Elphaba’s ‘Sex Cardigan’ in ‘Wicked: For Good’ Has Gone Viral — Can You Get It For Yourself?
What To Know
- Elphaba’s oversized gray “sex cardigan” in Wicked: For Good has gone viral, sparking widespread discussion and memes across social media.
- The cardigan could be seen as a symbol of authenticity and comfort over overt sexiness.
- Swooon breaks down how fans can embrace the viral fashion moment themselves.
[Warning: The following contains spoilers for Wicked: For Good.]
If you thought Elphaba’s froat — frock/coat — was good in Wicked, just wait until you see Elphaba’s sex cardigan in Wicked: For Good. You will either be obsessulated or disgusticified, there is no in between.
By now, anyone who’s read Swooon‘s deep dive into the Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Fiyero’s (Jonathan Bailey) relationship knows that Wicked‘s sexiest song, “As Long as You’re Mine,” was our most anticipated Wicked: For Good moment by far. So, you can imagine our… confusification, when, just as Elphaba and Fiyero were about to get it on, Elphaba was swallowed by the chunkiest, most enormous gray cardigan Oz has ever seen. But, trust us, we’re not alone.
The second Wicked: For Good hit theaters, Elphaba’s “sex cardigan” went viral, with everyone from fashion critics to theater kids on TikTok chiming in on the Wicked Witch’s most questionable outfit. Below, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about Elphaba’s sex cardigan and, yes, if/where you can buy it. (You know, just in case a Winkie prince comes a knocking.)
@sackettc Get that girl a sexier sweater!♬ As Long As You’re Mine – Cynthia Erivo & Jonathan Bailey
What is Elphaba’s sex cardigan?
Picture this: You’ve decided to expose the fascist underbelly of the government at your best friend turned influencer’s wedding to your campus crush. In the middle of destroying their wedding, your campus crush decides to leave with you instead of his almost-bride, so, naturally, you bring him back to your tree house to bang. What would you choose to wear when you bring him home?
If your answer is, “A chunky gray floor-length cardigan,” you might be Elphaba Thropp.
After leaving Emerald City with Fiyero on the day of his wedding to Glinda (Ariana Grande), Elphaba takes Fiyero back to her temporary tree home, where they can finally admit (and act on) their true feelings for each other. As Fiyero admires Elphaba’s collection of found objects and flyers, she removes her usual black attire, revealing a set of sexy black lingerie. (Where did she get that?) However, as Fiyero begins to take off his clothes, she puts more on — slipping into the aforementioned cardigan. Sure, they go all the way and sing what is arguably the best song in the film while she’s in that sweater, but it is a little distracting.
Is having a sex cardigan such a bad thing?
We promise, we’re not here to tear apart Elphaba for her fashion choices, even though Glinda sang a whole song teaching her how to make better ones during the first movie. Dare we say, the hopeless romantic in our hearts actually respects Elphaba for wearing Oz’s equivalent of a Snuggie while going to pound town with this side of the rainbow’s Sexiest Man Alive.
Why? Well, for one, Elphaba probably made the cardigan in question, which is why it looks… A little off. She’s been on the run for about a year at this point, AND she lives in a tree, so she’s bound to get chilly. Plus, who here hasn’t taken up knitting or crocheting when they’re going through a bit of a mental break?
Love isn’t always about presenting yourself in your most conventionally attractive or put-together form. True intimacy is peeling back your layers and showing your best friend’s ex-fiancé who you’re not-so-secretly in love with your ugly sweater.
Cynthia Erivo / Instagram
Where can you buy Elphaba’s sex cardigan?
Now, we know what you’re thinking… Could buying a chunky floor-length gray cardigan be the secret to dating in 2026? If you don’t buy one, you’ll never know.
For many fans, Elphaba’s cardigan isn’t just the standout costume of Wicked: For Good, it’s a sweater they’re dying to see in their own closet. As one Facebook user shared, “I’ve got lots of Wicked merchandise, but what I really want is Elphaba’s long gray sweater she wears in ‘As Long as You’re Mine’. Looks soooooo comfy. Definitely perfect for curling up in front of the fire with a good book and a hot chocolate.”
While we don’t have an exact look-alike for Elphaba’s cardigan, plenty of stores sell cozy, long cardigans. On Amazon, the ones we’re currently eyeing are ZIWOCH’s cable knit cardigan and GUTPOINT’s oversized duster. Neither has that slightly falling apart look that Elphaba’s cardigan does, but the overall vibe is there. If you know someone who does knit, many commenters have also said her cardigan looks pretty easy to recreate, so that could be another way to get your hands on the iconic fit.
Comment below with your thoughts on Elphie’s sex cardigan and let us know if you would wear the Wicked Witch’s most wicked fit!
Wicked: For Good, In Theaters Now
