Burlesque has long been a captivating form of entertainment, known for its blend of satire, performance art, and an alluring sense of drama. At the heart of this vibrant art form are the costumes—each outfit is a carefully crafted statement, meant to express individuality, celebrate the human form, and captivate the audience. However, a common misconception about burlesque costumes is that they are only about size or the lack thereof. In reality, burlesque costumes are about much more—they embody creativity, confidence, and the power to express oneself beyond conventional norms.
The Evolution of Burlesque Costumes
Historically, burlesque has its roots in 17th-century England, where it began as a form of theatrical entertainment that mocked high art and culture. Over time, it evolved into a more elaborate performance style, incorporating elements of striptease and comedy. By the early 20th century, burlesque had taken on a life of its own, with performers donning glamorous, often extravagant costumes designed to tease and tantalise while leaving much to the imagination.
These early costumes were not just about revealing the body; they were about creating a persona. Feathered boas, sequined bras, corsets, and fishnet stockings became iconic elements of burlesque, each piece carefully chosen to enhance the performer’s onstage presence. The art of burlesque lies in its ability to blend the sensual with the theatrical, and the costumes are a key part of this equation.
Size Is Just a Number
One of the most important things to understand about burlesque costumes is that they are not defined by size. In burlesque, there is no “one size fits all” approach—costumes are as diverse as the performers who wear them. The beauty of burlesque is that it celebrates all body types, encouraging performers to embrace their unique shapes and sizes. Whether a performer is petite, plus-size, or anywhere in between, burlesque costumes are designed to highlight their best features and make them feel confident and empowered.
In fact, the burlesque community has long been at the forefront of body positivity, challenging societal standards of beauty and promoting the idea that everyone is beautiful just as they are. Performers often create or customise their own costumes to ensure that they fit perfectly and make them feel fabulous. The emphasis is on how the costume makes the performer feel rather than conforming to any particular standard.
Creativity and Individuality in Costume Design
Another aspect that makes burlesque costumes so special is the creativity involved in their design. Burlesque is an art form that thrives on individuality, and this is reflected in the wide variety of costumes seen on stage. From classic vintage styles to modern, avant-garde creations, burlesque costumes are as varied as the stories they tell.
Many performers take great pride in designing and crafting their own costumes, often incorporating elements of their personal style and interests. This can range from using unconventional materials to adding intricate details like hand-sewn beads or feathers. The result is a costume that is not only visually stunning but also deeply personal—a true reflection of the performer’s personality and artistic vision.
This creativity extends beyond the physical costume to the way it is presented on stage. Burlesque is as much about the tease as it is about the reveal, and costumes often play a key role in this. Layers of clothing are removed gradually, each piece shedding to build anticipation and excitement. The costume is not just something to wear—it is an integral part of the performance, helping to tell a story and engage the audience.
Confidence Beyond the Costume
While the costume is undoubtedly important in burlesque, it is the confidence of the performer that truly brings it to life. Burlesque is about more than just the clothing—it is about owning one’s body, embracing one’s sexuality, and feeling empowered to express oneself freely. A burlesque performer does not just wear a costume—they inhabit it, using it as a tool to convey their inner strength and charisma.
This confidence is what makes burlesque so powerful and transformative. It allows performers to push boundaries, challenge norms, and inspire others to do the same. Whether they are dressed in elaborate feathers and sequins or something simpler, what truly matters is how they carry themselves on stage.
To Wrap Up: More Than Meets the Eye
Summing up, burlesque costumes are much more than their size. They are a celebration of creativity, individuality, and confidence. They reflect the diversity of the performers who wear them and the art form itself, which has always been about challenging the status quo and embracing the beauty of all bodies. In burlesque, the costume is not just something to be seen—it is something to be felt, both by the performer and the audience. So, the next time you think of burlesque, remember that there is much more to it than meets the eye, and much more to you than just your size.
