We get one question more than any other: “what should I wear for the [class | rope jam | play party] I just registered for?
While the short answer is “dress for your comfort,” we’ve got some tips based on our own experiences (and sprained fingers):
Do: Consider Your Goals
- Am I dressing for a class? A play party? A private scene?
I prioritize comfort for class, aesthetics for a play party, and weaponized lingerie for private scenes. - Do I feel [powerful | authentic | _____] in this?
Being present in a space starts with being present with ourselves.
Do: test how the outfit Wears
- Does this move in the ways I want it to (and not in ways that I don’t)?
Clothing bondage is hot as hell – it’s a real problem if you’re tying, though. - Does this outfit comply with the venue’s dress code and/or rules about nudity?1
Are all the relevant bits covered? Do they stay covered when I move? - Will this still be comfortable when I’m sweaty?
There’s a reason you usually see us in athleisure.
Do: consider your partner’s experience
- Could this get tangled in the rope?
What’s our game plan if this gets jammed? - Is it high-stretch (or strappy) in a way that could snag fingers?
Snagging your finger on a cutout is a pretty good way to sprain it. - Are there elements that could accidentally injure my partner (i.e. a belt that will whack them in the face)?
Be a jerk on purpose. - Would it suck to be in close proximity with it (i.e. sharp sequins, stinky new PVC)?
Be a…see above.
But Debbie, Pastels?
We’re all trying to balance self-expression, vulnerability, practicality, and the 1001 tropes floating around about how you should dress in a kink space, “traditional” dress for shibari, etc.
It can get complicated.
Consider this an invitation: show up the way you want to be seen2. If that’s pastels and bows? Fuck yes. If that’s a singlet and a hoodie? You’re in good company. Head-to-toe leather? Amazing – please leave your boots by the door.
At the end of the day, the right thing to wear is the thing that’s right for you.
- At Devil Mask Studio our standards are:
Public Areas of the Building: street legal & neighbor friendly
Studio Lobby: bits covered (mostly for the upholstery’s sake)
Tying Space: nudity is a-okay ↩︎ - With one exception: Devil Mask Studio is not the space for military uniforms, police gear, or the insignia/logos of historic or contemporary hate movements.
Got questions about what qualifies? Email us! ↩︎