As Elphaba’s ‘Sex Cardigan’ From Wicked: For Good Goes Viral, I Appreciate Cynthia Erivo’s Thoughtful Take On Its Purpose

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Be warned: there are slight spoilers for the movie Wicked: For Good ahead. You can find it listed on the 2025 movie release calendar now playing in theaters.

The costumes, hair, and makeup in Wicked were incredibly detailed – Glinda’s bubble dress alone took 225 hours to create, and Cynthia Erivo spent two hours getting her face painted green without relying on special effects. But since Wicked: For Good came out, fans are especially fascinated by one piece: Elphaba’s “sex cardigan.” Erivo recently explained the thought behind the design and what it was meant to convey.

During the song “As Long As You’re Mine” in Wicked: For Good, Elphaba and Fiyero share an intimate moment. However, the internet has been buzzing about Elphaba’s outfit – a large, somewhat tattered sweater – jokingly calling it her “sex cardigan.” The outfit has inspired many memes, with some viewers questioning why she’d bother getting dressed during such a romantic and passionate scene.

While all of this was happening, Cynthia Erivo, known for being open and honest, shared her thoughts on the popular costume. At an event in Los Angeles celebrating the musical Wicked (as reported by People magazine), Erivo explained what she thinks the cardigan represents, and it makes a lot of sense.

I wanted to explore a different side of this character, who’s usually seen as a powerful warrior – the Wicked Witch. I wanted to show her as someone independent, and to briefly remove her tough exterior to reveal a more vulnerable and intimate side.

As a critic, I’ve always seen Elphaba’s darker outfits as a kind of protective gear – she’s constantly bracing for a fight. The initial design concept for Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal beautifully linked Elphaba to the natural world of Oz. But what’s so clever is how her wardrobe evolves; as she begins to open up and connect with Fiyero, she allows herself to be vulnerable, and her clothing reflects that softer, more intimate side of her personality. It’s a subtle but powerful visual cue to her emotional journey.

Although a thick, knitted sweater isn’t typical Victoria’s Secret style, Cynthia Erivo went on to discuss why Elphaba’s clothing choices are actually quite alluring.

The goal is to help her become a kind and loving person, someone deserving of affection and intimacy. That’s a wonderful thing.

I just love how the sweater makes her look so vulnerable and gentle, almost like it mirrors her spirit. And it’s important to remember, Elphaba isn’t trying to be like Glinda! She’s always been different, a true individual, and her clothes reflect that. She doesn’t follow trends or care what others think; she simply dresses how she wants, and I really admire her for that. It’s so authentically her.

The sweater Elphaba wears—often called the “sex cardigan”—has become a bit of a joke because it doesn’t look very glamorous. But I really admire how Cynthia Erivo styled it, making Elphaba seem softer and more vulnerable. It’s a great reminder that the costumes in Wicked quietly reveal a lot about each character, and I find that fascinating.

You can now see the costumes come to life on the big screen in the critically acclaimed movie, Wicked: For Good, which is currently playing in theaters.

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2025-12-06 23:08