Fetish Wear and its Role Within BDSM Play

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but no, a pair of PVC leggings alone does not constitute a full fetish wear outfit and they won’t get you into a fetish club night, no matter how tight they are...

We’re exploring all things fetish wear and kink! From the more subtle bedroom-suitable looks to kink club night appropriate attire. Have your regalia at the ready and hop on board for a journey of couture exploration as we delve into the wardrobe woes of first-time fetish wearers and saucy seasoned pros.

Fetish wear has taken the fashion world by storm

Fetish wear and BDSM-style clothing are no stranger to the runway or the red carpet and even make an appearance in our day-to-day wardrobes. Yes, I’m talking to you, fishnet lovers. Beautifully seductive leathers and latex, figure-hugging PVC, Wetlook underwear, harnesses and chains. Even popular names like H&M and River Island offer garments influenced by the BDSM world, playing with materials, bondage straps, buckles and zips the likes of which you’d typically find on the racks of fetish wear stores.

So, high street shops are taking just a subtle smidge of kink to the masses. And we don’t blame them. It’s hot as. Yes, fashion trends come and go but kink-inspired couture is seemingly here to stay.

But what does this mean for fetish purists?

If it’s so mainstream, what counts as fetish wear?

Although we see accents of fetish wear on the high street, the truth is that they are indeed just that. Accents. Little hints. Diluted and frankly tame versions of what kinksters and dominatrices are likely to wear to a fetish event.

Personally, I like the definition that describes fetish wear as “clothing and accessories that are designed to be extremely provocative,” meaning not something part of a person's everyday wardrobe, but rather glad rags saved for special occasions, such as fetish play and events. Remember, provocative is the key word here.

While celebs and fashion designers might flaunt fetish wear to cause a bit of a stir, the role and meaning of fetish wear on the scene and within BDSM play can be far more extreme and signify so much more to a dominatrix or someone enthralled by the fetish world.

What fetish fashion can represent

Appearance is probably one of the first things we notice about someone. It’s another way we non-verbally communicate a slice of our identity. Typically, clothing demonstrates belonging to a particular ‘tribe’. It allows us to communicate a shared set of values and the BDSM scene has a walk-in-wardrobe jam-packed with different ways to express kinky preferences through clothing.

Fetish wear, clothing and accessory choices can convey whether you’re dominant or submissive. Or even indicate the specific type of fetishes you enjoy.

For example, some people find the feeling of leather, skin-tight latex or fur against their skin so erotic that they choose to cover their whole body in it. Seeing someone dressed head to toe in these materials could be a representation of their fetish for a particular material.

But that’s not the whole story...

One thing to note is that fetish wear can mean one thing to one person and something completely different to another. For some, it’s about making their kink visually obvious, for others it’s about how fetish wear makes them look or feel. Some might like a faux leather sleeveless mini dress and choker combo, while for others, fetish gear means donning a more extreme o ring gag and leather harness. Ultimately it is up to the individual, their kink and the special occasion at hand.

Fetish club dress code

Collectively, fetish wear provides the BDSM scene with a general dress code for clubs and events but do bear in mind that certain clubs will have specific dress codes and my my, they are not for the faint-hearted...

Infamous for its strict dress code and zero tolerance for dress code violations, is Torture Garden, the world’s largest extreme fetish fantasy event.

With guidance like “If you can wear any part of your outfit to a regular party, or on the tube without being stared at, then it’s a sign that you won’t be dressed up enough,” you could be forgiven for thinking that these requirements seem a little stringent. But ultimately, fetish clubs are about pure, unadulterated self-expression. So don your finest and wildest garbs or risk being turned away by what they refer to as “the door-b*tch.”

What to wear to a fetish club — what counts?

If fetish and kink clubs are a forum for play, fantasy, and liberation from the constraints of the mundane every day, then really fetish wear can be anything your wonderfully kinky imagination can fashion up (so long as it meets the events dress code requirements). I know what you’re thinking, yes this does make it hard for fetish club first-timers to know what to wear. Ultimately, you’re spoilt for choice! Just let your imagination run wild. Or alternatively, lean into your kinky preferences and rack up some bonus points for crafting a homemade outfit.

An outfit can be completely fantastical, like whole pony outfits, mythical creatures, or pop culture characters. Or it could be along the lines of:

• Lace-up corsets
• Catsuits and body suits
• Latex rubber clothing
• Black latex or leather gear
• Body harnesses
• PVC clothing such as backless halter dresses
• Accessorised lingerie including knickers and jockstraps

Should you choose to visit a fetish club and find yourself in a quandary about what to wear, then visit the club night’s website for inspiration and advice.

Ready to get dressed up?

Whether you’re heading to a fetish club or you’re just a curious cat, take a look at our dedicated fetish wear collection to see what this sexy clothing is all about. Whether you are into suspenders and fishnets, crotchless thongs and mini skirts or facemasks and hoods, we have something for you so add it to your wishlist or shopping cart today!