Are expensive costumes worth it?
Is it worth the time and money to get custom dance bikinis made in unique styles and expensive Swarovski beading? I would love to get some custom pieces but don’t know if it would be appreciated by the clients you know? Obviously it’s not a damn fashion show lol but will it help to stand out and look above the other dancers?
Re: Are expensive costumes worth it?
If you have the money to spend, go for it. I think dancers can do well no matter what they wear (with few exceptions). I have done well in a $20 box lingerie dress and in a custom made $150 bikini. There's really no telling.
Re: Are expensive costumes worth it?
Managers have the right answer for this question.
Older guys love tacky neon. I don't know about really young customers...I didn't really mix with them.
Side note- "gown clubs" do require purchase of regulation dress code gowns.
Re: Are expensive costumes worth it?
The problem with beaded things is that they usually do not last to long. Buy what makes you confident, but there are plenty of ways to set yourself apart that does not involve custom outfits.
Re: Are expensive costumes worth it?
I would stay away from beading in general, be it jewelry or clothing embellishments. It can look positively lovely, but if it gets caught on something (like between your skin and the pole for instance -- speaking from experience on that one) beads can go EVERYWHERE. Individual beads can also break down over time if you don't hand-wash and sometimes they can take a whole section with them when they break off and catch on the threads holding them.
I would recommend rhinestones personally. Not just because I prefer the look, but because they are generally sewn on more securely than beadwork IME. If you're going to roll with beads, definitely take the time to reinforce the stitching holding them in place. You can also go to a craft store like JoAnn's and get beads, rhinestones, things like that and spruce up outfits you already have. If the clothing is still in good condition, it's a much smaller investment for the same effect and you have complete control over the result. I've done this with a number of my favourite outfits and had good results.
Re: Are expensive costumes worth it?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jalena
I would stay away from beading in general, be it jewelry or clothing embellishments. It can look positively lovely, but if it gets caught on something (like between your skin and the pole for instance -- speaking from experience on that one) beads can go EVERYWHERE. Individual beads can also break down over time if you don't hand-wash and sometimes they can take a whole section with them when they break off and catch on the threads holding them.
I would recommend rhinestones personally. Not just because I prefer the look, but because they are generally sewn on more securely than beadwork IME. If you're going to roll with beads, definitely take the time to reinforce the stitching holding them in place. You can also go to a craft store like JoAnn's and get beads, rhinestones, things like that and spruce up outfits you already have. If the clothing is still in good condition, it's a much smaller investment for the same effect and you have complete control over the result. I've done this with a number of my favourite outfits and had good results.
That’s what I was planning on doing. Purchasing the rhinestones that are used on gymnastics and figure skating costumes and hot gluing them on.
Re: Are expensive costumes worth it?
Whatever makes you feel more confident is great. I do find that guys often comment on outfits that look expensive but it doesn't necessarily translate into more sales in every club.
I have worked in places where the majority of girls will have custom made swarovski'd outfits and it looks out of place if you're working in cheap lingerie- like it screams "newbie" or whatever, and I've worked in bars wear it literally didn't matter.
Definitely order your swarovskis online, craft stores charge a ridiculous markup for them. You'll probably want to use size ss20 for most things, and get a few ss30/34 for places where you want to add a big rock or two.
Hot glue isn't as good as some of the other adhesives. Gemtac is very easy to use, non-toxic, and easy to find. e6000 is best for application on harder surfaces, like if you're doing shoes etc. It's much more difficult to work with and you'll need to keep the area ventilated while working and also while the glue sets as it will give off fumes the entire time. when using that glue I typically just do it outside.
Re: Are expensive costumes worth it?
I agree with using e6000 glue in a well ventilated room, I use a toothpick to apply a bit of the glue and stick it on. That stuff will stick anything to anything very well.
Re: Are expensive costumes worth it?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
lightningfarron
I agree with using e6000 glue in a well ventilated room, I use a toothpick to apply a bit of the glue and stick it on. That stuff will stick anything to anything very well.
How much glue do you need? How secure are the crystals?
Re: Are expensive costumes worth it?
If it makes you feel good. Yes. As with any business the idea is to keep expenses down. So if it costs more and the quality is better and it last longer or makes you stand out might be worth it. Depends on the club. Some guys like the stripper look vs upscale? If your clients is upscale then definitely yes. If they are average joes they probably don’t care.
Re: Are expensive costumes worth it?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
SuperJa
Whatever makes you feel more confident is great. I do find that guys often comment on outfits that look expensive but it doesn't necessarily translate into more sales in every club.
I have worked in places where the majority of girls will have custom made swarovski'd outfits and it looks out of place if you're working in cheap lingerie- like it screams "newbie" or whatever, and I've worked in bars wear it literally didn't matter.
Definitely order your swarovskis online, craft stores charge a ridiculous markup for them. You'll probably want to use size ss20 for most things, and get a few ss30/34 for places where you want to add a big rock or two.
Hot glue isn't as good as some of the other adhesives. Gemtac is very easy to use, non-toxic, and easy to find. e6000 is best for application on harder surfaces, like if you're doing shoes etc. It's much more difficult to work with and you'll need to keep the area ventilated while working and also while the glue sets as it will give off fumes the entire time. when using that glue I typically just do it outside.
Thanks sooo much for this bc I neverrr knew which size to get! Also, do you know of any stores on etsy that're good to buy the rhinestones from?
Again, thanks thanks so much!
Re: Are expensive costumes worth it?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
MintChocolate
Thanks sooo much for this bc I neverrr knew which size to get! Also, do you know of any stores on etsy that're good to buy the rhinestones from?
Again, thanks thanks so much!
I've bought from AlliumBlue, MyChobos, SwarovskiBead, CrystalsbyZipperStop, and ADBeads. All had reasonable prices and were genuine. Most of them were coming from Asia so shipping time was quite random. CrystalsbyZipperStop is in the US but they cost slightly more so you just have to decide if your time is worth the extra $$.
Re: Are expensive costumes worth it?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Ifyouseekamy
If it makes you feel good. Yes. As with any business the idea is to keep expenses down. So if it costs more and the quality is better and it last longer or makes you stand out might be worth it. Depends on the club. Some guys like the stripper look vs upscale? If your clients is upscale then definitely yes. If they are average joes they probably don’t care.
We’re talking average Portland joes lol
Re: Are expensive costumes worth it?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
IvoryDoll
How much glue do you need? How secure are the crystals?
For just tiny crystals and decals a single bottle of the clear glue should last you. Michael's has it and sometimes you can use coupons, you can also get it at Home Depot, Lowe's, Walmart etc, but it's pretty inexpensive to begin with. It's kind of a pain to work with (you need an airy well ventilated room, it can get messy, it stinks), but it STAYS. I used it to glue over 1000 sequins to a corset and none of them budged, even when I tried to pick them off.
If the idea of working with messy glue and chemical smells bothers you look into Rhinestone/Swarvoski Hot Fix. I have several cosplay costumes that have lasted thru wear, tear and washes, it is pretty sturdy ;D
And for the reference of anyone reading, This to That is an excellent guideline to follow for all your sticking needs. :D
Re: Are expensive costumes worth it?
If it's gonna make you feel good, go for it.
Re: Are expensive costumes worth it?
The costume must be sexy, but it doesn't have to be expensive
Re: Are expensive costumes worth it?
Cheaper the better. I wasted money on fancy costumes. NOPE. Cheap slutty look works well. You are at a strip club.