TL;DR
- Nasty Pig’s David Lauterstein shares Pride fashion tips.
- Confidence is key for Pride outfits.
- Start with a hero piece like the Black Core Jock.
- Kneepads and mesh masks are unexpected favorites.
- Embrace self-expression and try new styles.
Pride style can mean a lot of things depending on who you ask. For some, it’s a rainbow tank and comfortable sneakers. For others, it’s a look that turns heads before the parade even starts. But according to Nasty Pig founder and CEO David Lauterstein, the best Pride outfit starts somewhere much simpler: confidence. For Pride 2026, Lauterstein is encouraging people to build looks that feel unapologetic, expressive, and entirely their own. At Nasty Pig, that philosophy has long been stitched into the brand’s identity.
The label has become known for merging queer nightlife influences with fashion that celebrates self-expression, and Pride season remains one of its biggest moments to push those ideas even further. Lauterstein emphasizes the importance of starting with one standout piece. “Our Black Core Jock is the little black dress of every gay man’s wardrobe,” he says. “From there, build up.” It’s a fitting comparison. The idea isn’t necessarily to wear less, it’s to start with something that makes you feel good and layer personality on top.
To finish the look, Lauterstein points to another standout from the brand’s Pride lineup: the Pride Youtility Cross Body Bag. Designed to move from daytime celebrations into late-night plans, the bag leans into utility without sacrificing style. Functional pieces don’t have to disappear into the background, and that balance is part of what makes Pride dressing feel different from everyday fashion.
Every brand has products that take on a life of their own. For Nasty Pig, one of those surprises has been kneepads. Originally viewed as more niche within the collection, they’ve become a recurring favorite at festivals and Pride events. When asked why they continue to resonate, Lauterstein doesn’t overcomplicate it. “Isn’t that a bit self-explanatory?” The answer feels very Nasty Pig: playful, self-aware, and willing to let people interpret the rest.
Another signature piece returning this season is the brand’s mesh mask. For Lauterstein, the appeal comes down to tension, revealing just enough while leaving something to the imagination. “We love working with mesh because it teases the eye,” he says. “What you hold back can be just as sexy as what you put forward.” That push and pull has become increasingly visible across queer fashion more broadly, especially as elements once considered underground continue appearing in mainstream spaces.
As fetish-inspired aesthetics become more common in queer style conversations, Lauterstein sees the shift as less about trends and more about comfort. “Sex positivity is deeply connected to Pride,” he says. “As we get more comfortable with ourselves, it’s only natural that we express that confidence outwardly. Fetish-inspired pieces have always been part of queer style, and it’s exciting to see more people embracing that energy.”
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That doesn’t mean everyone needs to show up in leather, mesh, or jocks. For anyone attending Pride for the first time, or experimenting with their style, Lauterstein’s advice is surprisingly straightforward. “Sexy is rooted in confidence,” he says. “Choose pieces that make you feel your best, but don’t be afraid to try something new. You won’t know until you put it on and see how it feels.” At the center of Nasty Pig’s approach is permission: permission to play, to experiment, and to redefine what feeling good looks like.
As Lauterstein puts it: “We define the Nasty Pig style as foreplay to the action. We want you to feel sexy, confident, and in the right mindset. What you do from there is entirely up to you.” So, as you prepare to celebrate Pride, remember: confidence is your best accessory, and the right outfit can make all the difference.