Why does Offred wear a red cape in The Handmaid’s Tale and does the colour represent fertility?

BY popular demand, the harrowing television series based on Margaret Atwood's best-selling 1985 novel has returned for a third series with Elisabeth Moss at the helm.

But why does Offred wear a red cloak and what exactly does the colour symbolise?

What is The Handmaid's Tale about?

The Handmaid's Tale is set in the Christian, totalitarian society of Gilead.

Having killed the President and the majority of Congress, the Sons of Jacob movement seize control of the United States under the pretext of restoring order.

Within the dystopian world women's rights are all but removed, as they are assigned various roles by the new order.

Amongst these roles is that of the Handmaids - fertile women who are forced to have sex with their Commanders to provide children for infertile Wives.

The women chosen to be Handmaids have all committed religious and gender crimes, such as adultery and lesbianism.

Centred around protagonist Offred (played by Elisabeth Moss), The Handmaid's Tale is a gritty and hard-hitting portrayal of what life could be like if power was placed into the wrong hands.

Why does Offred wear a red cloak and white bonnet and what does the colour red symbolise?

One of the most striking things about the Handmaids - aside from their brutal treatment - is their uniform.

A heavy red cloak is worn with a white bonnet.