There is a wealth of variety in stripper outfits and every club has its own dress code. Having clothes for every scenario massively increases your options. Consequently, it means that you are prepared for every situation if you have basics. This article covers the most common dress requirements, ideas available and how to make it work for you.
Stripper outfits
Stripper outfits are often loud, eye-catching, intricate and revealing. Stockings, bodysuits, gowns, lingerie, headdresses, jewellery and the definitive perspex platform heels all contribute to how a dancer feels, is perceived, and, consequently, has a direct impact on her earning power. The number one rule with deciding what to wear for work is how does it make you feel? No amount of encouragement from other girls will make you able to rock an outfit that just doesn’t sit right with you. Clients can feel confidence. Therefore, unless you are a master of ‘faking it ’til you make it’, don’t bother with anything that makes you feel anything less than 100% goddess.
Personality can be reflected in your outfit but, for some dancers, wearing things they wouldn’t wear in ‘real’ life helps create a character and illusion for the club floor. Some girls become a seductive vixen with smoky make-up and a black lace, floor length gown. Other dancers become rock chicks straight out of a Guns ‘n’ Roses video with ripped fishnets, thigh-high boots, chunky metal embellishments and glittery eye shadow. Some dancers like to go into full character and dress as sexy nurses, police officers and many others. There is no limit to creating individuality and standing out from the crowd.
Club dress codes
Each club will have a dress code. It is wise to check what that is before starting somewhere. If you like wearing lingerie then a club that requires floor length gowns might not be your cup of tea. If you hate wearing revealing outfits on the floor, preferring to save it for the private rooms, a club with a mandatory white lingerie night is not for you. Many clubs will allow a totally free dress code. Some might meet halfway and allow anything after a certain time but dresses and gown are required, usually until around midnight. There are clubs that only allow gowns full stop. This is dependent on the targeted clientele, local licensing laws and the preference of the owners.
Clubs can hugely vary on enforcing appearance standards with dancers. It is rarer nowadays, but there are still some clubs that require clearance from management on every new outfit and have basic standards on hair, nails and presentation. The huge variation between venues means that there are possibilities for every type of girl. Just find a club that works for you.
Stripper shoes
Stripper shoes make all of the difference to a dancer. Though they may appear frightening if you have never worn them before, they are a lifesaver if you are doing long shifts. Pole dancing shoes are ergonomically designed to be comfortable over long periods of time and whilst dancing. They reduce the chance of blisters, bunions and sore feet and legs. The most common heel heights are 6-8 inches. However, many companies provides heels from 2 inches right upto 10!
Pole dancing shoes add height and adjust your posture to flatter your legs and bottom. Furthermore, the elevated position also helps with some pole moves. The platform at the front of the shoe means your arches aren’t working overtime. Furthermore, it also evenly distributes your weight over the full area of the sole. They are highly recommended. Once dancers start using the correct shoes, they very rarely want to go back to the discomfort of street shoes for work.
The most common styles of stripper shoes are mules or ankle straps. Again, there is variation on what clubs allow. Some do not allow boots, mainly to discourage money being undeclared. If a club does allow boots, these can come in a variety of length from ankle to thigh high. Many showgirls and stage performers favour thigh high boots as they help with grip on the pole and protect your knees from less than ideal stage surfaces. Pleaser are the most popular and well-known brand. However, this brand tends to be the most expensive. There are many alternatives available on the market that a quick search will bring up.
Author: Rochelle
I am a UK based, owner of an international stripper recruitment agency called Showgirls International. I have over 10 years club experience worldwide. When I think I have seen it all, something proves me wrong and that is what keeps me on my toes and fascinated with the industry!