Golddiggers Boutique · The Locker Room
Pack the Bag. Work the Shift.
Leave Paid.
The complete dance bag checklist for exotic dancers — outfits, beauty, health, money, and the tips nobody puts on the internet.
A well-packed dance bag is the difference between a smooth shift and spending half your night running back to your locker and digging through everything. Every girl has shown up missing something — wrong outfit for the dress code, no backup thong, forgot cash for house fee. It happens once. Then you get a system. This is that system. Everything you need in your bag and your locker, organized by category, with the tips that only come from actual time on the floor.
Start Here
The outfit strategy.
Your dance bag isn't just a backup plan — it's your whole night's strategy. The goal is to have multiple looks ready so you can stand out between outfit changes. Every time you come back out on the floor in something different, you're fresh. Customers notice. Be sure to have a backup outfit — spills happen, wardrobe malfunctions happen, a set stops working at 11pm and you need something fresh.
What to pack:
- Your lucky outfit — the one that works. Every dancer has one. It goes in first, always.
- A simple, reliable everyday set — your workhorse piece for the floor
- One or two lace pieces — older customers in particular respond well to lace. It reads elegant and different from the standard spandex rotation.
- A bikini set
- A bodysuit
- A fishnet or mesh outfit
- A dress or gown — if your club requires it or if you want the option
- A robe or sexy cropped jacket — in case it gets cold
Stand out between outfit changes. Each time you walk back out on that floor, you want to look like a different, new option. That's not vanity — that's strategy.
Thongs — coordinate and always bring backup:
- Match your thong to whatever outfit you're planning to wear — it's a finishing detail that matters more than you think
- Always bring at least two extra thongs regardless
- Coordinate your backups to your backup outfits too — don't let a mismatched thong be the thing that throws off your look or your money
Know your club rules before you pack. Your club's dress code determines what goes in the bag. If booty shorts are required at any point in the night, pack an extra pair. If your club requires a dress on the main floor, a dress lives in your bag every single shift. Don't assume — confirm when you get hired and pack accordingly. Check out our full guide on what to wear your first night dancing for a breakdown of how to call ahead and confirm dress code rules.
The Finishing Details
Accessories — half the look.
An outfit without accessories is half an outfit. The right accessories take a $40 set and make it look like a $200 look on the floor.
- Matching garter belt or garter set — this alone elevates any outfit. If you have a set that comes with a matching garter, wear it.
- Jewelry that blings — rings, body chains, anklets, anything that catches light
- Extra pasties — if your club requires pasties, always have backups
- Mini E6000 glue — if a rhinestone falls off mid-shift, E6000 is your emergency repair kit. A small tube takes up almost no space and saves a set.
- Spirit gum — your secret weapon for pasties (see tip below)
The spirit gum trick for pasties: if your pasties start losing their stick mid-shift, spirit gum helps reapply them on the spot. It's a theatrical adhesive — the same stuff costume and makeup artists use — and it's gentle enough for skin. Dressing room knowledge right there.
Your Full Kit
Beauty & hair — all of it.
Don't leave home thinking you'll touch up in the parking lot. Your full kit lives in that bag.
Hair:
- Full makeup bag — everything, not a scaled-down version
- Hairbrush
- Bobby pins and hair ties — bring more than you think you need
- Hair straightener or blow dryer — some clubs have water features, so a blow dryer is worth having. It's also great for breaking in new shoes.
- Dry shampoo — for touch-ups between sets
- Anti-static spray — especially important for certain fabrics and certain climates
- A towel — if your club has a shower or water feature
Organization hack: keep a small pill organizer in your bag dedicated to your tiny essentials — bobby pins, aspirin, Tums, Pepto, hair ties, gum, mints. Everything stays together, nothing rattles around loose at the bottom of your bag at midnight. Game changer. Grab one on Amazon →
Skin & body:
- Deodorant — non-negotiable, don't leave home without it
- Body spray — something light, not overpowering. You're going to be close to people all night.
- Makeup wipes — for touch-ups, quick fixes, and end-of-night cleanup
- Shout Wipes — toss one in for mid-shift outfit emergencies. A quick swipe handles most spills before they set.
- Tweezers
- Razor
Do NOT lotion up before your shift. Lotion makes everything slick for the next girl on stage and the pole. If you want to moisturize, do a very light layer and let it fully absorb before you get dressed. Less is more.
Never bring glitter. Ever. Customers go home to their families, and you don't want to give him away by adding your personal fairy dust. He might not come back otherwise.
On Your Feet
Shoes — bag vs. locker.
In Your Bag
- Your main heels for the night — maybe make it a more fun pair because you left the tried-and-true classics in the locker
- Store your heels in the box they came in — Pleaser boxes are perfect for this. Keeps your bag clean and protects them from getting scuffed against everything else.
- Dryer sheet tucked inside each shoe — cheap fix for heel smell, big difference. Bring a few extras.
- Extra socks if you're wearing boots — boot blisters on a long shift are a different kind of pain
- Clear hydrocolloid blister pads — Compeed is the best, but any clear hydrocolloid patch works. Keep a pack in your bag at all times. The ankle strap on a new pair of platforms will find every possible spot to cut into you.
- Numbing spray — if you're really struggling with a pair, this buys you the rest of the night
In Your Locker
- A staple pair of clear heels — ideally those first clear platforms you bought as a baby stripper. The ones that go with everything. These live in your locker permanently as your emergency backup pair.
Keep a bottle of Lysol in your car. Spray the inside of your shoes after every shift before you put them away. Platforms worn all night in a club environment need it. Your future self will thank you.
If You Do Tricks
Pole work — grip essentials.
If you do pole work or any tricks on stage, your grip situation needs to be in that bag.
- ITac2 Pole Grip
- Dry Hands Pole Grip
- Pole cleaning cloth or pole cleaner — a clean pole is a safe pole
Take Care of Yourself
Health & wellness — the 1AM essentials.
You're on your feet for hours in a loud environment and your body is working hard. Pack accordingly.
- Aspirin or ibuprofen — feet, back, headaches. Just bring it.
- Tums and/or Pepto-Bismol — for when that one customer gives you the ick. Your stomach will thank you.
- Tampons and feminine hygiene products — always
- Bandaids — for everything blister pads don't cover
- Hand sanitizer — non-negotiable
- Wet wipes and/or alcohol wipes — multipurpose, always useful
- Mints or mini mouthwash — you're talking to people all night, up close
- Floss — same reason
- Spirit gum — for pasties emergencies (see accessories section)
- Headphones — if you get overstimulated easily, getting ready in a loud dressing room with headphones in is a game changer. Protect your energy before the shift starts.
- Scissors — every club goes through scissors because someone always runs off with them. Be the one who has a pair.
- Emergency sewing kit — a strap pops, a seam goes, a hook breaks. A basic travel sewing kit has saved more shifts than you'd think.
The Practical Stuff
Food & money — come prepared.
Money:
Find out your club's house fee when you first apply — call ahead and ask directly. Bring that amount in cash every single shift before you've made anything. It comes out first.
- House fee cash — exact amount, ready to hand over
- A money bag or secure pouch for your earnings — you need a safe, consistent place to keep what you make during the shift. Don't stuff it in your locker loosely.
- Extra cash for tip out — if your club requires it
How much money you need to bring depends entirely on your specific club's house fee. This varies by club, night of the week, and sometimes by shift. Find this out when you get hired and budget for it before every shift like a fixed cost — because it is.
Food:
Every club has its own rules about eating on premises. Ask when you get hired — don't assume either way.
- Bring your own food if your club allows it — every time. It saves you real money over a season.
- Snacks that aren't messy and don't need refrigeration — protein bars, nuts, anything that fuels you without a cleanup situation
- A few dollars for the vending machine — as backup, not a plan
Eating at the club adds up fast over a season. The money you save on club food over a month is basically a free outfit — and then some, depending on where you work. If you can bring your own food, do it every single shift.
Your Home Base
The locker — permanent setup.
Your locker isn't just overflow — it's your safety net. The rule is simple: anything you forget regularly or anything too bulky to carry back and forth every night lives in the locker permanently.
- Staple clear heels — the pair that goes with everything, always there
- A basic bikini or simple set — your true emergency backup that never leaves
- Any bulky items you don't want to haul in and out — extra hair tools, full-size dry shampoo, anything like that
- A small stash of the essentials you always forget — hair ties, bobby pins, blister pads, mints
Think of your locker as the items you'd be most upset about forgetting on a busy Friday. Stock it once, maintain it regularly — it'll save your shift at least once a month.
Print It. Screenshot It. Send It to the Group Chat.
The complete checklist.
Outfits & Wardrobe
- Lucky outfit
- Everyday reliable set
- One or two lace pieces
- Bikini set
- Bodysuit
- Fishnet or mesh outfit
- Dress or gown (if club requires)
- Robe or cropped jacket
- Matched thongs for each outfit
- Extra thong / booty shorts (if required)
- Matching garter or accessories
- Extra pasties (if topless club)
- Jewelry
Shoes
- Main heels (stored in box)
- Backup heels if you have them
- Extra socks if wearing boots
- Clear hydrocolloid blister pads
- Numbing spray
- Dryer sheets for shoe odor
Pole Work (if applicable)
Beauty & Hair
- Full makeup bag
- Makeup wipes
- Shout Wipes (outfit emergencies)
- Hairbrush
- Bobby pins and hair ties
- Hair straightener or blow dryer
- Dry shampoo
- Anti-static spray
- Towel (if club has water feature)
- Deodorant
- Body spray (light)
- Tweezers & razor
- Pill organizer for small essentials
Health & Wellness
- Aspirin or ibuprofen
- Tums and/or Pepto-Bismol
- Tampons & feminine hygiene
- Bandaids
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes / alcohol wipes
- Mints or mini mouthwash
- Floss
- Spirit gum (pasties backup)
- Headphones
- Scissors
- Emergency sewing kit
- Mini E6000 glue
Food & Money
- House fee cash
- Money bag for earnings
- Tip out cash if required
- Your own food/snacks if club allows
- Vending machine money as backup
Misc
- Lighter — customers who smoke will appreciate it. Natural conversation starter.
Locker Permanents
- Staple clear heels
- Basic backup bikini or set
- Bulky extras — hair tools, full-size products
- Backup stash of things you always forget
FAQ
Dance bag questions, answered.
What should I bring to my first shift as an exotic dancer?
Your main outfit (confirmed against dress code), a backup outfit, pasties if required, an extra thong, cash for house fee, touch-up makeup, phone charger, body spray, hair ties, blister pads, and snacks if your club allows them. The full checklist above covers everything — print or screenshot it before your first shift. And if you haven't read our first night guide yet, do that before you walk in.
How many outfits should I bring to a shift?
At minimum: your main outfit plus one backup. Ideally 3–4 looks if you're working a full night. Multiple outfit changes keep you fresh to customers and give you options if something stops working mid-shift.
What's the difference between what goes in your bag vs your locker?
Your bag has your night's rotation — what you're actually wearing and using that shift. Your locker holds your permanent backup layer: the staple heels that go with everything, a basic emergency outfit, and bulky items you don't want to carry back and forth every night.
How much money should I bring to a shift as a dancer?
At minimum, your full house fee in cash — exact amount, ready before you walk in. Also bring extra for tip out if your club requires it. Find out both amounts when you get hired and budget them as fixed costs every single shift.
Should I bring backup outfits to a shift?
Always. Spills happen, wardrobe malfunctions happen, a set stops working at 11pm and you need something fresh. A backup isn't extra — it's required.
Why do exotic dancers bring lace pieces to work?
Lace reads differently under club lighting than standard spandex — it's more elegant and tends to appeal to older customers in particular. Having at least one lace piece in your rotation gives you a different visual register to work with and keeps your floor presence varied throughout the night.
Should I lotion up before a shift?
No — or at absolute minimum, a very light layer that fully absorbs before you get dressed. Lotion makes everything slick for the next girl on stage and the pole. Be a good dressing room citizen.
What do exotic dancers use for blisters from heels?
Clear hydrocolloid blister pads — the gel kind. They protect the skin while you keep working, stay on through a full shift, and are virtually invisible on skin. Compeed is the best option. Keep a pack in your bag at all times.
What hair tools do exotic dancers bring to work?
The basics: hairbrush, bobby pins, hair ties, dry shampoo. If your club has water features, a blow dryer is worth having — and it doubles as a tool for breaking in stiff shoes. Anti-static spray is underrated, especially in dry climates or heavily air-conditioned venues.
What is pole grip and do I need it?
Pole grip is a product that improves your skin's traction on the pole — essential for any grip-intensive tricks or extended pole work. ITac2 and Dry Hands are the two most popular. If you're doing pole work on stage, yes — you need it in your bag.
Should I eat at the club or bring my own food?
Bring your own if your club allows it — every time. Club food is expensive and often low quality. The money you save on food over a month is basically a free outfit. Check your club's rules when you get hired and pack snacks accordingly.
What do dancers keep in their locker permanently?
A staple pair of clear heels that go with everything, a basic emergency backup outfit, bulky items you don't want to carry every night, and a small stash of the things you always forget — hair ties, bobby pins, blister pads, mints.
How do dancers deal with overstimulation at work?
Headphones in the dressing room while getting ready is a genuinely effective tool. Getting ready in a loud room before a long shift drains energy before you've even started. Protecting that pre-shift window with headphones helps a lot if you're sensitive to noise or crowds.
What accessories should dancers bring to a shift?
A matching garter belt or garter set, jewelry that catches light (rings, body chains, anklets), extra pasties if required, mini E6000 glue for rhinestone emergencies, and spirit gum for the pasties trick.
Do I need to match my thong to my outfit?
Yes — it's a finishing detail that matters more than most people realize. Match a thong to each outfit you're planning to wear and bring backups that coordinate with your backup outfits too. Don't let a mismatched thong be the thing that throws off your look.
What should I keep in mind about club rules and my dance bag?
Your club's specific dress code determines what lives in your bag. If booty shorts are required at any point, pack extras every shift. If a dress is required on the main floor, it goes in every time. Find out the rules when you get hired and pack accordingly — don't assume.
What is anti-static spray and why do dancers use it?
Anti-static spray prevents fabric from clinging — especially useful for synthetic fabrics in dry climates or air-conditioned venues. If you've ever had a skirt or dress sticking to you all night, this is the fix. A travel-size bottle takes up almost no space.
What's the spirit gum trick for pasties?
If your pasties start losing their adhesion mid-shift, spirit gum helps reattach them on the spot. It's a theatrical adhesive — gentle on skin, strong enough to last. Keep a small bottle in your health kit alongside your pasties.