The Handmaid's Tale Costume
Channel the powerful, striking look of Gilead's handmaids with ease.
Based on Margaret Atwood's dystopian novel and the hit television series, a Handmaid's Tale costume is a popular choice for Halloween, cosplay, and peaceful protests. The look is instantly recognizable by its stark contrast of deep red garments and a restrictive white bonnet. Assembling this outfit is straightforward, focusing on a few key, high-impact pieces.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~15 min
- Budget
- $35–80
Try it on
See yourself as The Handmaid's Tale
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.
Your photo is sent to Google's Gemini API to make the render and isn't used for training. Renders are AI-generated and labelled.
Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a The Handmaid's Tale costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete The Handmaid's Tale costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Red hooded cloak or cape
A long, flowing crimson or scarlet red cloak with a hood, reaching down to the ankles.
DIY: Drape a large piece of red fabric or a red bedsheet over your shoulders and secure it with a safety pin.
Modest red dress
A high-necked, long-sleeved crimson red dress that falls below the knees.
DIY: Wear a plain red long-sleeve t-shirt paired with a long red maxi skirt.
White bonnet (wings)
A stiff white bonnet with wide side panels that obscure peripheral vision.
DIY: Cut white poster board or stiff white felt into the signature wing shape and attach it to a white headband.
Brown or black boots
Simple, flat, utilitarian leather or faux-leather boots in dark brown or black.
DIY: Use any plain, dark-colored closed-toe flat shoes or boots you already own.
Brown satchel bag
A simple, rustic brown canvas or leather crossbody messenger bag.
DIY: Carry a plain, unbranded canvas tote bag in a neutral earth tone.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made The Handmaid's Tale costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the modest long-sleeved red dress or your red top-and-skirt combination.
- 2
Lace up your plain brown or black utilitarian boots.
- 3
Drape the long red hooded cloak over your shoulders and fasten it securely at the neck.
- 4
Slap the brown canvas satchel across your body, wearing it under the cloak or letting it peek out.
- 5
Style your hair back simply, then put on the stiff white bonnet, securing it so the side wings frame your face.
- 6
Adjust the hood of the red cloak so it sits partially over the back of the white bonnet.
Makeup & hair
Keep makeup completely minimalist or bare-faced to match the show's aesthetic. Pull hair back into a low, tight bun or ponytail so it fits comfortably underneath the white bonnet.
The Handmaid's Tale for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair a Handmaid with a Commander in a dark suit, or an Eye/Guardian in a black tactical uniform.
- group
- Gather a group of friends to walk in pairs as a procession of Handmaids for a striking visual impact.
- Plus size
- A loose-fitting red maxi dress and a flowing red cape offer a comfortable, highly adjustable fit for all body types.
Tips
- The white bonnet blocks your peripheral vision, so take extra care when walking in crowded areas or crossing streets.
- Wear warm layers underneath the red dress if you are wearing this costume outdoors in cold October weather.
- For photos, keep your head cast slightly downward and clasp your hands in front of you to capture the somber mood of the character.
The Handmaid's Tale costume FAQ
- What do Handmaids wear on their heads?
- They wear a white bonnet with wide, stiffened side panels, often referred to as 'wings,' designed to prevent them from looking side to side.
- What shade of red is the Handmaid's costume?
- It is a deep, rich crimson or scarlet red, symbolizing fertility and making the handmaids easily identifiable.
- Is a Handmaid's Tale costume hard to make?
- No, it is very easy. The entire look relies on a red dress, a red cloak, and a white bonnet, all of which can be purchased pre-made or easily assembled from basic red clothing.
Did you know? The costume designer for the TV series, Ane Crabtree, chose the specific shade of red to look like 'life-giving blood' against the cold, gray backgrounds of Gilead.