Short History of Pasties
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About pasties... (Not the food)
Pasties originated 19th century but really became iconic in the 1930’s when laws were created for “modesty” and arrests and raids on performers were common. Burlesque theatres are not strip clubs, so they usually do not carry the correct license for nudity, the licenses are also expensive and require renewal. If you want to perform you have to follow laws that censored your body. To combat this, burlesque performers wore tiny nipple covers (pasties) and G-strings to cover exactly what the laws found illegal. Performers still do, both as a tribute and to follow modern day regulations.
Speaking from the 21st century, it seems a little silly to forbid the naked body in adult spaces. But this was the same era as prohibition so that makes sense. Can’t have your population be too rowdy. AKA the No Fun Club.
These days, pasties are often used for nipple covering when wearing low neck dresses. A bra showing may not be the look you want. You have to keep your stiff peaks in check somehow. Folks still use them for performances and self expression. Drag, pride, in your bedroom, for fashion, etc. Regardless of your use, they all provide the same function.
Unfortunately, we do not carry those flesh tone silicone pasties I would consider pseudo-undergarments. Drug stores usually have them with the hosiery. However, we do have fun ones. Traditional burlesque ones (the more conical ones), nipple tassels, sparkly ones, rainbow ones, burgers, pizza (no hot dogs sorry), roses, hearts, gasp… We have a lot of fun ones. More here, but we encourage you to come in and look at them in person. If you take good care of them, you can reuse them. We’ll post about how to reuse and take care of them next week. Otherwise, the internet has burlesque spaces that will cover how to apply and reuse your pasties.
Peace and love.