Uses for Straightjackets

A straitjacket is a garment similar to a shirt, but with extra-long sleeves. In most straitjackets, the wearer's arms are crossed in front and the sleeves secured at the back, although some cross the arms behind the wearer. Straitjackets severely inhibit movement and are often inescapable without help. They have traditionally been used on people with mental illness to prevent them from hurting themselves or others, by magicians performing feats of escapism and by people interested in restraint fetishes.

Mental Illness

• The straitjacket was introduced in the 19th century as a form of physical restraint for the mentally ill. There was little understanding of mental illness, and physical restraint was seen as the only way to limit violent behavior. Prior to the Civil War, patients were restrained with rope or chains, just as criminals were. With the introduction of insane asylums, straitjackets provided what many people saw as a more humane form of restraint, allowing patients greater freedom of movement without allowing them to harm others or themselves. Since the introduction of sedatives and other medications that treat mental illness, the straitjacket is less commonly used.

Escapology

• Escapes from straitjackets, made popular by magician Harry Houdini, are a popular feature of many magic shows. Although Houdini said publicly that dislocating one's shoulders was necessary to perform the trick, this was largely to scare off competition. People are able to accomplish the escape in other ways. If one takes a deep breath while being strapped in, the strait jacket will not fit as snugly. The arms may then be lifted over the head to undo straps at the back of the neck, allowing the straitjacket to be pulled off over the head. Using similar strategies, buckles securing the straitjacket may be undone with one's teeth once the garment has been worked up over the head.

Fetish

• Straitjackets are used by some people interested in fetishes that involve restraints. Straitjackets intended for this use are often made of leather and are adorned with extra features for cosmetic purposes or for added restraint. More "authentic" garments are also widely available. People using straitjackets in this manner are advised to limit the amount of time spent wearing the garments, as circulation to the hands is limited and blood can pool at the elbows. This results in swelling and pain at the elbows, numbness of the hands, and pain in the shoulders and upper arms.