Fetish fashion is any style or appearance in the form of a type of clothing or
accessory, created to be extreme or provocative. These styles are not usually
worn by the majority of people on any regular basis. They are usually made of
materials such as leather, latex or synthetic rubber or plastic, nylon, PVC,
spandex, fishnet, and stainless steel. Some fetish fashion items include:
stiletto heel shoes and boots (most notably the ballet boot), hobble skirts,
corsets, collars, full-body latex catsuits, stockings, miniskirt, crotchless
underwear, garters, locks, rings, eyewear, handcuffs, and stylized costumes
based on more traditional outfits, such as wedding dresses that are almost
completely see-through lace.
Fetish fashions are sometimes confused with costuming, because both are usually
understood to be clothing that is not worn as the usual wardrobe of people, and
is instead worn to create a particular reaction.
Fetish fashions are usually considered to be separate from those clothing items
used in cosplay, whereby these exotic fashions are specifically used as
costuming to effect a certain situation rather than to be merely worn; such as
the creation of a character for picture play. However, sometimes the two areas
do overlap. For example, in Japan, many themed restaurants have waitresses who
wear costumes such as a suit made of latex or a stylized French maid outfit.
Some type of garments that women wear to routinely improve their appearance are
thought of as erotic and qualify as fetish wear: corsets and high heels. Most
fetish wear is not practical enough for routine daily wear. A very common fetish
costume for women is the dominatrix costume. Usually it consists of mostly dark
or even black clothing. The woman usually wears a corset or bustier and
stockings with high heeled footwear. High boots are quite common as they enhance
the woman's domination. Most women in dominatrix costumes carry an accessory
such as a whip or a riding crop.
