There’s a lot more to filming a nude scene than meets the eye. In fact, lots of factors go into making sure the eye doesn’t see a thing. That includes modesty garments, used to protect actors in such vulnerable moments of (coordinated) intimacy.
If you’re an actor who’s been cast in a role that bares all onstage or onscreen, it’s understandable to have questions. How will my body be covered? Are there layers and levels of padding or cushioning to make sure nothing gets touched unwantedly? Are there layers to the exposure, or any protections in place?
Start here, with a quick modesty garments guide, so everyone knows what to expect when you’re expected to wear nothing.
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A modesty garment is an item, often made of cloth, that covers part of a person’s body while filming sex scenes, nudity, and other intimate moments in movies, television, and stage productions. They are there to help avoid skin-to-skin contact between people for privacy, health, and safety reasons.
How Actors Film Realistic Sex Scenes: Preproduction to Rehearsal to SetIt should also be said that the level of protection and coverage should always be up to the actor or actors exposing their body parts. This should be the result of an open dialogue between the performers and any production members involved in the scene, be they intimacy coordinator, director, and/or costume department head.
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There are several different types of garments and barriers available to cover any internal and/or external genitalia, as well as nipples and breasts/chest. It all depends on the actor, as well as the demands and level of intimacy of the scene. (Will bodies be naked and not moving? Making contact and moving? And so on.)
This includes:
- Strapless thongs (also known as “shibues” for women and “hibues” for men)
- Strapless bras
- Strapless chest binders
- Nipple covers/stickers
- Adhesive bras
- Bandeau tops
- Drawstring pouches
- Shield pouches
- Cups (including athletic cups)
- Shorts
- Briefs
It’s worth noting that thongs can be made to cover both internal and external genitalia, and that pouches are generally used for actors in need of external genitalia coverage—though they’re sometimes called a “sock” colloquially. And yes, when we say shorts and briefs, we mean like the underwear you have at home.
“We take a shibue, open it up, and put a silicone guard underneath so everyone becomes like a Barbie doll,” says intimacy coordinator Alicia Rodis (“The Penguin”).
Tape and adhesive are the supporting actor to the modesty garment’s starring role. Whether they’re adding an extra layer of protection or ensuring the pieces stay in place, sticker, liquid, and tape adhesives are vital. They will be part of any costume department and/or intimacy coordinator’s go-bag (alongside wet wipes and baby oil).
Of course, not all nude scenes or simulated sex require the same level of intensity. Intimacy coordinator Mia Schachter (“Lessons in Chemistry”) explains how camera angles, choreography, and properly placed modesty garments can work together to ensure you’re at the exact comfort level you want.
“If [nudity] is something that you want to do or if it’s something that you’d like to be open to doing, it doesn’t have to be this yes or no question,” Schachter says. “It can be: ‘I’m open to doing nudity, and I’m open to doing simulated sex, but not at the same time.’ Or: ‘I’m open to showing my butt, but only without showing butt crack.’ Or; ‘I’m open to implying topless nudity, but I don’t want to show nipple.’ And we’ve got loads of options to imply topless nudity without showing any nipple; we can shoot from in closer; we can shoot from behind; we can shoot from a side angle where you kind of angle your body.”
What if actors are uncomfortable?
Have a conversation! It doesn’t matter if it’s the intimacy coordinator, the director, the costume department coordinator, another actor on the set—someone who will aid your comfort levels and help you advocate for it. “I find that most actors are hardwired to agree to anything. You are trained to jump into most circumstances with trust and an open heart. But you should know that your ‘No’ is very powerful,” says intimacy coordinator Marci Liroff (“Sugar”).
Thankfully, there are a ton of great resources for actors who are curious about their rights and what logistical quirks might come up (like all that tape). A good place to start is SAG-AFTRA’s Quick Guide for Scenes Involving Nudity and Simulated Sex. Beyond that, intimacy coordinators like Jessica Steinrock have created numerous videos explaining how nude scenes—“spicy scenes,” as Steinrock calls them, thanks to the TikTok algorithm—and modesty garments work in a way that’s entertaining and practical.
@intimacycoordinator Putting on a Modesty Garment before filming a spicy scene on TV! #intimacycoordinator #hollywood #sagaftra #consent #boundaries #behindthescenes #bts #hollywood #moviemagic #metoo#timesup #actor #acting #spicytv #outlander #euphoria #bridgerton #365days #houseofthedragon #hbomax ♬ original sound - Jessica | Intimacy Coordinator
There are also groups like CINTIMA, a cinematic intimacy artists organization and training program, which has a blog that includes helpful information for actors and coordinators alike looking to empower themselves with knowledge.
At the end of the day, modesty garments are there to make sure everyone is comfortable. Filming a nude scene takes a lot of work in a very intimate, vulnerable situation. Feeling protected and safe is the only way everyone can do that job well.