Role Play & Costumes

A role play costume is permission to be someone else for an evening: a nurse, a maid, a police officer, a devil, a bride. The costume does the asking so that neither partner has to, and the character is a place to hide while trying something new. This guide covers what the sets include, how they are sized, how to pick one that will actually be worn, and the accessories that make the difference between a costume and a character.

What is in a set

Most costumes are three to five pieces: a dress or a top and skirt, a headpiece, a matching thong, and sometimes stockings, gloves, a collar or a prop. Read the list, because the photo often shows stockings, shoes and a prop that are not in the box. The best value sets are the ones where every piece is wearable on its own afterwards.

Sizes

Costumes are sized like lingerie, in S/M and L/XL, sometimes with a plus range, and cut close; check the chart against chest, waist and hips and take the larger size if you sit between, because a costume that is tight will not be worn twice. Plus size costumes are cut as plus sizes, not scaled up.

Choosing one that gets worn

Pick the character for the partner who will wear it, not the one who will look at it: a costume nobody feels good in stays in the drawer. Fabric matters more than it looks: stretch fabrics, satin and mesh are comfortable for an evening; cheap PVC is hot and stiff. A costume that can be worn under a coat to a party or a hotel earns its keep faster than one that only works in the bedroom.

Accessories

A prop finishes it: a cap, a stethoscope, handcuffs, a whip, glasses. Stockings, gloves and heels turn a costume into an outfit, and most are sold separately. The headpiece is what makes the character read from across the room.

Care

Hand wash cool and dry flat; most costume fabrics do not like the machine, and sequins, lace and PVC like it least. Keep PVC away from heat and hang it; fold stretch fabrics.

Frequently asked questions