Female-exclusive equipment

Female-exclusive equipment is a recurring subset of equipment that, with some exceptions, can only be equipped by female characters in the Dragon Quest series. Throughout the games, this has included pieces such as dresses, bikinis, tiaras, lingerie, and even certain weapons such as the Siren sword. This equipment has typically offered various bonuses and special effects for female characters. While male-exclusive equipment always existed as well, many were either joke pieces of equipment or simply not as numerous as their female counterparts, although this began to change in later games in the series.

Alena from Dragon Quest IV: Chapters of the Chosen wearing various pieces of female-exclusive equipment.

Appearances

Dragon Quest II

The first instance of female-exclusive equipment appeared in this entry, starting with the Scandalous swimsuit, which only appears in the MSX2 version of the game. It was essentially a gag piece of armor with a single measly point of defence and would display a picture of the Princess of Moonbrooke wearing the bikini.

Dragon Quest III

With the ability to have any character in the party be female, including the Hero, the number of equipment for female characters increased. Remake versions of the game would add even more pieces that appeared in later games of the series. The shimmering dress in particular is the most protective piece of armor in the game.

Siren sword
Scandalous swimsuit
Leather dress (remakes only)
Silk robe (remakes only)
Magical skirt (remakes only)
Party dress (remakes only)
Magic bikini
Blessed bikini (remakes only)
Shimmering dress (remakes only)
Fur hood (remakes only)
Bunny ears (remakes only)
Silver tiara (remakes only)
Garter (remakes only)
Golden tiara (remakes only)
Leg warmers (remakes only)

Dragon Quest IV

Dragon Quest V

Dragon Quest VI

Dragon Quest VII

Dragon Quest VIII

In the original version of the game, Jessica was the sole female party member and there were many pieces of equipment that could only be equipped by her. There were some that could even change Jessica's appearance. Whips and Knives were only usable by her. The Nintendo 3DS version added Red as a playable character, giving her many of the same equipment choices as Jessica, including the ability to use Knives and Whips. She was also the only party member who could equip Fans.