Halloween comes and goes each year, but the sexualization of female costumes remains an issue.

For as long as I can remember, I couldn’t dress as a nurse or a prisoner for Halloween. Not because my parents were controlling, but because the costumes are designed to exploit and objectify women’s bodies.

In a typical Halloween store, you will find an assortment of costumes for doctors, construction workers, zombies, athletes, etc.. For men. 

Costumes for women are not that simple. Women can still have the same costumes, but the costumes are shorter, ripped, and cover less of their bodies.

For example, Spirit Halloween has listings for female costumes with names like the “Cutie Pirate” costume, the “Lieutenant Misbehave” costume, or the “Officer Pat U Down” costume.” In other words, they are all sexualized and designed to attract the male gaze.

Halloween is supposed to be a fun holiday where people dress up and collect candy; instead, it only reinforces preconceived gender roles. It’s uncommon to see a young boy dressed in a princess costume, or a young girl as a construction worker. 

Male costumes reflect the stereotype that men are supposed to be powerful or blue collared workers. While female costumes are designed to present the static standards of beauty that females are expected to uphold.

For once, I would like to wear a costume without feeling like I need extra layers. Halloween should be about having fun and getting candy, not dressing to impress or  adhering to gender roles.