The Burlesque movement continues to grow at a rapid pace. Much of the allure of the art of the tease is the glamorous clothing worn by the performers and audience members alike. The rich and lavish material draped over the curves of the Burlesque enthusiast is all part of the charm.

For the performer, her wardrobe pieces are carefully selected as part of the story she invites the audience to participate in and should of course be easy to remove. Here I highlight the 8 most important garments in burlesque clothing and how they are used to entice and delight the eager spectators.

The Burlesque Corset

The classic corset – designed to create that perfect hourglass figure – reducing the waist and accentuating the bust and hips. The lace up back detail is great for teasing the crowd by pulling at and twirling with the ribbon or laces. A concealed zip to the side or front of the garment is perfect for removing the article with added ease and surprise.

The Burlesque Bustle Skirt

Essentially deriving from Victorian fashion, the burlesque bustle skirt is used to accentuate the rump, similarly to the corset, framing the ideal hourglass figure. The skirt can be of any length, often shorter at the front with a glamorous trail to the rear, and is typically created in satin or chiffon style material. The burlesque bustle skirt acts as an extension to the movement of the lower part of the performer’s body movements and characteristically adds the glamour to the costume, while being easy to slip out of.

The Burlesque Gloves

A staple part of the Burlesque performer’s wardrobe and often the first part of the outfit to be removed. Exposing the wrist is believed to be suggestive in nature and the slow peel of a luxurious leather, satin or velvet glove gives a hint to the audience as to what is to follow. Often flung, swung, twirled and, on occasion, stuffed into the mouth of the exotic performer.

The Burlesque Stockings

A favourite of the most famous modern day striptease artist – Dita Von Teese – stockings scream sex appeal, and in a similar way to the gloves, can be easily peeled off and played with in a huge number of suggestive and crowd pleasing ways. Manufactured in multiple fabrics, colours, patterns and styles the burlesque stockings are easily co-ordinated to match any outfit

The Burlesque Fascinator

An attractive head piece often adorned with feathers, flowers, glitter and veils. The garment adds instant glamour to any Burlesque outfit and most importantly conceals part of the face or eyes immediately creating sexy intrigue and mystery around the wearer

The Burlesque Lingerie

Sculpted to accentuate the contour and curves of the performer often designed with a 1940’s pin up feel in an array of lavish fabrics, seductive colours and glitzy décor. Clasps, elastic and hooks make for the slow peel and ultimate, anticipated easy removal

The Burlesque Pasties

Synonymous with the Burlesque industry, the exotic burlesque pasties are often the climax to the final reveal and used to wrap up a performance. Often designed in classic colours and adorned with rhinestones or sequins, while some performers choose to co-ordinate the pasties to match the theme of their performance piece. Attached with adhesive or tape and decorated with tassels for those demonstrating the famous twirl.

The Burlesque Shoes

The Burlesque shoes are the platform for the all important strut of the performer, extending the leg and adding an instant boost of sex appeal. The stilettos should match the outfit and be trouble-free in removal. They should be easily kickable or free of too many hard to manoeuvre straps or buckles