Flasher costumes are accused of making light of sexual assault (Picture: Caters News Agency)

There’s a big conversation happening about what makes an appropriate Halloween costume.

Cultural appropriation is finally being called out, universities are banning certain costumes that could be seen as offensive, and one website was forced to remove a sexy Handmaid’s Tale inspired costume after backlash.

In light of these discussions, are ‘flasher’ costumes still an acceptable choice for 31 October?

On fancy dress retailers and on Ebay, you can still find costumes made to make the wearer look like a ‘flasher’.


Luton-based company Jokers Masquarade has come under fire to its £24.99 ‘dirty old man flasher’ costume, made up of a nude bodysuit, a trench coat, and a false penis.



‘Not for the easily offended, our hilarious Adult Dirty Old Man Flasher Stag Costume is ideal for stag nights,’ reads the description. ‘When the jacket is fastened, you look like a perfectly respectable OAP, but the quick release Velcro ensures that at a moment’s notice you can strip to reveal your manhood!’

Some have accused those selling the costume of making light of sexual assault.

Jokers Masquerade sells male and female flasher costumes (Picture: Caters News)

One woman named Lisa, a survivor of sexual abuse, said the costume makes her ‘want to vomit’.

She had similar concerns for the female version of the costume sold on the site, called the ‘groping granny’ outfit.

‘The name of this costume is extremely offensive, not to mention the vulgarity of the costume itself,’ said Lisa.

‘For me, it brings up my past reality – that I had no control and was not strong enough to fend off my attacker.

‘This costume is a trigger for me, as a survivor, on many levels.

‘As a survivor of 10 years of child abuse, if I saw someone wearing this costume on the street, I would be filled with anger.’

Pauline Flynn, who runs The Believe Foundation, said: ‘They are extremely tasteless and offensive and it would appear that the manufacturer gave no thought to the impact and potential triggers that these costumes could have on victims that have endured sexual offences.

Ebay also sells flasher costumes (Picture: Ebay)

‘In terms of the “dirty old man”, the manufacturer appears to be glamorising the idea of a sex offender, which sends the wrong message.

‘A young person could purchase this costume.

The ‘groping granny’, is certainly sending a very bad message and I have concerns that this kind of costume would only encourage individuals that are in need of specific treatment and not yet able to control themselves.’

The store is the same retailer previously criticised for selling a ‘Blade Gunner’ costume that lets you dress up as Oscar Pistorius.

It’s worth noting that Jokers Masquerade is not the only shop selling flasher costumes, however. A quick search brings up flasher costumes sold on Ebay and Escapade, as well as guides for making your own flasher inspired outfit.



We’ve reached out to Jokers Masquerade for comment, and will update this article if they respond.

MORE: Forget Jack Skellington, we’re all about dog-o-lanterns this year

MORE: Dog wins first place in dog costume contest by dressing as Donald Trump

MORE: H&M collaborates with designer brand Moschino – here are the looks hitting the stores

Advertisement Advertisement