Dress code in BDSM: is certain clothing a must?

“Dress code in BDSM: is certain clothing a must?“ was written for BDSMforyou.nl by Mistress Moriah.

At many parties there is a dress code or clothing requirement to get in. Sometimes with a real "door bitch" checking it before you go inside. For example, that you have to be dressed in something made of leather, latex or rubber. That jeans are not allowed and that your clothing must therefore have a kinky touch. It's always handy to ask about this beforehand, because of course everyone who throws a party decides this entirely for themselves. It says something about the like-minded atmosphere surrounding such a party. A dress code can feel very safe, or very exciting. Perfectly fine! But... does that always apply? Is a BDSM experience inextricably linked to latex, leather, rubber and/or high heels?

Tough and powerful

Clothing is more than just a covering. It is also a powerful tool for enhancing the atmosphere and the experience. Take leather, for example. This material radiates strength and authority. Think of tough bikers; leather exudes a certain dominance. In the 1950s the emerging gay community embraced this aesthetic, with leather jackets and trousers symbolising rebellion and masculinity.

Leather is sturdy and has a characteristic smell. Wearing leather can give a feeling of power, which fits perfectly with dominant roles. For the submissive, touching or smelling leather can evoke feelings of submission and arousal.

Fetish fashion

Latex, on the other hand, found its way into fashion in the early 20th century, initially used in medical and industrial applications. In the 1960s and 1970s latex began to appear in fetish fashion, partly thanks to the influence of pop culture and avant-garde designers. The shiny, second-skin look of latex quickly made it popular within the BDSM community.

That very look can give a feeling of vulnerability and exposure, which can be exciting for both the wearer and the onlooker. Moreover, wearing latex can have a transformative effect, with the wearer feeling as if they are in a different role or identity.

Are the trimmings necessary?

Of course you can also have a perfectly good BDSM experience without all these "trimmings", but to be honest, those so-called trimmings do make it a little bit more fun, more powerful and more exciting. And if you happen to have a fetish for leather, latex or high heels, then the sight of these materials can absolutely heighten the fun of the party (read: the arousal). In that case, wearing a certain style of clothing can have a functional (enhancing) effect on the BDSM experience.

Real power

But apart from that, the real power of course simply lies within yourself. And you can perfectly well dominate someone in jeans or a cheerful little dress. It's not a must, it's just fun. In daily life I regularly wear something made of leather myself, simply because I like it and enjoy wearing it, but I'm just as happy to wear cheerful (black is my happy collar) dresses. It all depends on my mood (and what I'm going to do that day).

But during play parties, BDSM experiences or other special BDSM moments, I do dress up a bit more, and the clothing may be a little more exuberant, more kinky or sexy. I certainly don't do that only for the other person; I enjoy it at least as much myself. Is it a must? No, it isn't.

The evolution of kinky clothing

Over the years, the style of clothing within the BDSM scene has evolved. This is mainly due to the influence of fashion, pop culture and social change. In the 80s and 90s we saw an increase in latex in mainstream fashion, partly thanks to artists such as Madonna and films such as "The Matrix". This mainstream acceptance has contributed to the normalisation of fetish clothing and has blurred the boundaries between subculture and mainstream.

Nowadays we see a wide range of styles within the BDSM community, from traditional leather outfits to colourful and creative latex creations. And that's of course only a good thing! After all, it's perfectly fine to stand out.

Mistress Moriah

Source

Text: Mistress Moriah
Photography: Art of Pictures