Costume designer Paul Tazewell has addressed the viral debate surrounding Elphaba’s "sexy sweater" in the film Wicked: For Good. Tazewell, 61, serves as the lead costume designer for the highly anticipated sequel.
He explained his decision to have Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba wear the chunky knit sweater in a romantic scene with Jonathan Bailey’s Fiyero. Speaking to NPR on December 1, Tazewell stated the choice was "organic." It stemmed from considering "what Elphaba has access to."
Tazewell elaborated that Elphaba "living alone" would choose something "to protect herself and be warm." He described the sweater as "acting as her robe for that moment."
The designer further emphasized Elphaba’s self-sufficiency. He noted that she "has a loom in her treehouse, where she weaves her own clothes." This design, he said, "maintains that consistency" with her character.
Tazewell directly countered potential critics. He asked, "Why wasn’t it a tight black dressing gown? But where would she get it from?" He asserted that the design reflects "reasonable decisions that define who a character is."
The sweater gained traction after its appearance in a scene where Elphaba sings "As Long as You’re Mine" with Fiyero in a cave. This moment follows the disruption of Ariana Grande’s Glinda’s wedding. Elphaba’s costume, a cardigan over black lingerie, quickly earned the "sex cardigan" label online.
The garment sparked significant buzz and memes among fans, leading to divided opinions. Many users on X expressed a desire for its comfortable appearance.
One X user questioned after the film’s November 21 premiere, "Does anyone know where to get Elphaba’s sex cardigan? It looks so comfy! I want one!" Another user posted, "All I want for Christmas is Elphaba’s sex cardigan 👕."
Tazewell had previously discussed the cardigan’s material and its connection to Elphaba’s environment. He detailed its construction from "various kinds of wool" to Harper’s Bazaar on November 18.
The pattern features an "exposed or oversized cable knit" that evokes "bark and vines twisted into each other." This design, Tazewell explained, "continues to align her with all things natural, all things organic."
Despite these detailed explanations, the controversy surrounding the cardigan has not subsided. Critics continue to voice their opinions online.
An X user remarked that Elphaba putting on "an ugly, raggedy sweater because she still doesn’t want to be completely naked is the most Elphaba thing she could do." Another found it "really funny how Elphaba puts that damn cardigan over her sexy look," while a third called the look "ridiculous."
Wicked: For Good is currently playing in theaters.