prioritize a clean visual profile in competitive matches.

Despite the strong numbers from Battle Pass favorites and veteran 'sweat' skins, one skin has eclipsed them all in Chapter 7. When the Kim Kardashian collaboration was first announced, many in the community were skeptical. How would a reality TV star and socialite fit into the world of Fortnite? The answer was resounding and immediate.

The Iconic Kim Kardashian skin became the most popular skin in Chapter 7 within a single week of its release. Over 3.1 million players have already equipped it this season—a number that surpasses the combined usage of Backlash and Joltara. Its meteoric rise to the #1 spot raises an interesting question: Is this a temporary surge of hype following a new release, or will Kim K join the ranks of the superhero skins as a Top 10 staple for years to come? Only time will tell, but its initial impact is undeniable.

Here’s a quick summary of the top contenders in Chapter 7 so far:

The skin meta in Fortnite is more dynamic than ever. Chapter 7 has shown us that while reliable 'sweat' skins maintain a strong foothold, the power of a well-executed celebrity collaboration can instantly redefine the top of the charts. Furthermore, a truly exceptional Battle Pass skin can break through the 'commonness' barrier and achieve mass popularity. As the chapter progresses, it will be fascinating to see if new collaborations can dethrone the current queen or if the classic favorites can hold their ground. One thing is for sure: the Item Shop trends and skin usage stats will continue to be a compelling story of player preference, pop culture, and in-game style.