Bunnings Removes Insane Asylum Costume From Marketplace
The retailer pulled the controversial straitjacket outfit following criticism from mental health advocates.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Home Organization
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Bunnings has removed the Rubies Insane Asylum straitjacket costume from its online marketplace after concerns were raised regarding the item. Advocates argue such products perpetuate harmful stereotypes and stigmatise mental illness.
Why it matters
Mental health organisations state that trivialising psychiatric conditions through costumes makes it harder for individuals to seek necessary support. They contend that these items portray people experiencing mental health challenges as objects of ridicule.
SANE Australia, a not-for-profit mental health organisation, has spent two years campaigning for the removal of these costumes. While Bunnings has complied, the item remains available through retailers including Kmart, Spotlight, and Amazon.
The players
Bunnings
A major Australian home improvement retailer that operates a significant online marketplace.
SANE Australia
A national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting Australians affected by complex mental health issues.
Kmart
A prominent department store chain that continues to list the costume on its online platform.
Spotlight
A craft and home goods retailer that has faced pressure to remove the costumes after previously delisting them in 2024.
The details
The removal follows notification to retailers about the potential impact of selling items that mock mental health struggles. While Bunnings acted upon receiving the feedback, other platforms continue to host the listings despite previous industry pressure.
Timeline
Big W removed the outfit from its online marketplace during 2024.
Spotlight previously removed similar costumes following criticism in 2024.
Bunnings removed the costume from its online marketplace in October 2026.
Culture Shift
This move reflects the growing influence of mental health advocacy in shaping corporate social responsibility standards across Australia. It aligns with the long-standing campaign by SANE Australia to address the normalisation of stigma in public life.
Shoppers will no longer be able to purchase this specific costume through the Bunnings online platform, reflecting updated retailer vetting processes. Consumers may still encounter these items on other third-party marketplaces that have not yet implemented similar removal policies.
The takeaway
Retailers are increasingly responsive to public feedback regarding the social impact of the products they choose to stock. Consumers concerned about the normalisation of mental health stigma can continue to engage with advocacy groups to influence corporate inventory policies.
Further reading
Learn more about community standards in the Home Organization section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 7NEWS.
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