Bondage Catsuits: From Underground to Catwalk

Now part of the mainstream, bondage catsuits have come a long way from their punk origins. As a highly desirable item of fetish clothing, just what is it about a catsuit that makes them so popular? From latex to lace to leather – we zip up to discover the evolution of the kinky catsuit.

The catsuit fetish has been a staple for many years. Indeed, a catsuit that covers the body from head to foot (perhaps with the addition of some kind of mask), is a very well-respected fetish item that many of us – kinksters of all genders – may have in our closet.

But how did these kinky fashion item get its name? Well, the word 'catsuit' has only be attributed to our favorite all-in-one items since the mid-50s. Prior to that date they were known as bodysuits. However, the exact origin of the term isn't entirely clear;  it could refer to the slinky, feline aspect given to the wearer by some designs.
 

But it could also come from the DC Marvel anti-heroine Catwoman, whose costume from the 1950s onward is a type of catsuit. This is probably the best-known examples of bondage catsuits in popular culture, but they have also been spotted on secret agents, such as Emma ***l in the 60s British TV series The Avengers.

Bondage catsuits are sold by fetish shops and online stores. They're available in many materials, including leather, lace, latex, rubber and PVC. In practice, catsuits can be pretty tricky to put on and wear, although this hasn't stopped those of us with a catsuit fetish from adopting them in their personal and sexual lives!

The evolution of the bondage catsuit

As part of the fetish scene, catsuits have been around for many years. However, they've also made the move from being an item of kink clothing and into popular fashion.
 

The first time that catsuits probably made the transition from underground to high fashion was through seminal punk fashion designer Vivienne Westwood. She opened a high street shop called Sex on the King’s Road in London.
 

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The shop sold fetish wear that was also designed to be worn as part of punk fashion that was dominating the London scene in the mid to late 1970s. As punk became more popular, catsuits crossed over from the scene to the mainstream.
 

“In practice, catsuits can be difficult to put on and wear, although this hasn't stopped people with a catsuit fetish from adopting them in their personal and sexual lives!”

Today, catsuits have entered high fashion, and photo shoots involving bondage catsuits can be seen on the front of magazines such as Vogue. This means that catsuits, in various materials, are becoming part of the mainstream. One occasionally sees a catsuit, perhaps in a material other than PVC or leather, being worn at a fashionable occasion.

Bondage catsuits: why are they so chic?

If you own a bondage catsuit then you will probably already know the answer to this question! Catsuits are chic because they highlight the natural form of the wearer. They can even enhance this form because of their restrictive nature, and because of the bold colors and fabrics used.
 

Because of their connotations with the fetish scene, catsuits can be seen as a potentially subversive fashion item that can even be seen to give the wearer the cache of being an individual who does not necessarily follow trends. And although they are more mainstream than ever, catsuits are on the cutting edge of fashion: they are still suitably different from other types of streetwear to remain sexy and subversive.

The beauty of wearing a catsuit is not only in its appearance, but also regarding the added value that they give to a person’s look, and even their walk and attitude! •
Images: shutterstock/LightField Studios, shutterstock/goldeneden

Does wearing a catsuit make your purr with joy? Do you have a catsuit fetish? Let your kinky community know in the Fetish.com forum.