Getting dressed up to see the Rocky Horror Picture Show in theaters has been a beloved tradition amongst fans since the 1970s. While not everyone partakes, wearing costumes and props are a big part of the experience for many attendees. But why do people put so much effort into dressing up for Rocky Horror? Here are some quick answers to that question:
- It’s part of the participatory nature of the show – yelling lines, dancing, and costumes let fans feel immersed.
- Fans enjoy roleplaying as the memorable characters from the movie.
- Theatre and creativity are celebrated and encouraged at showings.
- It builds a sense of community and camaraderie with fellow fans.
Dressing up for screenings of the Rocky Horror Picture Show has been a beloved ritual for its fans since the film first premiered in 1975. While the exact origins are unclear, attendees began showing up in costumes not long after the movie’s release. Since then, the practice has exploded in popularity and is now considered a core part of the Rocky Horror experience.
History of Costumes at Rocky Horror
Richard O’Brien’s rock musical The Rocky Horror Show premiered on stage in 1973, but it was the 1975 film adaptation that truly kickstarted a cult phenomenon. The movie’s story of newlyweds Brad and Janet stumbling upon Dr. Frank N. Furter’s mysterious mansion was a flop at first. But thanks to dedicated fans, Rocky Horror became the ultimate midnight movie, with theatres across America hosting weekly screenings. Soon the audiences began shouting dialogue, singing and dancing along, and even bringing props. Costumes followed quickly after and have since become iconic symbols of the show’s rabid fandom.
While many claim credit for starting the trend, most sources agree costumes took off organically thanks to fans’ love of the outrageous characters. Dr. Frank N. Furter’s glamorous lingerie look was an early favorite, as well as his henchman Riff Raff’s disheveled butler outfit. Janet’s white slip dress and Brad’s nerdy suit also offered fun DIY options. Rice, newspapers, toast, and noisemakers made great accessories to immerse fans in the show’s wacky B-movie world.
As these initial costumes spread, attendees got more creative by dreaming up group looks and variations on all the characters. Soon every screening featured a sea of corsets, fishnets, top hats, and feather boas. The outfits let fans roleplay and revel in the show’s anything-goes spirit. Costumes also marked outsiders and newbies at screenings, bonding regulars together.
Costume Contests and Guidelines
Given the costumes’ popularity, it didn’t take long for theatres to start hosting contests and establishing rules. Awarding prizes encouraged even more elaborate looks, like Columbia’s gold sequined outfit or Frank’s signature pearls and heels. Venues began printing guidelines for acceptable costumes and props to cut down on chaos. For example, no real knives or open flames are allowed. Some theatres even sell approved costume kits and prop bags for new fans.
Over the decades, certain outfits like lingerie Frank and blonde Janet have remained go-to choices. But plenty of innovation still occurs thanks to DIY costumes and gender-bending interpretations of the characters. Attending multiple showings allows devotees to rotate through several iconic looks over time. The creativity and passion for costumes keeps the Rocky Horror fashion scene fresh even today.
Popular Character Costumes
While guests can invent any costumes they desire, most outfits pay homage to signature characters from The Rocky Horror Picture Show film. Here are some of the most popular getups donned by fans:
Dr. Frank N. Furter
The mad scientist who creates Rocky is without a doubt the most iconic character. His black corset, fishnet stockings, heels, and crazy hair epitomize the show’s campy glamour. Pearls, gloves, and a feather boa take it to the next level.FRINGE LAB COAT, HEELS, PEARLS, CORSET, FISHNETS
Janet Weiss
The virginal heroine starts out in a modest skirt and twinset before slipping into a white bra and slip. Blonde wigs, pearl necklaces, and white heels capture her transition from prude to sex kitten.WHITE LINGERIE, HEELS, BLONDE WIG, PEARLS
Columbia
Frank’s excitable groupie wears sequined gold hot pants and a corset, fishnets, and wild frizzy red hair. Top hats and tailcoats give a glam rock twist.CORSET, GOLD SHORTS, FISHNETS, TOP HAT
Riff Raff
The creepy butler/handyman sports ragged clothes, long straggly hair, and heavy eyeshadow. Bonus points for carrying a candelabra as both prop and costume piece.TAILS, LINGERIE, FISHNETS, DARK EYE MAKEUP
Magenta
Riff Raff’s equally unhinged sister dons a variation of his outfit – a French maid costume with the same wild makeup and hair.FRENCH MAID COSTUME, FISHNETS, DARK LIPSTICK, FRIZZY RED WIG
Rocky Horror
Dr. Frank’s blond beefcake creation wears nothing but tiny gold shorts and shoes. Spray painting your skin bronzes the look. Gold body glitter and props like weights complete it.GOLD LAME SHORTS, BODY PAINT/GLITTER, MUSCLE SHIRT
Brad Majors
Janet’s straight-laced fiancé morphs from nerdy to raunchy, butkeeping his glasses on. A jacket, bowtie, slacks, and hat capture his initial vibe.GLASSES, SUIT, BOWTIE, BOXERS, GARTER
Dr. Scott
The wheelchair-bound scientist searching for Eddie wears a long white lab coat and glasses. Bonus props include a blond wig and crutches.LAB COAT, GLASSES, WHEELCHAIR, CRUTCHES
Making Your Own Costumes
One of the appeals of Rocky Horror costumes is the DIY approach, allowing fans to put their own spin on the characters. While costume shops sell ready-made outfits, it’s often more fun to craft your own. Here are some tips for creating and customize your Rocky Horror look:
Raid your own closet
– Find pieces like fishnets, corsets, suits, or white underwear you already own. Accessorize with costume extras.
Thrift and consignment shops
– Search for retro gowns, slips, jackets, sequins, and wigs on a budget.
Online sellers
– Check platforms like Etsy for ready-made costumes or materials like feathers, sequins, and bows.
Alter regular clothes
– Modify items by cutting, ripping, dying, or embellishing.
Makeup and hair
– Use cosmetics and styling to recreate characters like frizzy red Columbian hair.
Craft materials
– Create pieces from scratch with fabric, cardboard, paint, glue, etc.
Props
– Make fun DIY accessories like candelabras, newspapers, noisemakers, etc.
Mix and match new finds with clothing in your closet to invent your own Rocky Horror persona. And don’t worry about perfection – creativity is king! The imperfections and personal touches make it unique.
Costume Ideas and Inspiration
Stuck on what to wear? Here are some ideas to spark inspiration:
- Drag versions – gender bend characters like a female Frank or male Columbia
- Group costumes – coordinate looks with friends as the Transylvanians
- Rocky Horror villains -appear as Eddie, Dr. Scott, the Criminologist
- Rocky Horror-inspired – like a punk rock Frankenstein’s monster or glam alien
- Mash-ups – combine Rocky characters with other pop culture icons like Magenta dressed as Marilyn Monroe
- Color schemes – build a red, gold, or black&white palette
- B-movie monsters – vampires, mummies, werewolves, etc are fun crossover costumes
- Halloween versions – add scary twists to the characters like zombie Frank
Don’t limit yourself to just the major players either. Guests, wedding guests, Transylvanians, and Criminologist narrator also make fun costume choices. Go glam, go gory, or just get a little creative!
Where to Buy Ready-Made Costumes
For those who don’t have the time or skill for DIY costumes, several retailers sell pre-made Rocky Horror outfits and accessories. Here are some popular online stores:
Party City
Party City offers budget-friendly costumes for Frank-N-Furter, Columbia, Janet, Rocky, and more. They also sell makeup, wigs, and props.
Spirit Halloween
The Halloween superstore stocks sexy Frank corsets, Janet’s white slip, and Riff Raff butler costumes. Extras like fishnets, gloves, and necklaces complete the looks.
Etsy
Many Etsy sellers handmake and customize Rocky Horror costumes. Shop for unique items like custom corsets, capes, and jewelry.
Halloween Express
In addition to complete costumes, Halloween Express sells accessories like garter belts, fishnet tights, boas, and theater props.
Amazon
Search Amazon for affordable ready-to-wear costumes and key accessory pieces like top hats, gold booty shorts, pearls, and more.
Lingerie stores
Shop hot lingerie retailers like Yandy, Frederick’s of Hollywood, and Victoria’s Secret for corsets, garters, stockings and sexy undies to channel Frank N. Furter.
Where to Shop Locally
Check these types of local businesses to find costumes and supplies:
- Halloween pop-up stores
- Costume and party supply shops
- Thrift and consignment stores
- Fabric and craft stores
- Sexy lingerie boutiques
- Wig shops
- Vintage clothing stores
- Theater companies and costume rental shops
Searching locally allows you to see, try on, and compare costume options in person instead of judging by photos online. Touching fabrics and eyeing sizes makes it easier to choose pieces that fit comfortably and look authentic. Local theater companies that handle their own costuming also offer great ready-to-wear rental options if you’re willing to share.
Costume Contests and Prizes
One of the highlights of dressing up for many Rocky fans is taking part in the famous costume contests. At most screenings, a costume parade and judging happens before the show or during intermission. Contestants strut their stuff on stage or along a catwalk to cheers and applause from the crowd. Then winners are awarded prizes like movie posters, prop bags, passes to future shows, and more.
Some theatres keep it casual with applause-o-meters to gauge audience reactions. But most set up official judging panels to rank the looks in various categories like:
- Best Frank N. Furter
- Best Rocky
- Best Group Costume
- Sexiest Costume
- Most Creative Costume
- Best Prop Usage
Winning a contest or even just participating adds to the lively communal spirit of the event. Costume prizes also reward the extra effort fans make to look spectacular and stay true to their favorite characters.
Dos and Don’ts of Rocky Horror Costumes
While creativity reigns at Rocky Horror showings, some basic dos and don’ts apply when dressing up:
DO
- Wear underwear and be body positive
- Apply makeup to be stage ready
- Use flexible materials for dancing
- Bring safety pins, tape, etc for quick fixes
- Act out the character and have fun
- Respect staff costume rules
DON’T
- Wear anything racist, sexist, or otherwise offensive
- Bring real weapons or illegal substances
- Wear valuable jewelry or pieces that could fall off
- Apply makeup onto costumes or furniture
- Wear anything that limits movement or vision
- Destroy rented costumes or props
Year-Round Costuming
The popularity of Rocky Horror costumes spreads far beyond just theater showings. Die-hard fans incorporate their favorite looks into cosplay events, Pride parades, Halloween parties, comic conventions, and more. Finding fellow enthusiasts beyond the local cinema helps build a wider community. It also lets devotees show off their creativity year-round.
Some costume ideas beyond Rocky Horror screenings include:
- Wearing Frank or Columbia at Pride parades
- Cosplaying as Rocky characters at Comic Con
- Dressing up for Halloween parties or gay clubs
- Organizing Rocky Horror themed conventions
- Pairing everyday outfits with RHPS accessories
- Photography and costume contests outside theaters
The culture of costumes, creativity, and self-expression central to Rocky Horror fandom never has to end when the theater lights come on. Fans incorporate the fun into cosplay, Halloween, Pride events, and more excuses to dress up and show off their passion for Rocky all year long.
Conclusion
While not every fan partakes, wearing costumes remains a beloved tradition that add to the uniqueness of Rocky Horror Picture Show screenings. Donning the iconic outfits lets devotees immerse themselves in the characters, the community, and the show’s anything-goes spirit. The creativity, roleplaying, contests, and year-round costuming opportunities help keep the phenomenon exciting decade after decade. So next time the movie plays at a theater near you, unleash your inner Frank, Janet or Rocky and dress up to be part of an unforgettable experience. Don’t dream it, be it!