Myths of Kink - Kink is Expensive

The Myth –
To be one of the cool kinky kids, I have to buy all the right equipment. Expensive leather floggers, hand-carved paddles, a custom whip. And then there are the clothes. Corsets, boots, leather vests. Who can afford all of that?
 
The Short Truth –
There is no such thing as essential equipment or clothing in kink. With a little improvisation and creativity, you’ll be amazed at what can be converted for kinky use.
 
The Longer Truth -
Anyone who has ever started a new craft, hobby, or sport knows the trap of getting pressured into buying the “right” supplies. But there’s a knack to figuring out what is essential and what is optional.
 
Kink is no different.
 
We’ve all seen the stereotypical image of the dominatrix in a leather corset and thigh-high vinyl boots wielding a riding crop or braided whip. But I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen this image come to life and I don’t remember the last time I did.
 
It’s not just the lack of in-person events lately either.
 
Kinky people tend to be highly creative and individualistic. As with the rest of the world, there will always be fads – I remember when branding was all the rage – but most of us are pretty comfortable in not being like everyone else.
 
What You Need
This is going to depend on what you want to do and how skilled you are. When you’re new and still exploring (and honestly, very few of us ever truly stop exploring), the wide array of kinky toys out there can be overwhelming.
 
Think about what you’re attracted to. Is it bondage? Impact play? Role playing and costuming? Something else? Whatever it is, there is an expensive way to do it but there is probably a way to do it on a budget too.
 
When I first started in kink, I knew a group that would go to Home Depot together. The challenge was to find something in every aisle that could be used for kink. The aisles with rope, chain, and padlocks were pretty easy. I imagine the aisles with home furnishings (ceiling fans, commodes, sinks, etc) were a little more difficult. Still, I thought this was brilliant. It helped you see alternative uses for everything. Soon, I was seeing that potential too.
 
There were the clothespins and clothesline I bought from Wal-Mart that made me feel very naughty and conspicuous. Little did the cashier know that I live in an apartment and hang damp laundry from my shower rod!
 
Okay, it wasn’t that daring. I know that now. But at the time? Ooh, baby. I was living on the edge!
 
Since then, I’ve bought my share of expensive toys. I have a couple of expensive floggers and impact toys. But what gets used more often? The $5 rubber mallet we got at a flea market.
 
Dressing the Part
The clubs I’ve gone to don’t have dress codes. I’ve never been to one that does, so I can’t speak extensively about them. But my impression is that, very often, they just want you in something nicer than jeans and your favorite band t-shirt.
 
On the other hand, I love corsets. I haven’t worn them regularly in years, but the snugness and feeling of hours-long bondage is right up my alley. Even so, I’ve never worn them regularly enough to justify spending the money for custom. There are plenty of places online that offer quality as well as decent prices.
 
Most of the time, I just want to be comfortable. And on any given night (again, during “normal” times), there are people in suits and ties, others in skimpy dresses, and there are those of us in comfy leggings or pjs.
 
It doesn’t matter. There is literally no law that says you have to dress a certain way. Find your own style and run with it.
 
Conclusion
There is no reason to spend hundreds of dollars on kinky toys and clothes. Hit up your favorite store’s kitchen aisle for spatulas, rolling pins, and more. Or use what you may already have around the house. Use thrift stores to create your own style. Your creativity is key here.
 
Even membership dues at local groups can sometimes be lessened by volunteering with them. Offer to help set up or tear down for a party. See if they need someone to help plan events. There are usually plenty of ways to help if you ask.
 
Let your kinky flag fly, but don’t think you have to go broke in the process.