Dress code

Revision as of 16:48, 11 December 2008

In BDSM, a dress code is a policy of appropriate dressing for social events such as fetish clubs and play parties. It specifies how guests have to be dressed to be admitted into the event. Dress codes are usually enforced.

What to wear

The most important rule in a BDSM dress code is that guests' attire should be erotic and/or fetishistic; denim jeans, T-shirts or streetware are usually a no no. There are two reasons for having a dresscode. One is to discourage people not in the BDSM scene from entering the event solely to ogle at the guests, and another is to raise the event's atmosphere by ensuring that guests are dressed excitingly enough to attract others' attention.

Dress codes are usually fairly standard between clubs but the types of dress worn by clubbers does vary depending on the type of club. Dance orientated clubs, such as Torture Garden have a "see and be seen" attitude to them, and the clubbers' attire tends to be much more individualistic. Play clubs on the other hand are generally more conservative, with a focus on the more classic fetish stereotypes of rubber and leather.

What kinds of attire a BDSM dresscode includes varies slightly from club to club but usually follows a general guideline:

• Rubber, PVC and leather clothes are almost always acceptable
• Military uniforms.
• Skinhead gear is popular in some gay clubs.
• School uniforms.
• Formal dress wear, although this should be given a fetish spin to it.
• Cross Dressing.
• Medical uniforms
• Lingerie
• Burlesque
• Nun's habit and other religous imagery

If you are planning your first visit to a fetish club, PVC clothing is a safe bet. It is relatively cheap, easy to put on, comfortable to wear, and you will always look the part in it!

See also

• A guide to Etiquette in fetish clubs
• FAQ for clubbing newbies
• Fetish Fashion
• Fetish Designers
• Fetish fashion suppliers

External links

• London Club Guide

Clubbers at Torture Garden

Clubbers at Pedestal