NYT Strands Hints and Answers: October 18, 2026 (Puzzle #959)

The New York Times Strands puzzle #959 brings a board all about items you might grab before heading out for a workout or run. If you want to protect your perfect streak without using up the in-game hints, we have you covered.

Below, you’ll find today’s theme clue, targeted hints for the Spangram, and the complete solution at the bottom of the page.

Today’s Strands Strategy and Commentary

Finding the Spangram first can be tricky since it has 11 letters. Picking out shorter theme words first can clear space and help you earn hints to reveal the rest. Once you find all the theme words, the Spangram is easy to connect. Each word is an item someone might wear or bring when going for a run. Together they lead to a phrase that describes exactly what all these items are.

Today’s Strands Hints

To get you started without spoiling the specific words, use these clues to navigate the board:

• Today’s Official Theme Clue: “Fast fashion”
• Spangram Hint: It refers to the clothing and accessories you need for jogging or training
• Spangram Start/End Letters: Starts with R and ends with R, and there are 11 letters in total

Here is our result for today puzzle:

🔵💡🔵💡
🔵💡🔵🟡
🔵

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: The Spangram answer and full list of theme words are shown below. Don’t scroll down if you still want to solve it yourself and follow the hints and clue above.

Today’s Strands Answers

All theme words are listed below, but the Spangram is hidden. Click to reveal it if you want to see it.

Here are all the theme words found on the board:

• VEST
• WATCH
• SNEAKERS
• HEADPHONES
• SUNGLASSES

Yesterday’s Answer

Catch up on yesterday’s solution. This record shows the Spangram and theme words from the previous game, so you can compare results or double check the past grid.

Below is yesterday’s answer for NYT Strands hints & answers for puzzle #958.

• Spangram: FALLINLOVE
• Theme Words: BABBLE, BLUSH, FIDGET, GIGGLE, PERSPIRE, STUMBLE

For older solutions, see our Strands answers archive.

How did you do?

Did you spot the running items quickly or did the Spangram take you a moment? Share your experience in the comments below.

A new puzzle becomes available every midnight based on your local time zone. It appears at different times around the world including United States UTC-4 to UTC-8, Philippine Standard Time UTC+8, Australia UTC+8 to UTC+11, and New Zealand UTC+12 or UTC+13.

Check back tomorrow for more Strands hints, strategy tips, and the next answer.