Costume Safety and Wardrobe Changes
Mike Doughty, October ‘23 Newsletter
We are back into the spooky season! Favorite time of year for many people, and as I’ve mentioned in a previous newsletter, the birthday of many new Drag personas. A big part of October, and Halloween specifically, are costume parties. For some people, it could be an excuse to try a new outfit under the veil of being a costume, or maybe push themselves to wear something extra and wonderful that has different components than what they normally wear. Regardless if something in your October plans is for one night or is a new addition to your regular wardrobe, I just wanted to talk about some ways to be safe!
First up: binders. Binders are a type of compression top that help reduce the visibility of a person’s breasts. Some costumes may lead people to use binders to make their costume more “realistic”, but it is important for anyone getting a binder to remember some key details! Order a binder in the appropriate size for your body. While some people may like the extra compression from getting a binder a size or two smaller than they should, it can cause serious damage to your skin, ribs, and lungs.Do NOT use an ace bandage, saran wrap, or any other kind of DIY binding as they can overcompensate and constrict too much on your ribs and organs Last, only have a binder on for up to 8 hours maximum at a time! Do not sleep in it, and do not keep it on for extended periods as even a properly-fitting binder can cause breathing issues or injury if kept on for too long. While different from a binder, those of you who wear corsets or similar types of clothing that constricts the chest might benefit from these tips as well!
Next up are high heels or other kinds of footwear that are different from everyday “walking” shoes. If you have never worn a heel before, and are able to, take the time to practice walking in it on a simple. flat surface. It may sound silly, but getting used to how your weight moves in a heel before you are walking on pavement or in grass could mean you don’t spend the evening falling or twisting your ankles. Also, make sure the shoes are the right size for your foot. Most heels are sold in US women’s sizes which are typically about 2 sizes bigger than the equivalent men’s size (so, a Men’s 7 would be a Women’s 9 roughly). Also remember that different heels walk differently – a wedge or other wide-heel shoes will have more support than a stiletto-type heel. If you aren’t confident walking in heels but want to commit, consider bringing comfortable shoes to the party so you can change if needed.
Last, I want to talk about make-up and other accessories. While Halloween is a great excuse to wear make-up, get your nails done, or wear a bunch of jewelry you might not normally wear, it is important to remember your surroundings. If you are going out to a place you don’t know very well, are you with safe friends? Are you able to put on your full costume at home, or is it safer to put it on at a friend’s house to avoid a fight with family? Make-up and everything else I’ve talked about here are for anyone who wants to try them, but it is important to ask yourself those questions and make sure you are as prepared as possible for your own safety. Wearing a costume for a party and exploring your expression with a new outfit, binder, or make-up should be as stress free as possible for everyone.
Be safe. Have fun. Get some candy and enjoy Spooky Season!