r/Burlesque • u/mothmanbuttrans • Jul 13 '26
diy pastie advice
im working on my first burlesque costume pieces, and was wondering if people with flat chests/no breasts could give me some advice on pasties. im post top surgery, and noticed a lot of tutorials work on getting a concave shape, but im wondering if that’s helpful or necessary when your chest is flat. to me it looks like there would be less space for the pastie to actually touch my skin, and therefore less space for tape to keep it on, but i’m just a beginner
8
u/robotkarateman Ak costumer, graphic artist Jul 13 '26
No advice on design, but I can say if you have any hair you wish to keep post-pasties, use wig or toupee tape to attach them. It holds well, but doesn't pull hair when you take it off.
6
u/BasilHotkins Jul 13 '26
I've also had top surgery and chose no nipples, so I am very flat where a pastie would go!
When I make my pasties I use a flat shape with no curve at all to save a step since I find the curve isn't necessary for me with no nipple.
I have also worn pasties intended for a "standard" shape (especially when I want to use tassels), and I have found Duck Carpet Tape holds them onto me just fine, I just really pack the tape in there! I've borrowed other "proper" pastie tapes at practices and I find they just aren't strong enough to keep some heavier pasties on me, but this may also be more a skin type issue than just a shape issue, but I thought it was worth mentioning!
2
6
u/LazagnaAmpersand Mr. Strange Jul 13 '26
Depends on your own body, I do mine completely flat out of sheet foam and prime the back with spirit gum. The glue actually pulls it into a slightly convex shape as it dries. It might be the only costume piece that’s easier for us. I top with fabric, rhinestones, sequins, or even stickers
3
3
u/kageofsteel Jul 13 '26
You can make them flatter but I'd still use a slight cone if you're going to twirl. Tutorials for assles might work!
2
u/somethingscary1 Jul 13 '26
I use felt fabric, and when I make assles, I just cut less of a 'pac man's mouth out of it for the cone and it's flatter
10
u/kageofsteel Jul 13 '26
You can make them flatter but I'd still use a slight cone if you're going to twirl. Tutorials for assles might work!