It doesn’t matter if you’re headed to your first burlesque show or you’re a seasoned performer, having a well-stocked burlesque bag can mean the difference between backstage bliss and a rhinestone-studded disaster.
From last-minute costume fixes to personal comfort essentials, here are the top 10 must-have items every burlesque performer should carry to be ready for anything.
Safety Pins & a Sewing Kit
Costume emergencies are inevitable. A tiny sewing kit with needles, thread (in black, white, and nude), and a generous stash of safety pins is your first line of defense.
Lash Glue & Spare Lashes
Whether your lashes start to lift before you go on or a fellow performer needs a backup pair, always bring eyelash glue and a spare set of falsies.
Lint Roller
Even if you don’t have pets that like to snuggle with your costume pieces, a lint roller can come in clutch. No one wants a bunch of distracting lint, dust, or pet hair under stage lighting.
Skin-Friendly Adhesive or Double-Sided Tape
From pasties (which are often a must!) to costume pieces that need to stay in place, fashion tape, toupee tape, or other skin-friendly adhesives are a lifesaver for avoiding wardrobe malfunctions.
Makeup Remover Wipes
These are essential for post-show cleanup, makeup touch-ups, or fixing that one stubborn eyeliner wing. Choose a brand that’s gentle and fragrance-free for sensitive skin. Bonus points for makeup remover wipes that are biodegradable.
Deodorant & Baby Wipes
Burlesque is sweaty work! Keep baby wipes and a travel-size deodorant on hand to freshen up between acts, or before heading out to mingle with the crowd. I promise everyone will thank you.
A Water Bottle & a Light Snack
Hydrate and nourish! Tech rehearsals and shows can be draining. A refillable water bottle and a protein bar or fruit snack can keep you going without messing up your makeup.
Extra Gloves, Stockings, Thongs, Etc.
Burlesque costume pieces are small but mighty — and can also be easy to lose in the shuffle. Keep extra gloves, garters, undies, and similar items in your bag just in case something goes missing, gets sweaty, or ends up with a hole. Stockings especially can be delicate and easy to ruin. Having a backup pair can prevent you from having to step on stage with a run in your thigh-highs!
A Small First Aid Kit
You never know when you might accidentally poke yourself with a safety pin, or end up with a blister on the back of your heel. Pack a small, basic first aid kit that contains items like antiseptic wipes and bandages of different sizes.
Scissors
I can’t even begin to count how many times I’ve heard someone backstage asking, “Does anyone have scissors?” You’ll need them to cut pastie tape, snip any loose threads, trim lashes down to size, open snacks with a particularly difficult package preventing you from those tasty eats… I’m pretty sure my scissors get used more than anything else in my bag.
They might not be rhinestoned costume pieces, but these items are essential to any performer’s bag. The more prepared you are, the more energy you’ll have to slay the stage (and support your fellow performers backstage)! Did we miss your favorite essential? Share your must-haves and tag us on Instagram at @FlamingoRevue to show us what’s in your bag!
Now, if only we could learn to unpack when we get home from a gig…