What to Wear as a Drag King: A Beginner’s Guide to Dressing Your Masculinity

By Danica Lani, The King Coach

So you’re curious about becoming a Drag King—but when it comes to what to wear, you’ve got a blinking cursor in your mind. You want to express masculinity, but you’re not sure what that means for you. And you definitely don’t want to just look like you raided a year 10 school disco costume box.

I see you, my friend. You’re not alone.

Maybe you’re staring into your wardrobe, feeling the thrill of possibility… but also the uncertainty of where to start. Maybe you’ve typed “what to wear as a Drag King” into Google (welcome!) hoping for clarity. And maybe part of you wonders—am I allowed to take up space like this?

You are. And this is your invitation to begin.

You don’t have to “pass” to perform powerfully

Let’s get one thing queer: Drag Kinging isn’t about impersonating a man. It’s about exploring masculinity as performance—on your own terms. For some of us, masculinity is something we live and breathe. For others, it’s a persona we are leaning into. And for many, it’s somewhere in between.

What matters is your relationship to it. Whether your King is suave and sexy, goofy and camp, gritty and raw, or gloriously undefinable—it’s all valid. You’re not aiming to meet some fixed standard of “realness.” You’re creating a persona—a playful, powerful, and personal embodiment of masculine energy.

Masculinity isn’t a cage and your Drag King persona isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about letting more of you be seen.

The 3 Ingredients of a Drag King Look

You don’t need to drop hundreds of dollars or know how to sew. Start with these three ingredients:

1. Silhouette

Masculine presentation is often about shape—think broader shoulders, straighter lines, lower waist, wider stance. In other words, create an upside-down triangle with the ‘V’ pointing straight to your crown jewels.

Start here:

• Shirt: Button-up shirts (open or closed), T-shirts, tanks, or even muscle tees.
  
  
• Jacket: A blazer, denim jacket, or bomber can square the shoulders and add edge.
  
  
• Pants: Pants can be the worst! Get pants that fit and that you can move in. Use the rest of the costume to smooth or neutralise curves—like a jacket to broaden shoulders, or a belt to drop the waistline.
  
  
• Shoes: Think boots, high tops, loafers, or dad sneakers.
  
  

It’s not about looking “perfect”—it’s about trying on shapes that shift how you feel in your body.

2. Persona

What kind of King are you? A cheeky heartbreaker? A sadboi poet? A glam pop prince? The guy who’d flirt with your girlfriend and then cry in the Uber home?

Let your vibe guide your clothes. Here are a few archetype ideas:

• The Lover: Unbuttoned shirt, gold chain, slicked hair.
  
  
• The Rebel: Ripped denim, band tee, eyeliner.
  
  
• The Pop Prince: Shiny jacket, sparkles, glam makeup.
  
  
• The Everyday King: Hoodie with your name on the back, cargo shorts, Bunnings energy.
  
  

Your King doesn’t have to be someone else. They can be you, but turned all the way up.

3. Details that make you feel legit

Masculine drag is in the details:

• A watch, wallet chain, or ring can make you feel grounded in your King persona.
  
  
• Sunglasses? Yep.
  
  
• A moustache or beard? Try a stipple sponge and contour cream.
  
  
• A hat or cap? Adds character. Just make sure it doesn’t shade or cover your face.
  
  
• A packer (sock in the pants)? Doesn’t have to be super visible—but can help shift how you walk and hold yourself.
  
  

Think: What’s one accessory that helps me embody this King?

What if I have no idea where to start?

Start where you are. Go into your own wardrobe. Borrow from a friend. Visit an op shop. Put on a button-up and look in the mirror. Ask:

• How does this make me feel?
  
  
• What part of me comes alive in this?
  
  
• What name would this King go by?
  
  

Drag Kinging is an experiment, not a test. You don’t have to get it “right”—you just have to play.

Kings of Joy Style Tip: Start with one item and build around it

Don’t overthink it. Pick one item that makes you feel a bit masc and a bit magic. A leather jacket. A pair of boots. A snapback. Then build your look around that.

Remember: confidence doesn’t come first. It comes after you give yourself permission to try.

You belong here—even if you don’t know what you’re doing (yet)

In Kings of Joy, we’ve supported over 140 first-time Drag Kings—including people who had never worn makeup, danced on stage, or called themselves a performer.

You’re not behind. You’re not too late. You’re exactly where you need to be.

Whether you’re crafting your first routine or just dipping your toes into masc expression, your King is waiting to be claimed.

Ready to meet your Drag King?

There’s no one way to be a Drag King. There’s only your way. So try something on. Take a selfie. Do a little strut in your room. Play your King’s theme song.

And when you’re ready to take the next step—come say hi.

Want help crafting your first performance or refining your Drag King persona?

Let’s chat. Book a free discovery call with me to share your ideas and see what support you need.

👉 Book a call with Danica Lani, The King Coach

You don’t have to do this alone.

Xx

Danica Lani

The King Coach

About Danica Lani, The King Coach

Hey you 👋 I’m Danica Lani—also known as The King Coach. I’ve mentored 144 first-time Drag Kings since 2020, and I’m here to say: if you’re feeling the pull to explore gender through performance, you’re not alone—and you’re not too late.

Whether you’re new to this world or quietly dreaming of stepping into your masculine side on stage, there’s space for you here.

✨ Ready to name your King? Download Step Into Your King—a free guide to choosing your Drag King name.

💫 Want to see what’s possible? Explore Kings of Joy and discover the queer community bringing masculine expression to life with joy, power, and heart.

📸 Sarah Malone featuring Jim Junkie, Hans Baller & Cabramatta Kev