How Do I Get Into the Bondage and Fetish Scene? Part 2
How Do I Get Into the Bondage and Fetish Scene? Part 2
What Do I Wear to a Fetish Club?
There are very few fetish clubs that don't have a dress code, so make sure you research the event you're planning to attend thoroughly. You'll find that fancy dress, plain or off-the-rack latex, simple leather pieces and nudity can all deny you access to events, so don't even think about showing up in jeans. If you don't make the effort, you won't be going in.
Men and women are both expected to show up looking fabulous, so try to find a unique way to express your naughty side. If you're going as a couple, consider matching or complementing styles. Look at the galleries for the clubs you want to attend to get a good idea of what's expected. Think fantasy, think sexy and most of all, think impressive. The more elaborate, wild and daring your outfit is, the better.
Many people attend in custom latex outfits which cost hundreds of pounds, some even create their own with body paint and liquid latex. Cross dressing, cosplay, shibari bondage body harnesses, military uniforms and corsetry are also popular choices. Outfits don't have to cost a lot of money, but they must look great.
Make sure you accessorise your outfit and groom your face and hair so you look well turned out. Imagine the effort you're expected to put in for a wedding and then give it a seriously kinky overhaul.
What is the Etiquette for Play in a Fetish Club?
You wouldn't just walk into a regular club and try to stick your tongue down someone's throat, would you? The same is true of the kinkier side of clubbing. If you want to play with someone, or get involved in a scene, then you should ask the participants. Many people play in clubs because they enjoy voyeurism, not because they're looking for strangers to join them.
You're likely to witness a few scenes and it's generally good etiquette to ask if you can watch if there isn't already a viewing group. If a crowd has already formed and the scene is continuing with passion, join the voyeurs if you like. You can learn some pretty good techniques when watching these unofficial shows.
Will I be Expected to Participate if I Go to a Fetish Club?
No one will expect you to do anything you're uncomfortable with. If you want to go and spend the whole night sitting in a corner, you're quite welcome to, but you probably won't have a very good time. Treat it just like any other club. Have a few drinks, introduce yourself to a few people, have a dance and see where the night takes you.
If you're keen to play, spend some time hanging out in the play rooms. Submissives generally take a kneeling position and wait to be engaged, whereas dominants will invite slaves to approach them, usually on hands and knees.
Often there is more than one playroom, so make sure you do the rounds to get a good idea of what's happening where and make return visits throughout the night if you don't find scenes that take your fancy.
Will my photo be taken if I go to a Fetish Club?
Many fetish clubs have photographers to promote the nights and show off the glamourous outfits people have spent hours putting together. While it's true that many attendees are exhibitionists who want their pictures to be taken, there are just as many who want to stay anonymous.
If you don't want your picture taken, you don't have to have it taken. Photographers will always ask you if they can take a picture and you're welcome to decline. If you're worried about appearing in the background, you can always wear a bondage mask or similar to help disguise your features.
Many clubs have a dedicated photo booth where you can have photos taken with friends as a keepsake, but these are also voluntary.
Only authorised photographers are permitted to take photos at fetish nights. If someone takes your photo without asking, be sure to alert a member of staff (such as a bouncer or the door staff) so they can deal with the issue. Be aware that if you are caught taking photos in a fetish club, your images will be deleted and you will be asked to leave the venue and will potentially be banned from future events.
What Should I do if Something Goes Wrong?
Organisers of fetish events are very savvy and go to great lengths to ensure the safety of all attendees. They employ multiple registered bouncers and qualified first aiders to protect players and staff alike. If you see something amiss or get into difficulty, contact the nearest member of staff and they will ensure the right people find you quickly. The bar is often a good first port of call as the staff know the club well and will be able to find the relevant people quickly and efficiently.
Looking for Inspiration?
London remains the hub of the British fetish scene, with a wealth of nights catering to all tastes from femdom and foot worship to rubber and all-girl parties. London Fetish Scene in a new window] is a great place to explore everything the capital has to offer, as well as giving you a lot of inspiration for your future fetish club adventures.
Be sure to check out Torture Garden in a new window] (also known as TG). It's Britain's biggest, boldest and longest-running fetish club night and they hold parties everywhere from the HMS President (a boat moored on the Thames) to the Coronet Theatre and even Ministry of Sound.