Are fetish clubs for Freaks and Wierdos or just ordinary folk who like to dress up and have fun?

Here is a brief guide on to find a club, what to expect, what to wear and how to behave...

How to find a fetish club...

• Look on the internet -  try the londonfetishscene website for all things fetishy. In London, Club Rub and Subversion reknowned for their glamourous and friendly crowd whilst Torture Garden has a larger gothic / alternative element. Most large towns or cities have a fetish club. Other clubs are cropping up all the time so be adventurous!

Expect...

• to have to dress up - no casual or street wear. Here in London, Club Rub and Subversion, for example, will not allow admission unless you are dressed in pvc, rubber, latex, drag, a full uniform, corsets, OTT -  (basically, you can never dress too outrageously.) Check their websites for photos and details of the next event. Fetish clothing doesn't have to be expensive (think underwear, bin bags and cling film!) but if you really want to make an entrance, the feel and look of rubber latex is the wholly grail of most clubbers
• to find suitable clothing on e bay, mail order (House of Harlot, Torture Garden), in specialist stores (Paradiso in Soho, Breathless in King Cross, or Ann Summers (considered an inexpensive 'entrance level' shop) )
• to get a ticket in advance either on line or at certain outlets - it's usually cheaper that way, and you should avoid the long queues on the night. If you turn up without a ticket you may not get in if it's a sell-out, and where else can you go at that hour wearing THOSE clothes!  Most clubs have a website for full details.
• several dimly lit rooms with dance floors and seating offering a selection of trance / hard house / ecclectic music, chill out areas, bar(s), changing facilities, cloakroom, play area or 'dungeon', cabaret
• stacks of very friendly fun loving people - straight bi gay black white young old pretty ugly fat slim mad sane- all of whom are completely non judgemental and unprejudiced
• to show and receive respect
• to be amazed by the outrageous costumes and uninhibited behaviour of your fellow clubbers!
• to join in the fun (recommended!) or just be a voyeur
• surprisingly reasonable bar prices, on the whole 
• to stay to till the end, even though you planned to leave at 2, because you won't wannna go home!

Behaviour.....

Apart from the fact you must be over 18 and dressed up (see above), there is only one rule - RESPECT. In this liberated environment,  women in particular must feel completely safe. In return for the effort you have made with your costume and your politeness to others, you can expect to enjoy a  wild WILD evening. If you have an urge to be spanked, to kiss a lady's feet, to be lead around on a collar (or do the leading!), to chat over a beer to like minded libertines or simply dance naked at 4 am to some thumping electronic music, this is the place to do it! In contrast to the usual or 'vanilla' nightclub scene where girls jig around handbags and fellas nurse beers on the edge of the dancefloor, at fetish clubs you will find a crazy 'up front' and 'up for it attitude'. Everyone chats to anyone. Come on your own, with a friend or with your partner, no one cares! You won't be a stranger for long ! -  People love you commenting on the way they are dressed but it's quite normal for a stranger to suddenly ask 'What are you into?' . This means, 'Why are you here?' and is a common opening line. Pleeeese ..Don't expect a quick s**g - I'm not saying it won't happen, but it's not what fetish clubs are about. Worried about safety? Don't be! In general, security is great. Women should not fear going there alone or in a group. (Indeed many have said they would feel more nervous about going to a 'straight' club). Fights are incredibly rare but the 'bouncers' are vigilant and anyone reported for being offensive in any way will be dealt with promptly. Most clubs go on till dawn and at private 'after' parties the hanky panky continues.

Fetish clubs are a platform where you can

• bring a sparkle back into your love life,
• meet new and interesting people,
• indulge your exhibitionist desires,
• be outrageous, creative and downright naughty
• fulfull some of your darkest fantasies
• feel safe, have fun, dance, drink and interact

But do stay away from fetish clubs ...

if you are easily offended or shocked. Photography is not allowed - nor are camera phones. If you are found to be taking / dealing drugs you will be asked to leave and / or police will be called.

Still unconvinced? Get the dvd or video called 'Preaching to the Perverted' , which is a lightheared story set around the London fetish scene, to give you some insight.

So, are these places full of  Freaks and  Perverts? Try a fetish club and then decide! In the mean time, please vote annoymously for this guide by checking the YES box below,  and then take a look at my other guides. If you want to know your hairdresser's top ten secrets or how to buy or sell successfully at car boot sales please click on my other guides at the top right hand side of this page. Thanks!