What to Wear to a Drag Show (Women & Men)
Do you want to know what to wear to a drag show?
If you’re going to your first drag show, you may be excited but unsure of what to wear.
Drag shows are a good time, but you may be wondering about the dress code for one of these performances and what you should and should not wear.
The good news is that almost anything goes at a drag show. Drag is all about being a safe space to express yourself.
If it’s your first time going to a drag show, here are some tips on what to expect and ideas for outfits you can wear.
What Is a Drag Show?
Drag shows are a type of performance where men (known as a drag queen or drag artist) dress up and do a female impersonations or women (known as drag kings) dress up and impersonate men. The former is more common and is what you will see in mainstream drag performances.
The origins of drag go back hundreds of years. In 16th-century England, male actors dressed up as women and performed female roles in the theater, because women were not allowed to become actors.
In the United States, drag became popular in New York City beginning in the 1920s and it wasn’t long until Las Vegas followed suit.
The first drag show, known as a drag ball, occurred in Harlem, and the popularity of these performances quickly spread throughout the city over the following decades to places like Greenwich Village.
Drag became popular and mainstream with television shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race, a reality show where drag performers compete against one another.
Drag shows are linked with the LGBTQ community, but not all drag artists are gay men or transgender. Although it’s common for drag shows to take place at a gay bar or club, they are open to everybody.
These days, going to a drag show is a popular activity on a Saturday night for groups of friends, private events, bachelorette parties, birthday parties, and other occasions. A drag queen club is often touted as one of the most fun places to go.
What to Expect at a Drag Show
There are several different types of drag shows. All drag shows have a live performance element. The drag queens or kings may sing or lip-sync, dance, or do skits. There’s often a comedy element and participation from audience members.
If you’re part of a group, you may get singled out if it’s your special day (such as celebrating your birthday or being the bride-to-be in a bachelorette party.)
Drag shows are typically adult events that take place at bars, clubs, or other venues, and they can get rowdy and raucous if there’s a lot of alcohol involved.
If you attend a drag show at a nightclub, you can hit the dance floor and dance the night away afterward. Drag brunches are also popular, and these take place at a restaurant where the performers entertain you and interact with you while you enjoy brunch.
When it comes to drag show etiquette, be prepared to have fun, but always be respectful to the performers. This means not touching them or their outfits, and not being disruptive to the show.
Tipping is expected at drag shows, so be sure to bring some cash in ones and other small bills. These fabulous queens and kings work hard to put on a great show, so tipping is always appreciated.
Follow these guidelines and you’ll have an amazing time at the drag show!
What to Wear to a Drag Show
The most important thing to remember when considering what to wear to a drag show is that you want to wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident.
Drag queens and kings put a lot of hard work and effort into their outfits, hair, and makeup to have the most extravagant and flamboyant looks.
So if you want to do the same thing, that’s encouraged. But it’s also totally okay to wear something simple and understated too.
Some things that you’ll see a lot at drag shows are sequins, feathers, glitter, and bright colors. There’s nothing too over-the-top when it comes to drag show outfits.
Here are some ideas of outfits to wear to a drag show:
Sequined Blazer and Pants
This sequin set is a perfect choice for a drag show. It’s sexy and bold yet comfortable and high quality. It comes in 5 colors and can also be worn for a night of clubbing.
Off the Shoulder Fringe Dress
Shop Dress | Shop Heels | Shop Necklace
This hot pink off-shoulder fringe dress that will shimmer and shine with every move you make is absolutely perfect for the drag scene. Throw on a cute pair of strappy silver high heels and a statement necklace and you’re good to go.
Corset Top and Leather Pants
Shop Top | Shop Pants | Shop Sneakers
Bustier tops paired with leather pants is another great outfit idea for a drag show. You can complete this look with a pair of trendy white sneakers or black leather boots.
Sequined Belted Jumpsuit
This sequined belted jumpsuit with a bustier top just screams fabulous. It comes in red, dark green, or black, and is the perfect outfit for a drag show performance. Wear it with a pair of strappy nude heels and a pair of chandelier earrings to complete the look.
Deep V Cut-Out Split Back Dress
This risqué sheer mesh dress is perfect for a night out at a drag show if you want to wear something that is both sexy and fun. Wear it with a pair of black chunky heels that are comfortable so you can dance the night away!
Rainbow Disco Dress
If you want a drag show outfit that will make you feel fabulous, this flamboyant sequined disco dress is the perfect thing to wear. It’s a slinky minidress made from chainmail rainbow sequins and pairs perfectly with some feathered slide heels.
Feather-Trimmed Bustier Dress
Feathers are all the rage at drag performances, so this feather-trimmed bustier dress is a great outfit to wear at a drag show. It comes in black, white, and purple. Wear it with a pair of strappy heels to complete the outfit.
Accessories for a Drag Show
In addition to your outfit, you’ll want to think about accessories for a drag show.
Feather boas are a classic drag show accessory that provide a dramatic effect and make any outfit just a little more fabulous and fun. (And getting matching feather boas for everyone in the group is a great idea for bachelorette parties and other events.)
A statement purse or clutch is also perfect for a drag show.
A great way to polish off your look is with a statement bag. Here are some options perfect to bring with you to a drag show or drag brunch:
Glitter Rhinestone Evening Bag
What to Wear to a Drag Show for Men
What should you wear to a drag show if you’re a man, particularly a straight man?
As a straight man, you may feel like a fish out of water at a drag show, but there’s no reason you can’t have a good time and enjoy yourself.
For guys, you can also wear just about anything to a drag show. A button-down shirt with a fun print and a pair of jeans or pants is totally acceptable.
You don’t have to wear sequins or a feather boa (unless you want to of course!) but just wear something that you feel comfortable in.
What NOT to Wear to a Drag Show
These are some outfit ideas to wear to a drag show, but you might be wondering if there are specific things you should NOT wear to a drag show.
It’s always a good idea to check the dress code for a drag show before you go. If it’s held at a bar, restaurant, club, or another venue, that place may have certain restrictions in place for what you can and can’t bring with you.
For example, some venues ban loose glitter because it makes a mess and is hard to clean off the floors.
While all of the above pieces are great options for your drag show ensemble, there are no set rules for attire at a drag show.
Drag shows and the drag culture, in general, are all about expressing your personal style and being comfortable in your own skin. So wear what you want and just enjoy the fabulous shows put on by the entertainers.
