Costumes ~ Part 1
Costumes for bondage have two big criteria to start with – it needs to be comfortable to pose in for extended amounts of time, and it needs to look good. Anything beneficial outside of those two things is icing on the cupcake. Costume for bondage needs to be comfortable, not in the way that large t-shirts and sweatpants are comfortable, but in the way that a slim-fitting summer dress, or a well-cut corset is comfortable. Because of the restraining nature of the ropes and knots, whether something is comfortable for the model to pose in, whether sitting, lying, contorting, or standing, is extremely important. Just like the previous concerns mentioned about ropes being too tight or pinching somewhere, clothing and other costume pieces that are uncomfortable, tight, pinching, puckering, or doing any other various unpleasant things in any area, is going to be a problem when the model needs to pose in those pieces for an extended amount of time. This is something that is worth considering if you are looking at doing specific themes, like burlesque, space, etc. A theme like burlesque, which involves specific pieces like garter belts, stockings with seams and garter holes, and corsets, can be very tricky to pull off when doing bondage photo shoots, for the sheer fact that these costumes pieces may be cumbersome or uncomfortable if not sized correctly.
Corsets are an extremely good example of the importance of well-fitted costumes. When a corset is not custom sized, it may become uncomfortable to sit in when one is being tied for an extended period of time. This may also be a further problem if the model has cinched the corset too tightly, restricting her breathing. There are many models who would be fine working in that condition, but also many that would feel too uncomfortable and restricted that they may not want to repeat the experience. For something like a space theme, some models may be uncomfortable wearing anything overly stretchy, sheer or shimmery. Some also may have a problem wearing a shorter skirt, or a particular “space-like” material, like rubber or PVC. Most times, at Brandibondage, the models are given an idea of what to put together, and then they can put the costume together themselves. This does solve a lot of problems with the fitting of costumes, as most models will have an idea of what they can wear comfortably and what they cannot. It also means avoiding putting a model in something that she may not want to wear, depending on her own personal preference. For example, I don’t really like wearing PVC or generally anything that is going to stick to itself on the surface. As a result, I don’t buy or wear anything PVC for the photo shoots. However, sometimes vanity does take over, and it’s always good for Uncle M to look over what the costumes are and “approve” and “disapprove” of its components.
That covers why it’s important for costumes to be comfortable…next up, why costume needs to look good, and some of the costumes that you may encounter… xoxo Anna