The Bunny Costume Playboy Enterprises, Inc.



Press release



THE BUNNY COSTUME



The Bunny costume is an integral part of the Playboy Bunny's mystique. The form-fitting outfit, with its fluffy tail, white collar and cuffs and satin ears, is the first service uniform ever granted registration by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (patent number 762,884).



The original costume resembled a strapless, one-piece, rayon-satin bathing suit. Accessorized with oversized ears and a tail, it came in 10 colors and numerous sizes, but without the collar and cuffs. Name tags and rosettes were added to the costume in 1961.



In 1964, a well-known foundation manufacturer worked with Playboy to develop a washable and highly durable costume. This lightweight one-piece, boned foundation Bunny outfit came in a variety of colors--but only two sizes, 34D and 36D.



Early Bunnies wore black mesh tights until 1962 when the more comfortable sheer black tights were introduced. In 1968, Playboy worked with a manufacturer to develop the first professional dancers' support tights, sheer to the waistband.



The Bunny tail also changed from the original design. The original Bunny tail was smaller than the one that is worn today. In July 1969, for better looks and durability, new tails of white synthetic fur replaced the nylon yarn.



The first Bunny shoe was a plain pump with a three-inch heel and pointed toe. Today the show design remains relatively unchanged except for its color, now dyed to match the particular costume.



Throughout the years, Playboy modified the costumes to reflect current fashion. In the late 1960s, Playboy introduced Pucci-influenced, psychedelic-print costumes. In the early 1980s, the Bunny Cabaret costume was developed, inspired by Hugh Heffner, complete with Espree mesh stockings, garters and dyed pumps.



Innovative theme costumes ranging from the Cupid Bunny to the Carmen Miranda Bunny were developed for the clubs in 1985.



The Playboy Bunny costume is recognized around the world and has become part of Playboy's corporate identity.

Related Images



Costume modeled by Museum staff

Cottontail and Interior view of costume, labeled "34D"



Playboy Bunny Costume

Few costumes acquired by CHS come with their own mannequin. For the Playboy Bunny uniform, however, it was a necessity. The outfit was designed specifically for women who worked in the club's VIP room, and the mannequin--which stands 5'2" and measures 37-23-32--was molded on the face and figure of Suzy Leigh, who supposedly possessed the ideal Bunny figure. (CHS, CC1972.239)