Here's the Sexy "Handmaid's Tale" Halloween Costume Sparking So Much Backlash
Isabella Wilson
Updated on February 23, 2026
Along with pumpkin spice lattes and Instagram photos in pumpkin patches, one of fall's most dependable annual traditions is seeing what kind of insane new Halloween outfit the lingerie store Yandy can possible come up with.
The online retail store is infamous for debuting sexy versions of costumes for things that aren't really supposed to be sexy, such as "Sexy Donald Trump" and "Sexy Pizza Rat."
Often, these unorthodox costumes inspire shock and laughter, but this time, they took it a bit too far with a sexy version of the red cloak and white bonnet worn by the enslaved women in the dystopian universe of The Handmaid's Tale.
I'm dressing up as existential despair this Halloween
— Jessica Valenti (@JessicaValenti) September 21, 2018
"An upsetting dystopian future has emerged where women no longer have a say. However, we say be bold and speak your mind in this exclusive Brave Red Maiden costume featuring a red mini dress, a matching cloak with an attached hood, and a white bonnet headpiece. (Pantyhose not included.)" the description read.
The costume has become something of a symbol in the women's rights movement, with activists all over the world donning the red robes at protests and marches. Earlier this month, a group of women dressed as handmaids stood in silent protest outside of the confirmation hearing room for Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh, a vocal anti-abortionist.
Under his eye.
— #IBelieveChristine (@WeDemandJustice) September 4, 2018
Given that the entire costume has come to represent the fight for women's rights, especially in regards to their bodies, you can see how some people were outraged to see a "sexy" version of the outfit for sale.
Though, to be fair, there are others who think the costume is sort of subversive and stands for a woman's right to own her sexuality.
There are sexy handmaid's tale outfits for Halloween and tbh I love them. They are everything Gilead would have hated and that's perfect in a way I appreciate.
— Amie Stepanovich (@astepanovich) September 21, 2018
Nonetheless, on Friday, Yandy released a statement saying that they were removing the costume due to backlash:
"Yandy has always stood, and will continue to stand, at the forefront of encouraging our customers to 'Own Your Sexy.' We support our customers being comfortable in their skin, regardless of who they are or what they choose to wear. Our corporate ideology is rooted in female empowerment, and gender empowerment overall. Over the last few hours, it has become obvious that our Yandy 'Brave Red Maiden" costume is being seen as a symbol of women's oppression, rather than an expression of women's empowerment. This is unfortunate, as it was not our intention on any level. Our initial inspiration to create the piece was through witnessing its current use in recent months as a powerful protest image."
— Yandy.com (@Yandy) September 21, 2018
For more on sexism and female fashion, check out Why Every Dress Should Come Equipped with Pockets.
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Diana Bruk Diana is a senior editor who writes about sex and relationships, modern dating trends, and health and wellness.Read moreFiled UnderHalloweenRead This NextThe "American Bro" Is an International Embarrassment
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