Burlesque boas - where to buy and tutorials to make them!
In my current classic burlesque course we have been building using boas as props into our classic bumps and grinds.
And why not? Feather boas are a timeless accessory that can add a touch of glamour to any routine and are pretty iconic burlesque accessories.
A lot of my students didn’t know that choosing and using a boa is a veritable minefield! There are different types of feather boas available - from vegan to ostrich, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Vegan Boas
Let's start with vegan feather boas. These are perfect for those who are conscious about animal welfare. Made from synthetic materials, they mimic the look of real feathers without harming any animals. You can find them in a variety of colors and styles at your local craft store or online.
I use versions in the studio that are vegan by and large as they are not messy!
And you can get some amazing pre made ones - Etsy is usually a staple place to buy them and to get a style you like!
A couple of sellers you can buy from would be Lily Verda and Talulah Blue (also please use the comments if you have suggestions!). Or also check out Fantastique Feathers online store. I have also seen these new ones on Etsy but not sampled!
Students with their vegan boas on stage!
Ostrich Boas
If you prefer the real thing, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Turkey feather boas are a popular choice, as they are affordable and come in a wide range of colors. BUT (and it’s a big one!), they are generally hideously cheap looking, shed like buggery and just are not the greatest in length. Try a proper feather supplier like Feathers.com if you are after better quality - e.g. don’t buy them from a generic party store. And if you are buying I would recommend getting a few turkey boas and stitching them together so you get the fullness or desired length.
But if you want the real thing, and something a bit fancier that won’t shed and looks super lush and expensive you have to try an ostrich feather boa. These are soft and fluffy, and come in a range of colors from classic black to vibrant pink.
It’s a shame that Catherine D’lish doesn’t make the tassel boas anymore as these were amazing (mine is going 10+ years now!). Sina King also has made the “King Sized Boa” and tutorials on this technique for a big investment, but I know she does not perform burlesque anymore. Best to search her out on Instagram and follow in case she offers these again.
For other suppliers you can’t go past Fancy Feather for premium quality. And ideally you want at least 8ply or 10ply for fullness (and preferably buy 3 metres so you can get a long boa.
Grace Cherry draped in her Catherine D’lish ostrich boa
DIY Boa
If you're feeling crafty, you can even make your own vegan feather boa. All you need is some fabric, a length of ribbon - and there are tutorials for both versions that can be sewn with a machine and those you can do without.
Here are a couple of good tutorials!
(If you are a Miss Kitty’s Meow student your closed Facebook group is a great source for DIY tips as many students have made theirs in the past. We have some really crafty babes!
Whether you prefer vegan or real feathers, there are plenty of options to choose from! And I’m always up for tips and supplier recommendations!