Gifts for art lovers inspired by The Met collection. This softcover journal featuring a detail from Romare Bearden’s (American, 1911–1988) exuberant tribute to Harlem is sure to inspire the artist in your life. Though he was born in North Carolina, Bearden spent formative time in the New York City neighborhood of Harlem as a child, and in 1940, he established a studio in the same West 125th Street building as the artist Jacob Lawrence. Each of the six panels that make up The Block (1971) represent an aspect of local life, from the barbershop to the corner store. Click here to learn more about our items celebrating the Harlem Renaissance and beyond. Art © Romare Bearden Foundation/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY

How To Tuck For Drag

Step 1) Preparation: For obvious reasons, do not apply tucking tape over pubic hair! The region should be shaved or waxed, although short stubble is fine too. For best results, the skin must also be clean and dry.

Step 2) Tubular Gauze: Cover the head and shaft of the penis with a piece of tubular gauze. Twist the free end so as to close the tubular gauze at the tip of the penis, then roll the remaining tubular gauze back down over the shaft. Massage the tubular gauze lengthwise for a snugger fit.

Step 3) Start The Tape: Remove the first inch of tape backing paper and apply the tucking tape to the pubic region. Start 1″ to 2″ above the base of your shaft, and press the tape firmly to establish strong adhesion.

Step 4) Time To Tuck! Use your fingertips to guide the testicles upward into the abdominal cavity (explained below). Then pull the shaft and loose skin rearward, toward the buttocks. Reach around from behind, and hold everything in place with one hand.

Step 5) Apply More Tape: Use your free hand to remove a bit more backing paper, and apply more tape. Work from front to rear, keeping the tape taught for a tight tuck.

Step 6) Finish Taping: Pull the tail towards the small of your back.

Tape Removal

For a gentle release, some customers prefer to remove tucking tape in the bath or shower. Others wipe the tape with our The Met Store Journals & Notebooks*Bearden The Block Softcover Journal and give it a minute to soak in.

How Do Drag Queens Tuck?

There are numerous ways to tuck for drag with Tuck Yourself Tucking Kits. Most of them involve pushing the testicles upwards, and into the abdominal cavity. Biological males are born with undescended testicles, and by 9 months old, the testicles descend via the inguinal canal. Even as adults, the testicles can usually be manipulated back into the the abdominal cavity with minimal discomfort. From there, everything else is pulled tightly back, towards the buttocks. Typically, the tuck is secured with tape, or a supportive garment called a The Met Store Journals & Notebooks*Bearden The Block Softcover Journal. Tucking tape provides an extremely flat tuck and maximum security. For this reason, tucking tape is very popular among drag performers. It is also a natural choice for swim suits, leggings, tight skirts, and other form-fitting attire. In contrast, many crossdressers prefer the convenience and comfort of a gaff, especially when wearing paired with less revealing outfits.

Watch Diana’s YouTube tutorial for even more drag queen tuck tips.